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, one of Peter's Oscorp interns. But who is Amadeus Cho, and why is he a significant teen hero in the Marvel universe? This article explores his brilliance, his Hulk persona, and his journey across comics and beyond.

Amadeus Cho: A Genius on the Run

Despite his youth, Amadeus Cho is among the smartest individuals in the Marvel Universe. His intellect, combined with his rebellious nature, often leads him into conflict with authority, resulting in a life spent evading the law. His affinity for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules fuels his unwavering commitment to protecting his friends.

Amadeus's intellectual prowess is matched by his physical strength, gained after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation and becoming the Hulk. Although the classic Hulk has returned, Amadeus continues his heroic endeavors as Brawn. Regardless of his moniker, Amadeus Cho is a formidable force for good.

Amadeus Cho's Abilities: Mind and Might

Amadeus possesses exceptional intelligence, officially ranked as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe (though his actual ranking might be even higher). His pattern recognition and mental calculation skills are unparalleled. His only drawback is a voracious appetite resulting from intense mental exertion.

His time as the Hulk granted him immense physical strength, along with Hulk-like abilities such as regeneration and durability. Unlike the classic Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality when transformed, avoiding the rage-fueled persona.

Currently operating as Brawn, his power is slightly diminished compared to his Hulk form, but he can still unleash his full Hulk potential when necessary.

Amadeus Cho's Comic Book Journey

Created by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, Amadeus Cho debuted in 2005's Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15. After winning a competition and subsequently witnessing his family's death, he went on the run, eventually befriending the Hulk.

He rose to prominence during the World War Hulk crossover, teaming up with Hercules. Their adventures in The Incredible Hercules series solidified their iconic partnership. Together, they even thwarted the multiversal threat of Amatsu-Mikaboshi.

After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation, Amadeus became the Hulk, his exploits documented in Totally Awesome Hulk. He also co-founded a new iteration of the Champions team. Now, with Banner back as the Hulk, Amadeus operates as Brawn.

Amadeus Cho Beyond the Pages

Amadeus Cho has become a recurring character in Marvel's animated shows and video games, particularly since his Hulk transformation. He's a playable character in games like Marvel Future Fight, Marvel Puzzle Quest, and Avengers Academy, and appears 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 intern. His potential transformation into a super-powered hero remains to be seen, but given the series' pattern of using comic book characters as inspiration, it's highly anticipated. His mother's appearance in Avengers: Age of Ultron suggests the MCU has been subtly setting the stage for his arrival.