[WIP] Mantle: Mask on (Character-driven superhero story) [155,000+ words]

Yeah, I’ll have to do a brevity-check on the first demo, lol. I’m hoping this second update won’t have as much as a problem!

Still, I’m glad you enjoyed being legally distinct Spider-Man haha

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I’m in love with this WIP!

It’s been a while since I’ve read a WIP that’s had me cackle audibly more than a handful of times. The characters are fun, distinct, and they all have an interesting dynamic that I can’t wait to get in the weeds of. I love your take on the Superhero genre, how the story makes it a point to focus on the pains of having to balance having a work-life and also being a mask, I don’t think that’s been explored much in other superhero stuff.

There’s a couple of misspellings here and there that I unfortunately forgot to document cause I was having too much fun with the story. I’ll give it a reread tomorrow and be sure to post the ones I spot tomorrow.

I hope you continue working on this, and I can’t wait to see how the story pans out!

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Thank you so much!

I always say how characters are the most important aspect of the story for me, so it’s endlessly gratifying to hear when people get into them!

You’re right about the superhero dynamic, too. To me, that push-and-pull of two unique lives is the definitive superhero story—yet there’s hardly any about in this space! Naturally, I figured writing an entire book myself was the only solution, lmao. Maybe I should’ve just posted a recommendation on the forum, haha!

I’m literally putting together the broad strokes of the next update’s final scene as I read this, so, luckily, you won’t have to wait as long as others! :white_heart:

(Also, thank you for bug-hunting :white_heart:)

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Bug hunting like Duck Hunting and the little dog pops up out of the grass, laughing at you for missing.

And yes. Frustrating at certain points where I just start clicking the button at the doggo on screen. Quit laughing. Sheesh.

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I feel like there’s some repressed trauma coming out here, causing possible hallucination.

Or I actually managed to code a laughing dog into the game and I’m gaslighting you.

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Main writing for the update has been fully completed!

A few remaining choice sets are left to fill out—a few thousand words at most.

Will be moving onto the editing stage within the next few days! No timeline for release because I don’t want the stress, lol. But, release is now officially inevitable.

Full update on Tumblr. Thank you for all your patience :hugs: :white_heart:

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Hi, I rarely comment but wanted to say I’m enjoying it so far. One question though is there any information/lore on the setting beyond what’s in the story. I am still relatively early I think so I apologise if its covered later I just have so many questions about the world.

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Hey, welcome!

I’m so glad you’re enjoying the worldbuilding, that genuinely makes me so happy! At least, I hope you’re enjoying it—if you want to know more, lmao.

I do have a big word doc of lore and the like that I’ve managed to come up with, but, I intend to keep revealing it via the story, rather than a digestible resource on its own. Sorry! I’m hoping it will be more satisfying in the long run, lol.

You know, it’s funny, I originally chose to write a contemporary superhero story because it would be light on worldbuilding—and I was nervous of the prospect.

It didn’t turn out that way, lol.

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That’s completely fine. Just I have so many questions in a good way; I want to read more.

Also as a Brit I love the use of British Slang curses.

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Awesome!

Lol, as a fellow Brit, I can’t help it! Maybe it comes across as exotic to those beyond the island, lmao. But that might be wishful thinking…

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I agree that the info dump a the beginning is a bit overwhelming with all the different names and descriptions but once I got situated in it flew really smoothly was great to read. I really loved the interactions with the characters they are all fun and distinct from each other. You have great humor as well!!

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Oh, thank you so much! :white_heart:

I’m looking at tweaking the RF South introduction, making it more clearly thematic to be a little overwhelmed with the new faces.

Hopefully should work better :slight_smile:

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