Hands up who else is enjoying the path to Spider-Verse? Between Amazing Spider-Man, Superior Spider-Man and now Edge of Spider-Verse Marvel are doing a good job at setting up their big Spider-Event. Of course I am speaking as a massive Spider-Fan.
The latest issue in this build up is Edge of Spider-Verse #3, written by the up and coming Dustin Weaver. The issue introduces us to Aaron Aikman, The Spider-Man, who has an interesting technological suit.
This issue unfortunately highlights the problem with trying to invent a new Spider-Man in just one issue, a direct contrast to the first two issues in the series. Issue one focused on Spider-Man Noir, an already established character, getting straight into the action. Issue two was about Gwen Stacy as Spider-Woman and, although we’ve not seen this version of the character before, we know enough about her that a big introduction is not necessary.
Aaron Aikman needs that big introduction and the issue ultimately falls down because of it. By the time we’re through the four plus pages of set-up it already feels like things are being rushed. And yet it also manages to feel slow at the same time, which is no mean feat. It also fails to establish where The Spider-Man calls home. The setting has a very Japanese feel about it without ever actually confirming that suspicion.
The other major issue with the story is that there is no pay off for The Spider-Man. The reveal of Morlun at the issues conclusion is a strong tie to the Spider-Verse story but means the story doesn’t give us any real end and we miss out on seeing Aikman being a proper hero.
Some may say maybe that’s the point? Maybe this Spidey is meant to fail, to show how dangerous Morlun is and to show that not all Spidey’s will join Otto and his crew? If that’s the case then they’ve missed an opportunity. By killing off a brand new, half-formed character (and off-page too) there is less impact than Morlun stopping an established character.
That we lose the end of Aikman’s story is a real shame as there are aspects of this Mecha/Manga Spidey that could really shine given more time. I can only hope that Aaron Aikman gets an opportunity to appear more in the Spider-Verse and that his character gets filled out a little more.