Bronze Faces #4 (of 6)
Written Shobo and Shof Coker, Illustrated by Alexandre Tefenkgi (Boom Studios,
July 2025)
Synopsis
A comrade falls, and the team does not even have time to mourn their passing as blaring sirens signal that the law is not far behind. In the bloody aftermath, the group threatens to splinter, each emerging faction forming their own strategy for the British Museum Heist. But they won’t be the only ones with a plan in motion… as Detective Lai uncovers a crucial piece of evidence that will set the stage for an explosive confrontation.
We Wear the Masks
As I’m reading issue 4 of Bronze Faces, I’m having one of those moments where the penny drops and things begin to fall into place. It’s kind of like when the detective in Usual Suspects realizes he was speaking to Keyser Söze the whole time.
I’ve been so obsessed with the Ogiso crew liberating Nigerian artifacts, I may have lost sight of the larger commentary on identity and belonging. Maybe the bronze Benin masks were simply an allegory for the masks we wear that hide our true selves.
Shof and Shobo Coker’s Shakespearean tragedy continues to take several twists and turns. In this issue, we learn that Sango’s real name is Eben; traditionally a boy’s name. However, it’s unclear if this revelation, and subsequent discussions of gender fluidity in African cultures, has any real bearing on this story. Shobo and Shof remain reticent in revealing the entire backstory of our three main heroes: Gbonka, Sango, and the recently deceased Timi.
What is clear from the story’s flashback, however, is that Sango and Rose share a history of being social pariahs. And this desire to reclaim their cultural history may be an attempt to “rewrite their stars.”
Weathering the Storm
Unfortunately, Sango’s capricious nature and jealousy has totally upended the group’s plans. Like the Yoruba God, her tumultuous mood hangs over them like a storm cloud, leading to the volatile conclusion we witness in this chapter.
Shof and Shobo’s dramatic narrative demands every ounce of Alexandre Tefenkgi’s creative ability. In turn, he provides another award-winning performance, transitioning from flashbacks, action scenes, and pivotal exchanges in the story with relative ease and clarity.
What Did I Miss?
My only criticism of this series remains that I always feel one step behind the story. Whether I’m missing obscure cultural and social cues or story plots are slow to develop, I’m constantly wanting more from each issue.
At this point, however, I’ve concluded that this is by design. This narrative embraces the true nature of episodic storytelling in the comic book medium in such a way that I’m anxious for each subsequent issue to arrive.
Bronze Faces #4 (of 6)
A dramatic story with captivating art.
Deep Thematic Exploration
Complex Character Development
Engaging Narrative Twists
Outstanding Artistry
Intentional Episodic Storytelling
Pacing Can Feel Slow/Obscure
Imani Lateef of Peep Game Comix created Black Comix Universe to celebrate and discover the work of Black comic book creators. He highlights current talent with his monthly reviews, showcase historical gems with Black Comic Keys and shares his personal collecting journey through blogs, social media, and his weekly newsletter.
Related Articles
Thicker than Blood: Sheldon Allen’s They Choose Violence #1 Review
An in-depth review of ‘They Choose Violence,’ a revenge fantasy that challenges traditional vigilante narratives. Discover how Sheldon Allen’s story empowers marginalized characters while exploring the unforeseen consequences of justified violence. Perfect for readers seeking intelligent, empowering tales beyond simple retribution.
Comic Book Movie Magic: Bloodletter #1 Review
Dive into our action-packed review of Joseph Illidge’s Bloodletter comic! Discover why Tasha Thornwall’s quest for revenge against Spawn is “movie magic on paper.”
Priest regains the Black Panther throne: The World to Come #1 Review
In the spirit of virtual insanity, I’d suggest that Christopher Priest’s “The World to Come” series is, in fact, an attempt to prove he’s the rightful heir to the Marvel Black Panther throne, and Issue #1 is his “best right cross.”
