In the vibrant world of "Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man," viewers are treated to a fresh take on Peter Parker's adventures, but the show also dives deep into the expansive Marvel Universe. A standout character in this series is Amadeus Cho, who joins Peter as an intern at Oscorp. But who is Amadeus Cho, and why has he emerged as one of Marvel's pivotal teen heroes over the past few decades? 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 is a prodigy, ranking among the smartest individuals in the Marvel Universe. His exceptional intellect, however, often puts him at odds with authority, leading him to spend much of his youth evading the law. He has a particular affinity for heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, and his loyalty to his friends knows no bounds.
Amadeus's journey took a significant turn when he absorbed Bruce Banner's gamma radiation, transforming him into the Hulk. Although Bruce Banner has since reclaimed his role as the Hulk, Amadeus continues to fight for justice as Brawn, a character that combines his intellectual prowess with formidable strength.
Amadeus Cho's Hulk Powers and Abilities
Amadeus Cho's intelligence is unparalleled, with official rankings placing him as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe. His cognitive abilities allow him to excel in pattern recognition and perform complex calculations with ease, although this often leaves him famished.
As the Hulk, Amadeus gained immense physical strength and other Hulk-like abilities such as regeneration and durability. Unlike the traditional Hulk, he maintains his intelligence and personality even when transformed, avoiding the typical rage-induced transformation. Currently, as Brawn, his strength is slightly less than his Hulk form, but he retains the ability to fully transform when necessary.
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 as it mirrored the historic debut of Spider-Man in "Amazing Fantasy #15" from 1962. Amadeus quickly became a breakout character, showcasing his genius by winning a competition sponsored by the Excello Soap Company, which led to him being targeted by the sixth smartest man, Pythagoras Dupree.
After a tragic incident that resulted in his family's death, Amadeus went on the run, eventually forming a bond with the Hulk. His role expanded during the "World War Hulk" crossover, where he teamed up with Hercules. Their adventures continued in "The Incredible Hercules," a series that solidified their partnership and introduced iconic moments in Marvel's history.
Amadeus's transformation into the Hulk came after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation to avert a nuclear meltdown. His tenure as the Hulk is detailed in "Totally Awesome Hulk," and he also played a key role in the new Champions team, alongside other young heroes like Ms. Marvel and Nova.
Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics
Amadeus Cho's presence extends beyond the pages of comics into various Marvel animated and video game projects. In mobile games like "Marvel Future Fight," "Marvel Puzzle Quest," and "Avengers Academy," as well as in the LEGO Marvel games, players can control the Amadeus version of Hulk.
In animation, Amadeus has appeared in "Ultimate Spider-Man" and "Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled," where he takes on the role of Iron Spider, a departure from his comic book persona. His portrayal as the Totally Awesome Hulk in the 2017 "Spider-Man" animated series marked a significant step, voiced by Ki Hong Lee.
In "Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man," voiced by Aleks Le, Amadeus is introduced as a confident scientist and intern at Oscorp alongside Peter Parker. While it remains to be seen if this version of Amadeus will gain superpowers, the show's tendency to draw from comic book characters suggests a potential future where he might become Brawn.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has hinted at Amadeus's introduction through his mother Helen's appearance in "Avengers: Age of Ultron," suggesting a foundation for his eventual inclusion.
For more insights into "Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man," explore IGN's spoiler-free review of Season 1 and discover the 5 ways the new series reinvents Peter Parker's mythology.
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