Amadeus Cho: Marvel's Brainy, Powerful Teen Hero
While Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man centers on a new 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:
Amadeus Cho: A Marvel Universe Powerhouse
Despite his youth, Amadeus Cho is among the Marvel Universe's most intelligent individuals. His brilliance and rebellious nature often lead him into conflict with authority, resulting in a life partly spent evading the law. He's known for his affinity for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, and his unwavering loyalty to his friends.
Amadeus's intellectual prowess is matched by his physical strength. He briefly became the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation. Although the classic Hulk has returned, Amadeus continues his heroic journey as Brawn, a powerful force for good.
Amadeus Cho's Abilities
Amadeus possesses exceptional intelligence, officially ranking as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe (though his actual ranking might be higher). His skills in pattern recognition and rapid mental calculation are unparalleled. His only drawback is a voracious appetite resulting from intense mental activity.
His time as the Hulk granted him immense strength, regeneration, and durability. Unlike the classic Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality when transformed, avoiding the rage-fueled persona. Currently operating as Brawn, his power level is slightly diminished from his Hulk form but still formidable, capable of unleashing his full Hulk strength when necessary.
Amadeus Cho: A Comic Book Journey
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 the sponsor, Pythagoras Dupree, targeted Amadeus, leading to his family's death and forcing him into hiding. A chance encounter with the Hulk forged a lasting friendship.
Amadeus played a crucial role in 2007's World War Hulk crossover, teaming up with Hercules. Their partnership led to The Incredible Hercules series, filled with adventures. They even saved the multiverse from Amatsu-Mikaboshi. After their paths diverged, Amadeus absorbed Bruce Banner's gamma radiation, becoming the new 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 hero combining immense power and intellect.
Beyond the Comics
Amadeus has appeared in Marvel's animated and video game projects, often as the Hulk. 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 as Iron Spider. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man features 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. While his transformation into a super-powered hero remains uncertain, his presence alongside other comic-based characters suggests a future heroic role. His mother, Helen Cho, appeared in Avengers: Age of Ultron, hinting at a potential MCU debut.
(Image descriptions: A variety of images depicting Amadeus Cho in different comic book panels and artwork.)
