Amadeus Cho: Marvel's Brainy and Powerful Teen Hero
While Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man centers on a new Peter Parker, the animated series expands into the broader 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 the Marvel universe? Let's delve into this brilliant, yet self-absorbed, character.
Who is Amadeus Cho?
Despite his youth and the abundance of competition, Amadeus Cho is among the smartest individuals in the Marvel Universe. His intelligence and rebellious nature often lead him into legal trouble, resulting in a life partially spent evading authorities. He has a fondness for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, readily defending his friends.
Amadeus has recently acquired strength to match his intellect. He briefly became the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation. Although the classic Hulk has returned, Amadeus continues his heroic endeavors 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 ranked as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe (though his actual ranking might be higher). He excels at pattern recognition and complex mental calculations. A drawback is his intense mental activity often leaves him ravenous.
His time as the Hulk granted him immense physical strength, matching his mental capabilities. At his peak, he possessed all of the Hulk's abilities, including regeneration and durability. Unlike the Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality when transformed, avoiding the rage-monster aspect.
Currently, Amadeus operates as Brawn, a slightly less powerful version of his Hulk form, 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. He gained recognition as the world's seventh smartest man after winning an Excello Soap Company competition. Tragically, the sponsor targeted Amadeus for death, leading to his family's demise and forcing him into hiding. A chance encounter with the Hulk forged a lasting friendship.
Amadeus returned to prominence during the 2007 World War Hulk crossover, teaming up with Hercules. Their adventures continued in The Incredible Hercules series. This partnership led to numerous escapades and eventually saving the multiverse from Amatsu-Mikaboshi.
After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation to prevent a nuclear meltdown, Amadeus became the Hulk, detailed 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, a powerful hero with exceptional intellect.
Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics
Amadeus has appeared in Marvel's animated and video game projects, especially after his Hulk transformation. He's a playable character in various mobile games and LEGO Marvel titles. He's also been featured in Ultimate Spider-Man and Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled, often portrayed as Iron Spider. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man features him as the Totally Awesome Hulk. His appearance in the MCU is anticipated. His mother, Helen Cho, appeared in Avengers: Age of Ultron.
In Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, voiced by Aleks Le, Amadeus is a confident scientist and Oscorp intern alongside Peter Parker. His eventual transformation into a super-powered hero remains to be seen.
