Marvel's Amadeus Cho Explained: Who Is the Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Character?

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 plethora of Marvel's intellectual powerhouses, Amadeus Cho is among the smartest individuals in the Marvel Universe. His brilliance and rebellious nature often lead him into legal trouble, resulting in a life partially spent evading authorities. He's known for his affinity for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, and his unwavering loyalty to his friends.

Amadeus's intellectual prowess is now matched by incredible physical strength. He briefly became the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation. Even with the classic Hulk's return, Amadeus continues to fight for justice, currently operating as Brawn. Regardless of his moniker, Amadeus Cho is a powerful force for good.

Amadeus Cho's Powers and Abilities

Amadeus possesses exceptional intelligence, officially ranking as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe (though his actual rank might be 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, matching his intellect. At his peak, he possessed the Hulk's full strength, along with regenerative abilities and enhanced durability. Unlike the classic Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality when transformed, avoiding the rage-fueled persona.

Currently, Amadeus operates as Brawn, a slightly less powerful form than his Hulk iteration, though he can still fully transform 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 significance of the original Amazing Fantasy #15 (Spider-Man's debut), introduced characters with immense potential. Amadeus quickly became the 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 assassination to maintain his own ranking. Following his family's death, Amadeus fled, eventually befriending the Hulk.

Amadeus's prominence grew during the 2007 World War Hulk crossover, partnering with Hercules (a fugitive hero from Civil War). Their adventures were chronicled 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, his exploits detailed in Totally Awesome Hulk. He also co-founded 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 hero with unmatched intellect.

Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics

Amadeus's popularity has led to appearances in Marvel's 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 also 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 superhero transformation remains uncertain, his comic book counterparts suggest a future as a powerful hero.

Amadeus's potential MCU debut is highly anticipated. His mother, Helen Cho, appeared in Avengers: Age of Ultron, hinting at the character's eventual introduction.