In the vibrant world of *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, the spotlight isn't just on Peter Parker but on a rich tapestry of characters from the Marvel Universe. Among them is Amadeus Cho, who stands out not just as a fellow intern at Oscorp but as a significant figure in Marvel's comic lore. So, who is Amadeus Cho, and why has he become such a pivotal teen hero in the Marvel Universe over the past decades? Let's delve into the life of this brilliant yet self-absorbed character, known as "The Totally Awesome Hulk."
Who Is Marvel’s Amadeus Cho?
Amadeus Cho is no ordinary teenager; he's recognized as one of the smartest individuals in the Marvel Universe. Despite his youth, his intellect often puts him at odds with authority, leading to a life on the run. His affinity for heroes like the Hulk and Hercules drives him to protect his friends, showcasing his bravery and loyalty.
Recently, Amadeus has matched his mental prowess with physical strength, having once absorbed Bruce Banner's gamma radiation to become the Hulk. Now, even with Bruce back as the Hulk, Amadeus continues his heroic journey as Brawn, a testament to his enduring commitment to justice.
Amadeus Cho’s Hulk Powers and Abilities
Amadeus's intellect is unparalleled, officially ranking him as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe, though some believe he could be even higher. His exceptional skills in pattern recognition and mental calculation are only limited by the hunger that follows his intense thinking sessions.
As the new Hulk, Amadeus gained immense physical strength and the classic Hulk abilities such as regeneration and durability. Unlike the traditional Hulk, he retains his intelligence and personality, making him a unique and controlled version of the Hulk. Currently, as Brawn, his powers are slightly less than his Hulk form, but he can still transform fully when needed.
Amadeus Cho’s Comic Book History
Introduced in 2005's *Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15* by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, Amadeus Cho's debut paralleled the iconic introduction of Spider-Man. His rise to fame began when he was crowned the seventh smartest man in the world, a title that came with a deadly price as he became a target for assassination.
After losing his family, Amadeus's path crossed with the Hulk, leading to a lifelong friendship. He played a significant role during the *World War Hulk* event, partnering with Hercules in *The Incredible Hercules* series. Their adventures not only solidified their bond but also birthed memorable moments in Marvel's history.
Amadeus's journey as the new Hulk began after he absorbed Bruce Banner's gamma radiation to avert a nuclear catastrophe. His time as the Hulk, chronicled in *Totally Awesome Hulk*, and his leadership in the new *Champions* team, marked him as a formidable and inspiring hero.
Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics
Amadeus Cho's influence extends beyond the pages of comics into Marvel's animated and video game universes. As the Hulk, he's featured in mobile games like *Marvel Future Fight* and *Avengers Academy*, as well as in the *LEGO Marvel* series.
In animation, he appeared in *Ultimate Spider-Man* and *Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled* as Iron Spider, a role not seen in the comics. The 2017 *Spider-Man* series introduced him as the Totally Awesome Hulk. Now, in *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, voiced by Aleks Le, Amadeus is portrayed as a confident scientist at Oscorp, hinting at a potential future as a super-powered hero alongside Spider-Man.
With his mother Helen's appearance in *Avengers: Age of Ultron*, the Marvel Cinematic Universe seems poised to introduce Amadeus, suggesting a long-term plan for this character.
For more insights into *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, explore IGN's spoiler-free review of Season 1 and discover how the series reinvents Peter Parker's mythology.
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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
