Amadeus Cho: Marvel's Brainy and Powerful Teen Hero
While Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man features a fresh take on 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, one of Peter's Oscorp interns. But who is Amadeus Cho, and why is he a significant teen hero in Marvel's recent history? Let's explore this brilliant, yet self-assured character.
Amadeus Cho: A Marvel Genius
Despite his youth and the abundance of competition, Amadeus Cho is among the Marvel Universe's most intelligent individuals. His brilliance and rebellious nature, however, have often led him into legal trouble, resulting in a life partially spent evading authorities. He displays a fondness for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, readily assisting friends in need.
Amadeus's remarkable intellect is complemented by immense physical strength, gained after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation and becoming the Hulk. Even with the classic Hulk's return, Amadeus continues his heroic endeavors as Brawn, a powerful force for good.
Amadeus Cho's Abilities
Amadeus possesses exceptional intelligence, officially ranked as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe (though potentially higher). He excels at pattern recognition and complex mental calculations, though this intense mental activity often leaves him ravenous.
His time as the Hulk granted him superhuman strength, durability, and regenerative abilities. Unlike the classic Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality during transformations, avoiding the rage-fueled persona. Currently, he operates as Brawn, a slightly less powerful but still formidable version of his Hulk form, capable of unleashing his full Hulk strength when necessary.
Amadeus Cho's Comic Book Journey
Created by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, Amadeus Cho 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, only to become a target after his family's death. This led him on the run, eventually forging a friendship with the Hulk.
Amadeus played a significant role in 2007's World War Hulk crossover, teaming up with Hercules. Their adventures continued in The Incredible Hercules series, showcasing their misadventures and eventual rise to respected heroes. They even saved the multiverse from Amatsu-Mikaboshi.
After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation, Amadeus became the Hulk, detailed 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, combining his intellect and immense power.
Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics
Amadeus has appeared in various Marvel 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), while the latest series showcases him as a self-assured Oscorp intern (voiced by Aleks Le). His future as a super-powered hero in this series remains to be seen.
Amadeus's potential MCU debut is highly anticipated, especially considering his mother's appearance in Avengers: Age of Ultron.
