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

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: A Marvel Genius

Despite his youth and the abundance of brilliant characters in the Marvel Universe, Amadeus Cho is ranked among the smartest. His intellect, however, often leads to clashes with authority, resulting in periods where he's on the run. His affinity for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, and his unwavering loyalty to friends, makes him a compelling character.

Amadeus's strength eventually matched his intellect. 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 his moniker, he's a powerful force for good.

Amadeus Cho's Powers and Abilities

Amadeus possesses exceptional intelligence, officially ranked as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe. His pattern recognition and mental calculation skills are extraordinary, though intense mental activity often leaves him ravenous.

His time as the Hulk granted him immense physical strength, regeneration, and durability. Unlike the classic Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality in his transformed state, avoiding the rage-fueled persona.

Currently operating as Brawn, his power level is slightly reduced compared to his Hulk form, but he can still fully transform 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 several promising characters, with Amadeus becoming a standout.

He gained recognition as the world's seventh smartest man after winning an Excello Soap Company competition. Tragedy struck when 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's prominence grew during the 2007 World War Hulk crossover, partnering with Hercules. Their adventures in The Incredible Hercules series solidified their dynamic duo status. They even saved the multiverse from Amatsu-Mikaboshi.

After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation to prevent a nuclear meltdown, Amadeus became the Hulk, his adventures documented in Totally Awesome Hulk. He also joined the Champions alongside Ms. Marvel, Nova, Viv Vision, and a time-displaced Cyclops.

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

Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics

Amadeus's presence in Marvel's animated and video game projects has increased, especially after his Hulk transformation. He's a playable character in games like Marvel Future Fight, Marvel Puzzle Quest, and Avengers Academy, and features in LEGO Marvel games.

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).

In Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, voiced by Aleks Le, Amadeus is a confident scientist and Peter Parker's Oscorp intern. His future as a super-powered hero remains uncertain, but given the comic book origins of other characters in the series, it's highly anticipated. His mother's appearance in Avengers: Age of Ultron suggests the MCU has been laying the groundwork for his eventual introduction.