Amadeus Cho: Marvel's Next Spider-Man?

Marvel's *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man* introduces a fresh take on Peter Parker, but its animated world extends far beyond the friendly neighborhood. The supporting cast is brimming with costumed heroes and villains straight from the comics, including the brilliant and self-assured Amadeus Cho, one of Peter's Oscorp interns.

But who is Amadeus Cho, and why has he become such a significant teen hero in the Marvel Universe? Why the nickname "Totally Awesome Hulk?" Let's delve into this fascinating character.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Images

7 Images

Who Is Marvel’s Amadeus Cho?

Despite his youth and the abundance of exceptionally gifted individuals in the Marvel Universe, Amadeus Cho ranks among the smartest. His brilliance and rebellious streak, however, often land him on the wrong side of the law, leading to a life spent on the run. He has a soft spot for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, and fiercely protects his friends.

Amadeus's strength eventually matched his intellect. He briefly became the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation. While the classic Hulk has returned, Amadeus continues to fight for justice as Brawn. Regardless of his moniker, Amadeus Cho is a powerful force for good.

Amadeus Cho’s Hulk Powers and Abilities

Amadeus possesses exceptional intelligence, officially ranked as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe (though some argue he's even higher). His pattern recognition and mental calculation abilities are unparalleled. The only drawback? His intense mental activity often leaves him ravenous.

His time as the Hulk granted him immense physical strength, matching his mental prowess. At his peak, he possessed the Hulk's full strength, regeneration, durability, and other abilities. Unlike the classic Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality when transformed, avoiding the rage monster persona.

Currently, he operates as Brawn, a slightly less powerful iteration than his Hulk form, though he can still unleash his full Hulk strength 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

Created by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, Amadeus Cho debuted in 2005's Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15, a significant issue as it mirrored the debut of Spider-Man in 1962. Amadeus quickly became the book's breakout character.

He gained recognition as the world's seventh smartest man after winning an Excello Soap Company competition. Tragically, the sponsor, Pythagoras Dupree, targeted Amadeus for death to maintain his own ranking. Following the loss of his family, Amadeus went on the run, eventually befriending the Hulk.

Amadeus's prominence resurfaced during 2007's World War Hulk crossover, partnering with Hercules. Their adventures in The Incredible Hercules series cemented their dynamic duo status, leading to iconic moments like this:

They eventually became respected heroes, even saving the multiverse from Amatsu-Mikaboshi. Their partnership dissolved, leading to Amadeus's transformation into the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation, documented in Totally Awesome Hulk. He also joined the Champions alongside other teen heroes.

Now, with Banner back as the Hulk, Amadeus operates as Brawn, a powerful hero with unmatched intelligence.

Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics

Amadeus's popularity has extended to Marvel's animated and video game projects, especially after his Hulk transformation. He's a playable character in 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 a confident scientist and Peter Parker's intern. While his superhero future is uncertain, his presence among other comic-based characters suggests a potential transformation.

A future MCU appearance seems likely, considering his mother, Helen Cho (Claudia Kim in Avengers: Age of Ultron), hinting at a long-laid foundation for his introduction.

For more on Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, check out IGN's spoiler-free review of Season 1 and see the 5 ways the new series reinvents Peter Parker's mythology.