Amadeus Cho: Marvel's Brainy, Powerful Teen Hero
While Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man features a fresh take on Peter Parker, the animated series delves deep into the Marvel Universe. Many supporting characters are based on comic book heroes and villains, including Amadeus Cho, Peter's Oscorp intern. But who is Amadeus Cho, and why is he a significant teen hero? Let's explore this brilliant, yet self-absorbed character.
Who is Amadeus Cho?
Amadeus Cho is among the smartest individuals in the Marvel Universe, despite his young age. His intellect, coupled with his defiance of authority, often lands him in legal trouble. He's known for his compassion towards fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, and his unwavering loyalty to friends.
Amadeus's strength has grown to match his intelligence. He briefly became the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation. Although the classic Hulk has returned, Amadeus continues his heroic endeavors as Brawn. He's a powerful force for good, regardless of his moniker.
Amadeus Cho's Powers and Abilities
Amadeus possesses exceptional intelligence, officially ranking as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe (though potentially higher). He excels at pattern recognition and complex mental calculations, although this intense mental activity often leaves him ravenous.
His time as the Hulk granted him immense physical strength, along with Hulk-like regeneration and durability. Unlike the classic Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality when transformed, avoiding the rage-monster aspect.
Currently operating as Brawn, his power level is slightly reduced compared to his Hulk form, but he can still fully transform when necessary.
Amadeus Cho's Comic Book History
Created by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, Amadeus debuted in 2005's Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15. He gained recognition as the world's seventh smartest man after winning an Excello Soap Company competition. Tragedy struck when the sponsor, Pythagoras Dupree, targeted Amadeus, resulting in his family's death. This led Amadeus to flee, eventually forming a bond with the Hulk.
Amadeus played a crucial role in 2007's World War Hulk crossover, partnering with Hercules. Their adventures continued in The Incredible Hercules series. This partnership led to memorable moments, such as the iconic meme:
After becoming the Hulk, his adventures were documented in Totally Awesome Hulk. He also joined the Champions alongside other teen heroes. Now, with Banner back as the Hulk, Amadeus operates as Brawn, a powerful hero with unmatched intellect.
Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics
Amadeus has appeared in various Marvel animated and video game projects, especially after his Hulk transformation. He's a playable character in games like Marvel Future Fight, Marvel Puzzle Quest, and Avengers Academy, and features in LEGO Marvel games.
In animation, he appeared in Ultimate Spider-Man and Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled, voiced by Eric Bauza as Iron Spider. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man marked his first appearance as the Totally Awesome Hulk (voiced by Ki Hong Lee).
In Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, voiced by Aleks Le, he's a confident scientist and Peter Parker's Oscorp intern. While his superhero future remains uncertain, his presence suggests a potential future collaboration with Spider-Man. His mother's appearance in Avengers: Age of Ultron hints at a possible MCU debut.
