Bronze Faces: TAKE 10! – BOOM! Studios

Stealing Heritage: The Heist at the British Museum

Undoubtedly, the creative minds behind New Masters are stirring the pot once more. Shobo and Shof blend their rich Nigerian roots with evocative storytelling in their upcoming graphic novel, BRONZE FACES, set to launch in 2025 via BOOM! Studios. Partnering with Eisner Award-winning illustrator Alexandre Tefenkgi, colorist Lee Loughridge, and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, they craft an exhilarating narrative steeped in mythology, history, and the harrowing echoes of colonialism.

In Soho, London, three estranged childhood friends, Timi, Sango, and Gbonka, find themselves reunited. The occasion? The British Museum’s purchase of Timi’s late father’s artwork, a move they deem audacious cultural theft. After a night drenched in outrage and alcohol, a plan hatches: steal back the artwork themselves. But as they uncover "The Register," detailing colonial-era stolen artifacts, their sights shift to the Benin Bronzes. This clandestine cache of nearly 1,500 pieces from the Kingdom of Benin lies within the Museum’s walls.

The Art of Challenges

For Shobo, crafting engaging set pieces presented a significant hurdle. Classics offer many spy tropes, yet making heists feel fresh remains a daunting task. Ultimately, Shobo takes pride in their escape from the norm, blending drama and action. Shof tunes into his uninhibited artistic voice, while Alexandre Tefenkgi focuses on character dynamics, ensuring individuality shines through in this creative dance.

Unmasking ‘Bronze Faces’

The title "Bronze Faces" is steeped in depth. It signifies the quest for Black visibility and identity as well as the transformational power of masks and personas. Naturally, the iconic Benin Bronzes are central to the narrative. As Shobo succinctly puts it, sometimes, a title just sounds cool.

A Heist in Quick Quips

So, what’s the elevator pitch for this epic saga? Shof imagines the Benin Bronzes speaking conspiratorially from their sterile museum home, urging bold action. Accompanied by Fela Kuti’s beats and swiftly-don Reebok classics, the bronzes beckon for their journey, back through Heathrow and onward to Nigeria.

Creative Corners

The artists behind BRONZE FACES dive into personal creativity spaces with distinctive styles. Shobo’s serene office is an evolution from cramped beginnings, offering inspiration by a rolling green lawn. Tefenkgi’s workspace thrives off natural light and dynamic tools, aiding in his expressive character portrayals. Each space breathes creativity, ready to welcome the next chapter.

The Wells of Inspiration

Shobo’s influences include literary classics by Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe, paired with contemporary research materials. Meanwhile, Shof finds richness in the stories of diaspora experiences and mythical African tales. For AT, diverse storytelling and compelling visuals inspire his artistic journey, ranging from modern mangas to intricate graphic novels.

Consumption and Comfort

Reading preferences mirror personal escapes into imagined worlds. Shobo craves silence, albeit artificially achieved through noise-canceling earbuds. Shof prefers the tranquility of a park, and AT winds down in the quiet of the night. Snacks and drinks? Coffee and tea fuel the authors’ pens, while dry chili seaweed and aloe vera drinks energize AT’s creative spirit.

Casting Imaginations

In a dream adaptation of BRONZE FACES, Shobo envisions actors like Lashana Lynch and Toheeb Jimoh bringing characters to life. Shof adds Cynthia Erivo and Folake Olowofoyeku to this cinematic dream team. Their collective energy sets the stage for a compelling screen presence.

Words of Wisdom

Shobo advises the protagonists to craft their destinies without fear, knowing history does not favor villainy. Shof’s encouragement? Simply be enough. AT underscores the importance of communication and releasing grudges, fostering growth over bitterness.

BRONZE FACES #1 shall grace comic stands on February 5, 2025. Seek it at your local comic shop or digitally via preferred platforms like Kindle and Google Play. Prepare for a masterpiece that speaks volumes about culture and history, in an adventure that echoes through time.