Last month, we reviewed Bronze Faces #1 — an all-new series from Shobo and Shof Coker. We praised the comic for its important commentary on cultural reclamation, while also delivering a gripping, heist story.
This brings us to Bronze Faces issue #2, which gets published by BOOM! Studios on March 12th. This review is completely spoiler-free! The issue kicks off 4 months after the catalytic Soho heist from the debut issue. Now, we’re taken aboard a the Kanu Express, which transports the reader to stunning Mambilla Plateau in Nigeria — all once again through the gorgeous art of Eisner-winning illustrator Alexandre Tefenkgi.
There’s just one thing about the opulent Kanu Express: it’s the most popular hotspot for thieves and criminals to illegally deal and trade all sorts of art. The issue sets the vast majority of its story aboard the train, which is of no issue to me. Who doesn’t love a heist story on a train? If you thought the Soho heist was daring, an attempt to pull off a heist whilst on a moving train is an altogether different challenge.
Not only does a train heist present all sorts of additional challenges, but it also brings about extra tensions between our characters, who each take on opposing strategies. And what’s more, Detective Emily Lai remains on the trail following her ardent investigation into the Soho heist.
I also like the element of social media in the comic. Both Shobo and Shof clearly understand the sheer power and impact that social media, especially live-streaming, has on big movements. It’ll be interesting to see how this thread continues to grow and develop over the course of the series.
Verdict
Once again Bronze Faces delivers a very solid issue. This series is super engaging and a real joy to read. It tells a story that’s completely novel to its core — I’ve never read a comic remotely like it. It’s so refreshing to read something that delves into Nigerian mythology and history, in a narrative that is both hugely entertaining and action-packed, but also important. It raises very real concerns about cultural reclamation.
If you’re enjoying Bronze Faces so far, you might be very interested in checking out our big interview with creators Shobo and Shof Coker, where they talk all about their inspirations and creative direction for Bronze Faces.
