Amadeus Cho: Marvel's Brilliant Teen Hero Explained

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man introduces a fresh take on Peter Parker, but the animated series explores a broad spectrum of the Marvel Universe. Nearly every supporting character draws from iconic heroes or villains in the comics, including Peter’s fellow Oscorp intern, the remarkable Amadeus Cho.

Who is Amadeus Cho, and what makes him one of Marvel’s standout teen heroes of recent decades? Why is he known as “The Totally Awesome Hulk”? Here’s everything you need to know about this brilliant yet self-confident character. We cover the following:

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Amadeus Cho in Marvel

Despite his youth and stiff competition, Amadeus Cho is among the brightest minds in the Marvel Universe. His defiance of authority and exceptional intellect have often put him at odds with the law, keeping him on the run during his teenage years. He harbors a deep respect for outcast heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, hero and fearlessly defends his allies.

In recent storylines, he Amadeus has matched his mental prowess with physical might. He briefly became the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner’s gamma radiation. Though the original Hulk has returned, Amadeus now operates as Brawn, continuing his fight for justice. Whatever alias he uses, Amadeus Cho remains a formidable force for good.

Amadeus Cho’s Hulk Abilities

Amadeus possesses extraordinary intelligence, officially ranked as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe, though he may surpass that standing. His knack for pattern recognition and rapid mental calculations sets him apart. However, his intense brainpower often leaves him ravenous.

As the new Hulk, Amadeus gained immense physical strength to complement his intellect. At his peak, he wields the Hulk’s full power, including regeneration and durability. Unlike the classic Hulk, Amadeus retains his personality and intelligence when transformed, avoiding the typical rage-driven chaos.

Now known as Brawn, Amadeus is slightly less powerful than his Hulk form but can still unleash his full strength when necessary.

Amadeus Cho’s Comic Origins

Created by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, Amadeus Cho debuted in 2005’s Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15, a nod to the 1962 issue that introduced Spider-Man. Marvel used this volume to launch new characters with significant potential, and Amadeus emerged as a fan favorite.

After winning a contest by the Excello Soap Company, Amadeus is recognized as the world’s seventh smartest person. Tragically, the contest’s organizer, Pythagoras Dupree, targets him to secure his own ranking, leading to the death of Amadeus’ family. Fleeing with only a coyote pup, Amadeus forms a lasting bond with the Hulk after a chance encounter.

Amadeus resurfaced in 2007’s World War Hulk, aiding his friend and teaming up with Hercules, a fugitive hero from the Civil War’s Superhuman Registration Act. Their adventures continued in The Incredible Hercules, spawning a memorable meme:

Amadeus and Hercules eventually become respected heroes, even saving the multiverse from the Japanese god Amatsu-Mikaboshi. Their partnership later ends, paving the way for new chapters.

After absorbing Bruce Banner’s gamma radiation to avert a nuclear disaster, Amadeus becomes the new Hulk, starring in Totally Awesome Hulk. He also co-leads The Champions, teaming with teen heroes like Ms. Marvel, Nova, Viv Vision, and a time-displaced Cyclops.

Today, with Banner back as Hulk, Amadeus thrives as Brawn, a hero whose strength matches his brilliance and confidence.

Amadeus Cho in Other Media

Amadeus has gained traction in Marvel’s animated series and video games, especially after becoming Hulk in the comics. In gaming, he’s playable in titles like Marvel Future Fight, Marvel Puzzle Quest, Avengers Academy, and LEGO Marvel games.

In animation, Amadeus appeared in Ultimate Spider-Man and Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled, voiced by Eric Bauza as Iron Spider, a role unique to these projects. The 2017 Spider-Man series marked his debut as the Totally Awesome Hulk, voiced by Ki Hong Lee.

In Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Amadeus, voiced by Aleks Le, is a confident scientist and Peter Parker’s Oscorp intern. While it’s uncertain if this version will gain superpowers, given the comic-inspired cast, a team-up with Brawn seems likely.

An MCU debut for Amadeus feels imminent. His mother, Helen, appeared in 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron (played by Claudia Kim), suggesting Marvel has long been setting the stage for his arrival.

For more on Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, read IGN’s spoiler-free Season 1 review and explore five ways the series reimagines Peter Parker’s mythology.