Who is Amadeus Cho, Marvel's Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man?

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man introduces a fresh take on Peter Parker while weaving a rich tapestry of the Marvel Universe. The show's supporting cast is brimming with characters straight out of the comics, including Peter's fellow Oscorp interns, such as the notable Amadeus Cho. Let's delve into the fascinating world of this brilliant yet self-absorbed teen hero, exploring who he is, his powers, his comic book history, and his presence beyond the pages.

Who Is Marvel’s Amadeus Cho?

Amadeus Cho stands out as one of the smartest individuals in the Marvel Universe, even at a young age. His unparalleled intelligence, coupled with a defiant streak, has often put him at odds with authorities, leading to a life on the run. His admiration for heroes like the Hulk and Hercules drives him to protect his friends at all costs. Recently, Amadeus gained the physical might to complement his mental prowess, transforming into the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation. Now known as Brawn, he remains a formidable force for justice.

Amadeus Cho’s Hulk Powers and Abilities

Amadeus Cho is renowned for his exceptional intellect, officially ranking as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe, though some speculate he could be even higher. His skills in pattern recognition and mental calculation are unmatched, though this often leaves him ravenous. After becoming the new Hulk, Amadeus gained immense strength and other Hulk-like abilities such as regeneration and durability, all while retaining his intelligence and personality, setting him apart from the rage-driven classic Hulk. As Brawn, his power is slightly less than his Hulk form, but he can still transform fully when necessary.

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

Amadeus Cho’s Comic Book History

Introduced in 2005’s Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15 by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, Amadeus Cho's debut mirrored the iconic introduction of Spider-Man from 1962. After winning a contest sponsored by the Excello Soap Company, Amadeus was recognized as the world's seventh smartest man. This victory drew the ire of Pythagoras Dupree, the sixth smartest man, leading to a tragic confrontation that claimed Amadeus's family. Forced into hiding with only a coyote pup for companionship, Amadeus's path crossed with the Hulk, forging a lasting bond.

Amadeus re-emerged during the 2007 World War Hulk event, aiding his friend and teaming up with Hercules. Their adventures continued in The Incredible Hercules series, where they became heroes fighting against cosmic threats. After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation to avert a nuclear disaster, Amadeus transformed into the new Hulk, embarking on new adventures in Totally Awesome Hulk. He also co-founded the Champions, a team of young heroes dedicated to making a difference. Today, as Brawn, Amadeus continues to leverage his intellect and strength for the greater good.

Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics

Amadeus Cho's influence extends beyond the comics, making appearances in various Marvel animated series and video games. As the Totally Awesome Hulk, he has been featured in mobile games like Marvel Future Fight and LEGO Marvel games, and in animated series such as Ultimate Spider-Man and Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled, where he dons the Iron Spider suit. In the 2017 Spider-Man series, he is voiced by Ki Hong Lee as the Totally Awesome Hulk.

In the latest Spider-Man animated series, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, voiced by Aleks Le, Amadeus appears as a confident scientist and Peter Parker's fellow intern at Oscorp. While it's uncertain if this version will gain superpowers, the show's trend of drawing from comic book lore suggests a future team-up with Peter as Brawn is likely. Additionally, with his mother Helen's cameo in Avengers: Age of Ultron, the Marvel Cinematic Universe seems poised to introduce Amadeus Cho, hinting at a broader role for this dynamic character.

For more insights into Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, explore IGN's spoiler-free review of Season 1 and discover the 5 ways the new series reinvents Peter Parker's mythology.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Images

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