Amadeus Cho: Unveiling the Spider-Man Character

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man introduces viewers to a fresh take on Peter Parker while weaving a tapestry rich with characters from the Marvel Universe. A standout among Peter's fellow Oscorp interns is none other than Amadeus Cho, a character who has risen to prominence as one of Marvel's most significant teen heroes in recent decades. Known affectionately as "The Totally Awesome Hulk," Amadeus brings a unique blend of brilliance and bravado to the screen. Here, we delve into who Amadeus Cho is, his powers and abilities, his comic book history, and his presence beyond the pages of comics.

Who Is Marvel's Amadeus Cho?

Amadeus Cho stands out as one of the most intelligent individuals in the Marvel Universe, often ranked as the seventh smartest person. His exceptional intellect, however, has often put him at odds with authority, leading him to spend much of his teenage years evading the law. Amadeus has a particular affinity for heroes who operate outside the system, such as the Hulk and Hercules, and he's fiercely loyal to his friends.

In recent years, Amadeus has not only matched his mental prowess with physical strength but has surpassed expectations. After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation, he transformed into the Hulk, a role he embraced with his unique flair. Even after reverting to his new identity as Brawn, Amadeus remains a formidable force for justice in the Marvel Universe.

Amadeus Cho's Hulk Powers and Abilities

Amadeus Cho's intelligence is unparalleled, with skills in pattern recognition and complex mental calculations that set him apart. However, his brainpower comes at a cost, often leaving him ravenously hungry after intense mental exertion.

As the new Hulk, Amadeus gained superhuman strength and other Hulk-like abilities, including regeneration and durability. Unlike the traditional Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality in his transformed state, which means he doesn't succumb to the rage that defines his predecessor. Currently known as Brawn, his power level is slightly less than his Hulk form, but he can still reach his full Hulk potential when necessary.

Amadeus Cho's Comic Book History

Created by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, Amadeus Cho debuted in Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15 in 2005. This issue was significant as it mirrored the original Amazing Fantasy #15 from 1962, which introduced Spider-Man. Amadeus quickly became the breakout star of the series, gaining recognition as the world's seventh smartest man after winning a contest sponsored by the Excello Soap Company.

His life took a dramatic turn when the contest's sponsor, Pythagoras Dupree, targeted him for assassination, resulting in the tragic loss of his family. Amadeus then went on the run, befriending the Hulk and later Hercules during the World War Hulk crossover in 2007. His adventures with Hercules led to the creation of The Incredible Hercules series, cementing his status as a fan-favorite.

After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation to prevent a nuclear meltdown, Amadeus became the new Hulk, a journey documented in Totally Awesome Hulk. He also played a pivotal role in the new Champions team, alongside other young heroes. Today, as Brawn, Amadeus continues to showcase his formidable intellect and strength.

Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics

Amadeus Cho's popularity has extended into Marvel's animated and video game universes. In gaming, he's featured as the Hulk in titles like Marvel Future Fight, Marvel Puzzle Quest, and Avengers Academy, as well as in LEGO Marvel games. In animation, he's appeared in Ultimate Spider-Man and Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled, where he donned the Iron Spider suit, a role not seen in the comics. His portrayal as the Totally Awesome Hulk in the 2017 Spider-Man animated series marked a significant moment, voiced by Ki Hong Lee.

In the latest Spider-Man animated series, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Amadeus is voiced by Aleks Le and introduced as a confident scientist interning at Oscorp alongside Peter Parker. While it's uncertain if this version will become a superhero, the show's use of comic book characters suggests it's only a matter of time before Amadeus transforms into Brawn.

Amadeus' potential in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is also on the horizon, with his mother Helen already appearing in Avengers: Age of Ultron, hinting at his eventual introduction to the live-action universe.

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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