Marvel's *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man* introduces a fresh take on Peter Parker, but the animated series cleverly weaves in a vast tapestry of Marvel characters. Even Peter's Oscorp colleagues are based on comic book heroes and villains, including the brilliant Amadeus Cho. But who is Amadeus Cho, and why is he a significant teen hero in the Marvel Universe, even earning the title "The Totally Awesome Hulk"? Let's delve into this self-assured genius.

This article covers:

• 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 and rebellious nature often lead him into conflict with authority, resulting in a life spent evading the law. He displays a strong affinity for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, fiercely loyal and protective of his friends.

Amadeus's remarkable intellect is now matched by incredible strength. 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, a powerful force for good.

Amadeus Cho's Hulk Powers and Abilities

Amadeus possesses exceptional intelligence, officially ranked as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe—a ranking that might even be an underestimate. He excels at pattern recognition and complex mental calculations, although this intense mental activity often leaves him ravenous.

His transformation into the Hulk granted him immense physical strength, matching his mental prowess. At his peak, he possessed all the Hulk's abilities: regeneration, durability, and superhuman strength. Unlike the classic Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality when transformed, avoiding the rage-fueled persona.

Currently, Amadeus operates as Brawn, a slightly less powerful iteration than his Hulk form, though he can still unleash his full Hulk power 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 Cho debuted in 2005's Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15. This issue, echoing the debut of Spider-Man in the original Amazing Fantasy #15, introduced several potential Marvel Universe stars, with Amadeus quickly becoming a standout.

He gained recognition as the world's seventh smartest man after winning an Excello Soap Company competition. Tragically, the sponsor, Pythagoras Dupree, targeted Amadeus for assassination to maintain his own ranking. After his family's death, Amadeus went on the run, eventually befriending the Hulk.

Amadeus's prominence grew during the 2007 World War Hulk crossover, partnering with Hercules. Their adventures continued in The Incredible Hercules, a series filled with misadventures. This collaboration birthed the iconic meme image:

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

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

Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics

Amadeus has become a recurring character in Marvel's animated and video game projects, especially since his Hulk transformation. He's a playable character in Marvel Future Fight, Marvel Puzzle Quest, and Avengers Academy, and appears in the LEGO Marvel games.

In animation, 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 portrayed as a confident scientist and Peter Parker's intern at Oscorp. While his future as a superhero remains uncertain, his presence alongside other comic book-inspired characters suggests a potential transformation.

Amadeus's eventual appearance in the MCU seems likely. His mother, Helen Cho, appeared in Avengers: Age of Ultron, suggesting early groundwork for his introduction.

For more on Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, check out IGN's spoiler-free review of Season 1 and explore how the series reinvents Peter Parker's mythology.