This is a hell of a first issue. Everything already seems like a well-oiled machine amongst the creative team, and the story hooks you in just the right places. If you're looking for a new superhero book outside the Big Two, boy have I got just the thing for you. Read Full Review

The Mantle is an odd comic that is sure to turn some people away due to how common and generic the plot sounds. Boy gets powers, boy has to learn powers, boy fights rival foe. And to be honest, the first half of the comic entirely subscribes to that idea (while simultaneously making fun of it). However, the last quarter of the comic completely sells it and makes me curious for the future of the series considering the fact that Brisson and Level simply do not care about your feelings, your expectations, or giving you a simple story. They're here to shake things up and wreck everything you thought you knew about superhero comics. Read Full Review

“The Mantle” #1 is a solid start to what could end up being one of the very best superhero titles around. With great art and a clever plot twist, this is not a comic to miss. Read Full Review

And that kind of sums up how I feel about the whole book. Is this issue a hit? Not really, especially because of that twist I mentioned, which undoes almost every thing that happens. But the promise of a quality product is there, and I like everything enough to keep trying. As for myself, I'll be here for issue #2. As for you? I feel like you wouldn't be missing much if you just skipped this one and joined me there. Read Full Review

The Mantle #1 is off to a solid start. The premise Brisson is exploring is interesting and innovative. The concept of legacies is one always worth exploring in comics especially if its done with care. Level and Boyd bring a sense of dynamic and kinetic art that is a delight to read. The Mantle #1 is a worthwhile read. Read Full Review

If you love stories that like to twist the idea of a superhero story, then The Mantle is the perfect series for you. Even if you don't normally dive into the superpowered genre, The Mantle is still very accessible for a novice reader. This was an excellent first issue that didn't feel like a first issue. The story unravels naturally and doesn't feel like forced exposition. Everything reads very fluidly and every page looks striking. If the goal was to immediately intriguing story that gets readers wanting more, than The Mantle won. Read Full Review

Ultimately, it's the dialogue " which was a tad clunky and congested at points"and the artwork " which felt too muted " that stops this from being a perfect start to a new series. Read Full Review

There are only so many ideas in the world, and I'm the first to champion solid execution, rather than a novel concept, as a reason to get excited about a comic. And so, while "The Mantle" may feel a little familiar, its tight construction " Brisson's skillful plotting, and Level's cogent mixture of styles " are enough to recommend it. Read Full Review

The Mantle is definitely more than meets the eye. Once you think you know the premise and dynamic of the series the last three pages change everything. With the twist at the end it's hard to accurately predict what the rest of the series is going to be like because of the change in direction, but I prefer that than the rushed plot of this issue. Level backs up the story with excellent art and is one of the main appeals of the comic. I'm hesitant, but on board for the series as of now. Read Full Review

I'm not usually one to give up on a book after one issue, especially when the story has all the right parts. In this case, I think Brisson and Level will get into a groove down the line that might make this a series better read as a trade. I thinkThe Mantle#1 is worth picking up for those that like a twist on the age-old superhero tale. But if you want something a little more thought-provoking with a little more substance, this one might be one to wait on. Read Full Review

What starts off seeming like a cookie-cutter, alternative superhero pulp gets the kind of ending that makes The Mantle a possible gem to watch out for going forward. Read Full Review

It's a fun read, and it can only get better if that tone can be maintained. But, that message can also get exhausting. Time will tell. Read Full Review

I really liked this debut issue and am looking forward to seeing where Brisson takes us in future issues. On the face of it we're not treading completely new ground here. There are added elements that you won't find in a standard superhero book (language and drug use) but the story could have survived pretty much the same without them. There were a could of surprising moments that will get me back for issue #2, I'm keen to see how Brisson kicks this up a notch and makes it stand out even more from the standard superhero book as he carries the story forward. Read Full Review

The dialogue is pretty atrocious, and that is the main reason I find it difficult to recommend this book. It has a lot going for it terms of style and substance, but I cringed so hard at lines like Guy looks meaner than my Step Dad after a night at the pub, cock nozzle and eat fist, dick bag it practically ruined it for me and narrowed the audience down to pre-teen boys. Which is strange, because Brissons recent Murder Book was unquestionably good and not a single line bumped me in that entire anthology. The Mantle on the other hand, is fun, but I cant say it's great. Read Full Review

In terms of ongoing intrigue, I can't help get the feeling that Brisson's played his best card first and that it's downhill from here " quite what he can do after that twist to maintain your attention is anyone's guess, and whilst I'll be delighted to be proven wrong, I can't help but foresee an inexorably downhill slide from here. Certainly worth a look as a self-contained vignette if you're interested in quite what the change-up is, but otherwise, it's perhaps not worth getting invested just yet. Read Full Review

Brisson has proven he can write a tight, twisty plot with previous books like "Sheltered." It's ambitious of him to experiment with the superhero formula. I'm curious to see how the characters, tone and structure will develop in the second issue, but "The Mantle" #1 is a shaky start. Further issues will make or break the title. Read Full Review

Already a huge shock and it's just the first issue. Nice start. Not the most original comic ever but it's a pretty decent read.

Don't like the drug focus, but I'll buy more.