Amadeus Cho, a key character in the animated series *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, brings a fresh dynamic to the Marvel Universe. This series not only focuses on a new version of Peter Parker but also introduces a supporting cast filled with characters drawn from the rich tapestry of Marvel comics, including Amadeus Cho, who works alongside Peter as an intern at Oscorp.
Amadeus Cho stands out as one of the brightest minds in the Marvel Universe, often ranked as the seventh smartest person. His intelligence is matched by his defiance, which has led him to a life on the run from authorities. With a heart dedicated to protecting his friends and fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, Amadeus has carved a unique path for himself. Recently, he gained physical strength to complement his intellect by absorbing Bruce Banner’s gamma radiation, transforming into the Hulk. Now known as Brawn, he continues to be a formidable force for good.
Amadeus's exceptional intelligence is his defining trait, with skills in pattern recognition and mental calculation that are second to none. After becoming the new Hulk, he gained superhuman strength, regeneration, and durability akin to the original Hulk but without losing his intellect or personality. As Brawn, his powers are slightly less intense, but he retains the ability to fully transform into the Hulk when necessary.
Introduced in 2005’s *Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15* by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, Amadeus Cho's debut was significant as it paralleled the iconic introduction of Spider-Man in 1962's *Amazing Fantasy #15*. His journey began when he won a competition that branded him the world's seventh smartest person, but it also put a target on his back, leading to his family's tragic death and his life on the run. His bond with the Hulk and subsequent adventures with Hercules in *The Incredible Hercules* series solidified his place in the Marvel Universe. Later, after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation, Amadeus became the Totally Awesome Hulk and joined the Champions, working alongside other young heroes.
Amadeus has expanded his presence beyond the pages of comics, appearing in various animated series and video games. He's a playable character in mobile games like *Marvel Future Fight*, *Marvel Puzzle Quest*, and *Avengers Academy*, as well as in LEGO Marvel games. In animation, he's featured in *Ultimate Spider-Man* and *Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled*, voiced by Eric Bauza, where he takes on the role of Iron Spider. His portrayal as the Totally Awesome Hulk in the 2017 *Spider-Man* series, voiced by Ki Hong Lee, further expanded his reach. In *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, voiced by Aleks Le, Amadeus is introduced as a confident scientist at Oscorp, hinting at potential future transformations into a superhero.
While Amadeus has yet to make his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), his mother Helen's appearance in *Avengers: Age of Ultron* suggests groundwork has been laid for his introduction.
For more insights into *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, check out IGN's spoiler-free review of Season 1 and discover how the series reinvents Peter Parker's mythology in five unique ways.
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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