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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 intense competition, Amadeus Cho is among the Marvel Universe's most intelligent individuals. His brilliance and rebellious nature have often led to legal troubles, resulting in a life spent evading authorities. He displays a fondness for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, and fearlessly defends his friends.
Amadeus's strength now rivals his intellect. He briefly became the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation. Even with the classic Hulk's return, Amadeus continues his heroic endeavors as Brawn, a powerful force for good.
Amadeus Cho's 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. His intense mental activity often results in extreme hunger.
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 monster persona.
Currently operating as Brawn, his power is slightly less than his Hulk form, although he can still fully transform when necessary.
Amadeus Cho: A 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 original Amazing Fantasy #15 (Spider-Man's debut), introduced characters with significant Marvel Universe potential, with Amadeus becoming a standout.
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 death 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 2006's Civil War). Their adventures in The Incredible Hercules series led to iconic moments. They eventually became respected heroes, even saving the multiverse from Amatsu-Mikaboshi.
After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation to prevent a nuclear meltdown, Amadeus became the Hulk, documented 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, especially after his Hulk transformation. He's a playable character in games like Marvel Future Fight, Marvel Puzzle Quest, and Avengers Academy, and 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 (2017) featured him as the Totally Awesome Hulk (voiced by Ki Hong Lee). He's now a supporting character in the latest Spider-Man series, voiced by Aleks Le. His future as a super-powered hero remains to be seen.
A future MCU appearance seems likely, given his mother's minor role in Avengers: Age of Ultron. His story continues to unfold, making him a compelling figure in the Marvel Universe.
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