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? Let's explore this brilliant, yet self-absorbed, character.

Who is Amadeus Cho?

Despite his youth, Amadeus Cho is among the Marvel Universe's most intelligent individuals. His brilliance and rebellious nature often lead him into legal trouble. He's known for his affinity for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, and his unwavering loyalty to his friends.

Amadeus possesses incredible strength, gained after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation and becoming the Hulk. Even after the classic Hulk's return, Amadeus continues to fight for justice as Brawn. He's 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. His pattern recognition and mental calculation skills are phenomenal, although intense mental activity often leaves him ravenous.

As the Hulk, he gained immense strength, regeneration, and durability. Unlike the classic Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality when transformed, avoiding the rage monster aspect. Currently, he operates as Brawn, slightly less powerful than his Hulk form but still capable of unleashing his full Hulk strength when necessary.

Amadeus Cho's Comic Book History

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 man after winning an Excello Soap Company competition. Tragedy struck when his family was killed, leading him to flee with only a coyote pup. A chance encounter with the Hulk forged a lifelong friendship.

Amadeus played a significant role in the World War Hulk crossover, partnering with Hercules. Their adventures continued in The Incredible Hercules series, which gave rise to memorable memes. They eventually became respected heroes, even saving the multiverse from Amatsu-Mikaboshi.

After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation, Amadeus became the Hulk, his adventures detailed in Totally Awesome Hulk. He also joined 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 has appeared in Marvel's animated and video game projects. He's a playable character in games like Marvel Future Fight, Marvel Puzzle Quest, and Avengers Academy, and features in LEGO Marvel games. He appeared as Iron Spider in Ultimate Spider-Man and Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man showcases him as the Totally Awesome Hulk (voiced by Ki Hong Lee).

In Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, voiced by Aleks Le, Amadeus is a confident scientist and Peter Parker's Oscorp intern. His future as a super-powered hero remains to be seen, but given the series' pattern of using comic book characters, it's likely. His mother, Helen Cho, appeared in Avengers: Age of Ultron, hinting at his potential MCU debut.