Marvel's *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man* introduces a fresh take on Peter Parker, but the animated series cleverly weaves in a vast array of Marvel characters. Even Peter's Oscorp colleagues are based on comic book heroes and villains, including the brilliant Amadeus Cho.
But who is Amadeus Cho, and why is he a significant teen hero in the Marvel Universe? Why the nickname "Totally Awesome Hulk"? Let's delve into this self-assured genius.
Who Is Marvel's Amadeus Cho?
Despite his youth, Amadeus Cho is among the smartest individuals in the Marvel Universe. His brilliance and rebellious streak often lead him into conflict with authority, resulting in a life spent evading the law. He has a strong affinity for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, readily defending his friends.
Amadeus's intellect is now matched by incredible strength. He briefly became the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation. While the classic Hulk has returned, Amadeus continues his heroic endeavors as Brawn, a powerful force for good.
Amadeus Cho's Hulk Powers and Abilities
Amadeus possesses exceptional intelligence, officially ranked among the top seven smartest people in the Marvel Universe. His pattern recognition and mental calculation skills are phenomenal, though this intense mental activity often leaves him ravenous.
His time as the Hulk granted him immense strength, durability, and regenerative abilities. Unlike the classic Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality, avoiding the rage-fueled transformations.
Now operating as Brawn, Amadeus is slightly less powerful than his Hulk form but retains the ability to fully transform 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 debuted in 2005's Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15. This issue, mirroring the significance of the original 1962 issue that introduced Spider-Man, launched Amadeus into the Marvel Universe.
Amadeus earned the title of the world's seventh smartest man after winning an Excello Soap Company competition. Tragedy struck when the sponsor, Pythagoras Dupree, targeted him, leading to his family's death and forcing Amadeus into hiding with only a coyote pup. A chance encounter with the Hulk forged a lasting friendship.
Amadeus returned to prominence during the 2007 World War Hulk crossover, partnering with Hercules. Their adventures continued in The Incredible Hercules series, showcasing their misadventures and eventually leading them to save the multiverse from Amatsu-Mikaboshi.
After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation, Amadeus became 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 continues as Brawn, a powerful hero with unmatched intellect.
Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics
Amadeus has appeared in various Marvel animated and video game projects, particularly after his Hulk transformation. He's a playable character in games like Marvel Future Fight, Marvel Puzzle Quest, and Avengers Academy, and also features in LEGO Marvel games.
In animation, Amadeus appeared in Ultimate Spider-Man and Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled, voiced by Eric Bauza as Iron Spider. *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man* marks his first appearance as the Totally Awesome Hulk (voiced by Aleks Le), a confident scientist and Peter Parker's Oscorp intern.
Amadeus's potential MCU debut is highly anticipated, especially given his mother's minor role in Avengers: Age of Ultron. His future as a super-powered hero in *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man* remains to be seen.
For more on *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, check out IGN's spoiler-free review of Season 1 and discover how the series reinvents Peter Parker's mythology.
