Amadeus Cho appears in Totally Awesome Hulk
Kristen Kish
By Vivian Nguyen
Northwest Asian Weekly
With the sun setting earlier and temperatures cooling, it’s clear that the summer is over. Let’s say goodbye to this last season as we examine and usher in everything new that fall has to offer: new characters, new castings, and new television shows. It’s time to get back at it!
A Marvel family addition
Fans are rejoicing in Marvel Comics’ reveal that the new and much-anticipated Hulk is fan favorite character Amadeus Cho. For those unfamiliar, Amadeus is a Korean American character that has been featured in the Marvel world for the last ten years. As a teenage character, Amadeus will possess a plucky and fun spirit, and a real love for being the Hulk. This is why the Marvel powers that be have decided to call Amadeus the “Totally Awesome Hulk,” which will also serve as the name of the rebooted comic book series.
And to put even more icing on the cake, the new series will be written by Greg Pak and illustrated by Frank Cho — two Korean American professionals. So yes, this means that the new Hulk series will showcase a Korean American lead character, writer, and artist.
This is pretty much the Holy Grail for Asian American comic book fans everywhere.
A friend of mine said it best: “I’m [now] the happiest little grown Asian kid.” This news has been hotly anticipated by Asian American fans who have long yearned for a relatable superhero. 2015 isn’t even over yet, and already it’s been a banner year for Asian American actors and characters breaking out in new and novel ways in the media, arts, and pop culture. Rock on, 2015.
Amadeus Cho’s turn as the new Hulk begins when “Totally Awesome Hulk #1” comes out on shelves in December.
Fall television: New castings and shows
Previous “Top Chef” winner and television personality Kristen Kish returned to the small screen in her new series titled “36 Hours”. Kish memorably dominated her season of “Top Chef” and became the first Asian American female to win the cooking competition reality show. Kish, who was born in Seoul and raised by her adopted family in Michigan, went on to use her winnings from “Top Chef” to fund a return trip to Korea where she explored her roots and familial background for the first time as an adult.
The television show format, which borrows its concept from The New York Times’ popular “36 Hours” newspaper column, follows Kish and co-host former professional soccer player Kyle Martino, as they tackle and discover a city in a span of 36 hours. Each hour-long episode will feature consultations with locals, highlighting city attractions and must-dos, and the hottest restaurants and bars.
Between the whirlwind travel and local eats, this honestly sounds like my kind of show! “36 Hours” recently debuted on the Travel Channel and airs on Mondays at 8:00p.m.
Comedienne Margaret Cho is also returning to television! Cho is best known for her short-lived yet trailblazing ABC sitcom “All-American Girl,” which was the first network show to center around an Asian American family.
News recently broke that Cho will be guest starring on the upcoming ABC sitcom “Dr. Ken” as the titular character’s older and more successful sister Dr. Wendi. “Dr. Ken” stars actor and comedian Ken Jeong, whose own experiences as a real-life doctor served as inspiration for the sitcom. Jeong plays Ken Park—a doctor who’s trying to balance his career, marriage, and parenting, but failing at all of these tasks. Hilarious hijinks ensue.
Two big personality Korean American comedians on one show? Playing rival siblings? I can’t think of a better half hour of television. “Dr. Ken” premieres on Oct. 2 at 8:30p.m. on ABC.
Vivian Nguyen can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com. (end)