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 series cleverly incorporates a vast array of Marvel characters, even among Peter's Oscorp colleagues, including the brilliant Amadeus Cho.

But who is Amadeus Cho, and why is he considered one of Marvel's most significant teen heroes? Why the moniker "The Totally Awesome Hulk"? Let's delve into this self-assured genius.

This article covers:

• Who is Marvel's Amadeus Cho?
• Amadeus Cho's Hulk Powers and Abilities
• Amadeus Cho's Comic Book History
• Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics

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Who Is Marvel's Amadeus Cho?

Despite his youth and the formidable competition, Amadeus Cho ranks among the Marvel Universe's most intelligent individuals. His brilliance and rebellious nature, however, have often led him to clash with authority, resulting in a life spent evading the law. He displays a strong affinity for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, readily defending his friends.

Amadeus's strength has recently caught up to his intellect. He briefly became the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation. Even with the classic Hulk's return, Amadeus continues his fight for justice as Brawn. Regardless of his alias, Amadeus Cho is a powerful force for good.

Amadeus Cho's Hulk Powers and Abilities

Amadeus possesses exceptional intelligence, officially ranking as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe—a ranking that may even be an underestimate. He excels at pattern recognition and complex mental calculations. The only drawback to his incredible mind is a voracious appetite fueled by his intense mental activity.

After becoming the Hulk, Amadeus gained physical strength to match his mental prowess. At his peak, he possessed the Hulk's full strength, along with regenerative abilities and enhanced durability. Unlike the classic Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality during transformations, avoiding the rage-monster persona.

Currently, Amadeus operates as Brawn, a slightly less powerful iteration than his Hulk form, though he 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 Cho debuted in 2005's Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15. This issue, mirroring the significance of the original Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962), introduced new characters with immense potential, and Amadeus quickly became a standout.

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

Amadeus re-emerged during 2007's World War Hulk crossover, teaming up with Hercules (a fugitive hero who opposed the Superhuman Registration Act). Their partnership led to The Incredible Hercules series, filled with memorable adventures. This era gave rise to the iconic meme image:

Amadeus and Hercules eventually became established heroes, even saving the multiverse from Amatsu-Mikaboshi. Their partnership dissolved, leading to a new chapter. After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation to prevent a nuclear meltdown, 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.

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

Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics

Amadeus has become a recurring character in Marvel's animated and video game projects, particularly 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).

Now in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, voiced by Aleks Le, Amadeus is a confident scientist and Peter Parker's Oscorp intern. While his superhero transformation remains uncertain, his presence alongside other comic-based characters suggests a future as a powered hero.

A future MCU appearance seems likely. His mother, Helen Cho (played by Claudia Kim in Avengers: Age of Ultron), lays the groundwork for his introduction.

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