Marvel's Amadeus Cho Explained: Who Is the Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Character?

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 supporting cast is a veritable who's who of Marvel heroes and villains, including the brilliant and self-assured Amadeus Cho. But who is this character, and why is he considered one of Marvel's most significant teen heroes? Let's delve into the world of Amadeus Cho, the Totally Awesome Hulk (and Brawn!).

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, Amadeus Cho is among the smartest individuals in the Marvel Universe. His brilliance and rebellious nature often land him at odds with authority, leading to a life spent evading the law. He possesses a strong affinity for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, readily defending his friends.

Amadeus's strength eventually matched his intellect. 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 ranking among the top minds in the Marvel Universe. His skills in pattern recognition and mental calculation are unparalleled, though this intense mental activity often leaves him ravenous.

His time as the Hulk granted him immense physical strength, matching his mental capabilities. At his peak, he possessed all the Hulk's abilities: regeneration, durability, and immense strength. Unlike the classic Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality, avoiding the rage-monster persona.

Currently operating as Brawn, Amadeus is slightly less powerful than his Hulk form but can still unleash his full Hulk potential 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. He became recognized as the world's seventh smartest man after winning an Excello Soap Company competition. Tragedy struck when the sponsor targeted Amadeus, resulting in his family's death and forcing him into hiding. A chance encounter with the Hulk forged a lasting friendship.

Amadeus's prominence grew during the 2007 World War Hulk crossover, where he partnered with Hercules. Their adventures continued in The Incredible Hercules series. This dynamic duo even saved the multiverse from Amatsu-Mikaboshi.

After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation, Amadeus became the new Hulk, his exploits 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, a powerful hero with unmatched intellect.

Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics

Amadeus has become a recurring character in Marvel's animated and video game projects. He's playable 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 marks his first appearance as the Totally Awesome Hulk (voiced by Aleks Le), working as an intern at Oscorp alongside Peter Parker. His future as a superhero in this series remains to be seen.

Amadeus's mother, Helen Cho, appeared in Avengers: Age of Ultron, suggesting the MCU's groundwork for his eventual introduction.

For more on Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, check out IGN's spoiler-free review of Season 1 and see the 5 ways the new series reinvents Peter Parker's mythology.