Love’s Train

Bronze Faces #3, arriving on May 28th, largely delivers on the romantic tension promised in my previous review, primarily focusing on the dynamic between Sago, Timi, and Gbonka.

As the characters themselves describe it, it is the only flaw to what seems to be a somewhat successful enterprise; robbing the European art world of the famed Nigerian Benin Bronze artifacts and returning them to their home.

Twin Souls

Timi explains the rivalry between Sango and Gbonka as such: “One minute they’re twin souls, the next, they’d be at each other’s throats.  I’d always end up caught in the middle, trying to keep the peace.”

Liam asks what we all assume, “So they’re fuckin’, is that it?”

While at first blush it appears that straightforward, the Coker brothers skillfully keep the underlying reasons for this tension veiled. Tefenkgi’s artwork effectively portrays the unfolding drama through both beautiful and unsettling imagery, revealing little of the true motivations.

I’ve looked into the Yoruba folklore which serves as the inspiration for this story in hopes of stealing a glimpse as to where it may lead.  It’s not pretty.

While not a direct adaptation, Shobo and Shof appear to have crafted a narrative that echoes the tragic elements of the lore, a feeling that deeply permeates this issue, culminating in its dramatic conclusion.

Back and Forth

The emotional swings aren’t the only things teetering in this issue.  There’s still the moral debate to contend with; does this troupe of thieves known as Ogiso (Kings) truly represent cultural revolution? Or is it all a front for fame and fortune?

Furthermore, the narrative balances universal themes with more personal moments, particularly through Timi’s lyrical diatribes found in each issue, which seem to speak directly to a specific audience. While the full meaning remains somewhat elusive to me, I liken the experience to Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright”—an anthem that feels both broadly accessible and deeply rooted in a particular cultural experience.

While the intense romantic focus occasionally threatens to overshadow the broader narrative, the underlying mysteries and the evocative art of Tefenkgi ensure that Bronze Faces #3 remains a compelling chapter in this unfolding saga. I’m still invested to see where Shobo and Shof take this story.

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