Amadeus Cho: The Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Character Explained

In the vibrant world of *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, the spotlight isn't just on Peter Parker; the series dives deep into the broader Marvel Universe. From heroes to villains, the show's ensemble is packed with characters straight from the comic books, including Peter's fellow intern at Oscorp, the brilliant Amadeus Cho.

Amadeus Cho stands out as one of Marvel's most pivotal teen heroes in recent decades. Known as "The Totally Awesome Hulk," Cho brings a unique blend of intellect and power to the table. Here's a closer look at this self-assured prodigy and what makes him a force to be reckoned with:

Who Is Marvel’s Amadeus Cho?

Despite his youthful age, Amadeus Cho is recognized as one of the smartest individuals in the Marvel Universe. His genius, however, often puts him at odds with authority, leading him to spend much of his teenage years evading the law. Cho's admiration for heroes like the Hulk and Hercules drives him to protect his friends and fight for justice. After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation, Cho transformed into the Hulk, and now continues his heroic journey as Brawn, showcasing both his intellectual and physical prowess.

Amadeus Cho’s Hulk Powers and Abilities

Amadeus's intelligence is unparalleled, officially ranking him as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe, though some believe he might be even higher. His exceptional skills in pattern recognition and mental calculations are only limited by his subsequent hunger. As the new Hulk, Cho gained strength rivaling the original, along with abilities like regeneration and durability. Unlike Bruce Banner, Cho retains his intelligence and personality when transformed, making him a strategic and controlled version of the Hulk. Currently, as Brawn, he maintains a slightly weaker form but can still unleash his full Hulk potential when needed.

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 by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa in 2005's Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15, Amadeus Cho was a breakout character designed to make a significant impact in the Marvel Universe. His journey began when he won a contest to be recognized as the world's seventh smartest person, only to be targeted for assassination by the contest's sponsor. After losing his family, Cho went on the run, eventually forming a bond with the Hulk.

Cho's prominence grew during the World War Hulk crossover, where he aided the Hulk and later partnered with Hercules. Their adventures in *The Incredible Hercules* solidified Cho's place in the Marvel pantheon. After absorbing Banner's gamma radiation to prevent a nuclear meltdown, Cho became the new Hulk, leading to his adventures in *Totally Awesome Hulk* and his leadership in the Champions.

Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics

Amadeus Cho's presence extends beyond the comic pages, making appearances in various Marvel animated and video game projects. In games like Marvel Future Fight, Marvel Puzzle Quest, and Avengers Academy, Cho's Hulk persona is playable. In animation, he's featured in *Ultimate Spider-Man* and *Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled*, where he takes on the role of Iron Spider.

In the 2017 *Spider-Man* animated series, Cho is introduced as the Totally Awesome Hulk, voiced by Ki Hong Lee. His latest appearance is in *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, where he is portrayed as a confident scientist and intern at Oscorp, voiced by Aleks Le. While it's unclear if this version will become super-powered, the series hints at a future where he might join forces with Spider-Man as Brawn.

With his mother Helen's brief appearance in *Avengers: Age of Ultron*, it seems the Marvel Cinematic Universe is setting the stage for Cho's eventual debut. As fans eagerly await his live-action appearance, Cho's influence continues to grow within the Marvel Universe.

For more on *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, explore IGN's spoiler-free review of Season 1 and discover how the series reinvents Peter Parker's mythology.

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