*Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man* may focus on a fresh take on Peter Parker, but the animated series dives deep into the Marvel Universe, featuring a cast filled with iconic comic book heroes and villains. This includes Peter's colleagues at Oscorp, where you'll find none other than Amadeus Cho. In this article, we'll explore who Amadeus Cho is, his significance as one of Marvel's key teenage heroes, and why he's known as "The Totally Awesome Hulk." Here's everything you need to know about this brilliant yet self-absorbed character.

Who Is Marvel’s Amadeus Cho?

Amadeus Cho stands out as one of the brightest minds in the Marvel Universe, despite his young age. His exceptional intelligence and rebellious nature have often put him at odds with the law, leading him to spend much of his teenage years on the run. Cho has a particular affinity for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, and he's fiercely loyal to his friends.

In recent years, Amadeus has matched his intellectual prowess with superhuman strength. He became the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation. Although Bruce Banner has reclaimed the Hulk moniker, Amadeus continues his heroic journey as Brawn, fighting for justice with his unique blend of intellect and power.

Amadeus Cho’s Hulk Powers and Abilities

Amadeus Cho is not just smart; he's officially recognized as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe, with potential to rank even higher. His expertise lies in pattern recognition and complex mental calculations, though these feats often leave him ravenously hungry.

As the new Hulk, Amadeus gained immense physical strength alongside other Hulk-like abilities such as regeneration and durability. Unlike the original Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality in his transformed state, avoiding the rage-driven tendencies of his predecessor. Currently, he operates as Brawn, a slightly less powerful form than his Hulk incarnation, but he can still fully transform when needed.

Amadeus Cho’s Comic Book History

Created by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, Amadeus Cho made his debut in *Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15* in 2005. This issue was significant, echoing the original *Amazing Fantasy #15* from 1962 that introduced Spider-Man. Amadeus quickly became the breakout star of the series.

After winning a competition sponsored by the Excello Soap Company, Amadeus was declared the world's seventh smartest man. This victory, however, led to a tragic turn when the contest's sponsor, Pythagoras Dupree, targeted him for assassination. After his family was caught in the crossfire, Amadeus went on the run, eventually befriending the Hulk.

Amadeus returned to the spotlight during the *World War Hulk* event in 2007, assisting the Hulk and teaming up with Hercules. Their adventures continued in *The Incredible Hercules*, spawning many memorable moments, including a now-iconic meme. Together, they saved the multiverse from the Japanese god Amatsu-Mikaboshi before parting ways.

Later, Amadeus absorbed Bruce Banner's gamma radiation to avert a nuclear meltdown, transforming into the new Hulk. His exploits as the "Totally Awesome Hulk" are detailed in the series of the same name. He also played a pivotal role in forming a new team of young heroes, the Champions, alongside characters like Ms. Marvel and Nova. Today, as Brawn, Amadeus continues to showcase his unique blend of intellect and strength.

Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics

Amadeus Cho has made his mark in various Marvel animated and video game projects. In games like *Marvel Future Fight*, *Marvel Puzzle Quest*, and *Avengers Academy*, he's a playable character as the Hulk. He also appears in the *LEGO Marvel* series.

In animation, Amadeus appeared in *Ultimate Spider-Man* and *Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled*, where he took on the role of Iron Spider, a departure from his comic book persona. In the 2017 *Spider-Man* series, he voiced by Ki Hong Lee as the Totally Awesome Hulk.

In the latest series, *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, voiced by Aleks Le, Cho is introduced as a confident scientist and intern at Oscorp alongside Peter Parker. While it's unclear if this version will gain superpowers, the series' nod to comic book characters suggests a potential future for Amadeus as Brawn.

Amadeus Cho's presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) seems imminent. His mother Helen, played by Claudia Kim, appeared in *Avengers: Age of Ultron*, hinting at groundwork being laid for his eventual introduction.

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

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Images

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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