Bronze Faces #2: Trouble on the Tracks
Creative Team
writer: SHOBO & SHOF
artist: ALEXANDRE TEFENKGI
colorists: LEE LOUGHRIDGE
letterer: HASSAN ETSMANE-ELHAOU
publisher: BOOM! STUDIOS
Reviewed by Seth Adrian Romo
Bronze Faces is a fast-paced series that combines exhilarating heists with commentary on colonialism and culture.
After pulling off an art heist at the British Museum, childhood friends Sango, Timi, and Gbonka find a document with a list of stolen Nigerian artifacts. With a new mission, they set their sights on an art deal on the Kano Express.
Fictional heists often revolve around revenge, winning back a past love, or because fast cars are cool. In the case of Bronze Faces, the heists are deeply entrenched in personal frustrations of countries having their history on display in the museums of their once former oppressors.
This unique angle is what makes Bronze Faces shine—but it also serves as a reminder that despite the quick moments and action, this series is best experienced at a steady pace.
Written by Shobo & Shof, this series has complex characters, family drama, and in the case of this issue—subtle humor with the other team members.
The character designs are excellent as the art from Alexandre Tefenkgi create beautiful tapestries of panel design and cinematic moments, while the colors from Lee Loughridge add stunning color palettes that are warm and inviting.
I would argue Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou is doing some of his best work as the dialogue and flash of text effects add fun energy while also adding context to where the scene is taking place.
Collectively this issue has everything you’d want in a heist story, such as the slight of hand tricks and masked bandits whose vibes are just “cool.”
While the story is entertaining, some readers may find a lot is happening at once. For me personally, I had to pause and go back as some of the time shifts are a little jarring. However, readers who aren’t in a rush will be rewarded as every moment big and small is worth soaking in. There are nice nods to Nigerian mythology, other heist stories such as train robberies from western films, and fans of Casa del Papel will appreciate the mask style as it feels very similar.
Final Verdict
Bronze Faces is an exciting fusion of rich culture, slick heists, and great storytelling. Issue #2 ups the stakes by dropping readers in the middle of an old-school train robbery gone wrong, as the team has grown and so has their ambition.
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Writing | 8.8 |
| Story/Plot | 9.5 |
| Art/Line Work | 9.5 |
| Colors | 9.5 |
| Final Score | 9.3/10 |