Amadeus Cho: Unraveling the Spider-Man Character's Identity

In the vibrant world of *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, the animated series not only focuses on a fresh take on Peter Parker but also weaves in a rich tapestry of the Marvel Universe. The supporting cast is brimming with characters drawn straight from the pages of comic books, including Peter's fellow interns at Oscorp—one of whom is the intriguing Amadeus Cho.

Amadeus Cho stands out as one of Marvel's most compelling teen heroes of recent decades. Known as "The Totally Awesome Hulk," this character brings a unique blend of brilliance and bravado to the Marvel Universe. Here's a comprehensive dive into who Amadeus Cho is, his powers, his journey through the comics, and his presence beyond them.

Who Is Marvel’s Amadeus Cho?

Amadeus Cho is renowned for his extraordinary intellect, often ranked as one of the smartest individuals in the Marvel Universe. Despite his young age, his defiance of authority and his genius have led him to a life on the run from the law. His empathy for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, coupled with his willingness to stand up for his friends, defines his character.

In recent years, Amadeus has transformed from a brainy sidekick to a powerhouse, absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation and briefly becoming the Hulk. Even though Bruce Banner has reclaimed his role, Amadeus continues his heroic journey under the moniker Brawn, showcasing his strength and intelligence in equal measure.

Amadeus Cho’s Hulk Powers and Abilities

Amadeus Cho's intellect is his most formidable weapon. Officially ranked as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe, his knack for pattern recognition and mental calculations is unparalleled. However, such intense mental activity often leaves him famished.

As the new Hulk, Amadeus gained physical strength that matched his mental prowess. At his peak, he possessed all the might of the Hulk, including regeneration and durability, yet retained his intelligence and personality, setting him apart from the traditional rage-driven Hulk. Currently operating as Brawn, his strength is slightly less than when he was the Hulk, but he can still unleash his full Hulk form when necessary.

Amadeus Cho’s Comic Book History

Introduced by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa in *Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15* in 2005, Amadeus Cho quickly became a breakout character. His journey began after winning a competition that labeled him the world's seventh smartest man, which unfortunately led to his family's tragic demise and his subsequent life on the run.

Amadeus's connection with the Hulk deepened during the *World War Hulk* crossover in 2007, and he later teamed up with Hercules in *The Incredible Hercules*. Their adventures not only solidified their friendship but also cemented Amadeus's place in the Marvel Universe. After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation, Amadeus became the Totally Awesome Hulk, leading to his own series and involvement with the Champions.

Today, as Brawn, Amadeus continues to showcase his unique blend of intelligence and strength, proving himself a formidable hero in the Marvel Universe.

Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics

Amadeus Cho's influence extends beyond the comic books into various Marvel animated and video game projects. In games like *Marvel Future Fight*, *Marvel Puzzle Quest*, and *Avengers Academy*, as well as the LEGO Marvel games, players can experience Amadeus as a playable character.

In animation, Amadeus has appeared in *Ultimate Spider-Man* and *Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled*, voiced by Eric Bauza, and took on the role of Iron Spider. His portrayal as the Totally Awesome Hulk in the 2017 *Spider-Man* series, voiced by Ki Hong Lee, further expanded his reach.

In *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, voiced by Aleks Le, Amadeus is depicted as a confident scientist and intern at Oscorp alongside Peter Parker. While it remains to be seen if this version will gain superpowers, the series hints at his potential transformation into Brawn.

With his mother Helen already introduced in the MCU in *Avengers: Age of Ultron*, it seems only a matter of time before Amadeus Cho makes his live-action debut, further cementing his place in the Marvel narrative.

For more insights into *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, check out IGN's spoiler-free review of Season 1 and discover the five ways the new series reinvents Peter Parker's mythology.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Images

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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