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, one of Peter's Oscorp interns.
But who is Amadeus Cho, and why is he a prominent teen hero? Let's explore this brilliant, albeit self-absorbed, character.
Amadeus Cho: Genius and Gamma-Powered Force
Amadeus Cho is exceptionally intelligent, ranking among the smartest individuals in the Marvel Universe. His intellect, coupled with his rebellious nature, often leads him into conflict with authority. He possesses a strong affinity for unconventional heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, fiercely loyal and protective of his friends.
Amadeus's intellectual prowess is complemented by immense physical strength. He temporarily became the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation. Though the classic Hulk has returned, Amadeus continues his heroic endeavors as Brawn, retaining his intelligence and personality even in his transformed state, unlike the rage-fueled Hulk. His Brawn form is slightly less powerful than his Hulk persona but still capable of unleashing his full Hulk strength when necessary.
Amadeus Cho: A Comic Book Journey
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 person after winning an Excello Soap Company competition. Tragedy struck when the contest's sponsor targeted Amadeus, resulting in his family's death. This event propelled Amadeus into a life on the run, leading to a pivotal encounter with the Hulk and a lasting friendship.
Amadeus played a significant role in 2007's World War Hulk crossover, teaming up with Hercules. Their adventures continued in The Incredible Hercules series, showcasing their misadventures and eventual rise to become respected heroes. Their partnership even involved saving the multiverse from Amatsu-Mikaboshi.
After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation to prevent a nuclear meltdown, Amadeus became the Hulk, his exploits documented in Totally Awesome Hulk. He also co-founded a new iteration of the Champions team, alongside Ms. Marvel, Nova, Viv Vision, and a time-displaced Cyclops.
Currently, with Banner back as the Hulk, Amadeus operates as Brawn, a powerful hero whose intellect matches his strength.
Amadeus Cho Beyond the Pages
Amadeus has appeared in various Marvel animated and video game projects, particularly since his Hulk transformation in the comics. 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, Amadeus is portrayed as a confident scientist and Peter Parker's Oscorp intern. While his transformation into a super-powered hero remains uncertain, his presence alongside other comic-book-inspired characters suggests it's a strong possibility.
Amadeus's potential MCU debut is anticipated, especially considering his mother's minor role in Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Amadeus Cho Cheat Sheet:
- First Appearance: Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15 (2005)
- Creators: Greg Pak & Takeshi Miyazawa
- Aliases: Mastermind Excello, Hulk, Brawn, Prince of Power
- Current Team: Agents of Atlas (Previously Champions, God Squad, Avengers)
- Recommended Reading: Incredible Hercules - The Complete Collection Vols. 1-2, The Totally Awesome Hulk Vols. 1-4, Champions: Because the World Still Needs Heroes
