Amadeus Cho: Marvel's Brainy, 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, Peter's Oscorp intern. But who is Amadeus Cho, and why is he a significant teen hero? Let's explore.
Amadeus Cho: The Brains and Brawn Behind the Name
Despite his youth, Amadeus Cho is among the Marvel Universe's most intelligent individuals. His brilliance, however, often leads to clashes with authority, resulting in a life partially spent evading the law. He's known for his loyalty to heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, readily defending his friends.
Amadeus's intellectual prowess is complemented by immense physical strength. He briefly became the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation. Even with the classic Hulk's return, Amadeus continues his heroic endeavors as Brawn. Regardless of the moniker, he's a powerful force for good.
Amadeus Cho's Abilities: Mind Over Matter (and Muscle)
Amadeus possesses exceptional intelligence, officially ranking among the top minds in the Marvel Universe. His pattern recognition and mental calculation skills are extraordinary, although this intense mental activity often leaves him ravenous.
His time as the Hulk granted him incredible strength, durability, and regenerative abilities. Unlike the classic Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality while transformed, avoiding the rage monster aspect. Currently operating as Brawn, his power is slightly reduced compared to his Hulk form, but he can still unleash his full Hulk potential 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. This issue, mirroring the original Spider-Man debut, introduced promising characters, and Amadeus quickly stood out.
He gained recognition as the world's seventh smartest man after winning an Excello Soap Company competition. However, the sponsor targeted him, 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 adventures continued in The Incredible Hercules, showcasing their misadventures and eventual rise as respected heroes. They even saved the multiverse from Amatsu-Mikaboshi.
After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation, Amadeus became the Hulk, his exploits 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 powerful hero with an equally impressive intellect.
Beyond the Panels: Amadeus in Other Media
Amadeus has appeared in various Marvel animated and video game projects, especially after his Hulk transformation in the comics. 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, 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), and now appears in the current series, voiced by Aleks Le, as a confident scientist and Oscorp intern. His future as a super-powered hero remains to be seen, but given the series' pattern of using comic book characters, it's highly anticipated.
Amadeus's potential MCU debut is also anticipated, especially considering his mother's minor role in Avengers: Age of Ultron.
