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 expands 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 exactly is this teen genius, and why is he known as "The Totally Awesome Hulk"? Let's delve into the fascinating world of Amadeus Cho.

This article explores:

• 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, combined with a rebellious streak, has often led him to clash with authority, resulting in a life spent evading the law. He possesses a deep loyalty to fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, readily defending his friends. In recent years, Amadeus has gained incredible strength, previously embodying 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's intellect is exceptional; officially ranked as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe, his true ranking might be even 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 immense physical strength, matching his mental prowess. At his peak, he possessed all of the Hulk's abilities—regeneration, durability, and immense strength. Unlike the Hulk, however, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality during transformations, avoiding the rage-fueled persona. Currently operating as Brawn, his power is slightly diminished compared to his Hulk form, but he 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 gained recognition as the world's seventh smartest man after winning an Excello Soap Company competition. Tragedy struck when the sponsor, Pythagoras Dupree, targeted Amadeus, leading to his family's death and forcing him into a life on the run. A chance encounter with the Hulk forged a lifelong friendship, shaping his heroic path.

Amadeus played a significant role in 2007's World War Hulk crossover, partnering with Hercules. Their adventures continued in The Incredible Hercules, a series filled with misadventures. This partnership eventually led to them becoming respected heroes, even saving the multiverse from Amatsu-Mikaboshi. After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation, Amadeus became the Hulk, his journey chronicled in Totally Awesome Hulk. He also joined the Champions, alongside other teen heroes. Now, with Banner back as the Hulk, Amadeus operates as Brawn, a powerful hero combining intellect and strength.

Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics

Amadeus's popularity has extended beyond the comics, appearing in Marvel's animated and video game projects. 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, often portrayed as Iron Spider. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man marks his first appearance as the Totally Awesome Hulk in animation. His potential MCU debut is highly anticipated, especially considering his mother's minor role in Avengers: Age of Ultron.

In *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, voiced by Aleks Le, Amadeus is depicted as a confident scientist and Peter Parker's intern at Oscorp. While his transformation into a super-powered hero remains to be seen, his presence alongside other comic-based characters hints at a future filled with heroic action. For more on *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, explore IGN's review of Season 1.