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 in Marvel's recent history? Let's explore this brilliant, yet self-absorbed character.
Who is Amadeus Cho?
Despite his youth and the abundance of competition, Amadeus Cho is among the Marvel Universe's most intelligent individuals. His brilliance and rebellious nature have often led him to evade legal authorities. He displays a fondness for fugitive heroes like Hulk and Hercules, readily defending his friends.
Amadeus's strength now rivals his intellect. 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. Regardless of the moniker, Amadeus Cho is a powerful force for good.
Amadeus Cho's Powers and Abilities
Amadeus possesses exceptional intelligence, officially ranked as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe (though his actual ranking may be higher). He excels at pattern recognition and complex mental calculations, though this intense mental activity often leaves him ravenous.
His time as the Hulk granted him immense physical strength, matching his mental capabilities. At his peak, he possessed the Hulk's full strength and abilities, including regeneration and durability. Unlike the Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality when transformed, avoiding the rage monster persona.
Currently, Amadeus operates as Brawn, slightly less powerful than his Hulk form, but still capable of fully transforming when necessary.
Amadeus Cho's Comic Book History
Created by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, Amadeus Cho debuted in 2005's Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15. This issue, mirroring the original Amazing Fantasy #15 (Spider-Man's debut), introduced characters with significant Marvel Universe potential, with Amadeus becoming a breakout star.
He gained recognition as the world's seventh smartest man after winning an Excello Soap Company competition. However, the sponsor, Pythagoras Dupree, targeted Amadeus for death to maintain his own ranking. Following his family's death, Amadeus went on the run, eventually befriending the Hulk.
Amadeus played a crucial role in 2007's World War Hulk crossover, partnering with Hercules. Their adventures continued in The Incredible Hercules, leading to memorable moments.
After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation to prevent a nuclear meltdown, Amadeus became the new Hulk, documented in Totally Awesome Hulk. He also joined a new iteration of the Champions alongside Ms. Marvel, Nova, Viv Vision, and a time-displaced Cyclops.
Now, with Banner back as the Hulk, Amadeus operates as Brawn, a powerful and brilliant hero.
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 (2017) featured him as the Totally Awesome Hulk (voiced by Ki Hong Lee).
Currently, in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, voiced by Aleks Le, Amadeus is a confident scientist and Peter Parker's Oscorp intern. His potential transformation into a super-powered hero remains to be seen, but given the comic-based nature of other characters in the show, it seems likely.
Amadeus's MCU debut is also anticipated. His mother, Helen Cho (played by Claudia Kim in Avengers: Age of Ultron), suggests the MCU has been laying groundwork for his introduction.
