BOOM! Studios: TAKE 10! is an interview series asking writers and artists about their new series or graphic novels.
Celebrated authors Shobo and Shof (New Masters) draw from their Nigerian heritage for the heist of a lifetime. Joined by Eisner winning illustrator Alexandre Tefenkgi (The Good Asian), colorist Lee Loughridge, and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, Shobo and Shof bring BRONZE FACES to BOOM! Studios in 2025. Prepare for a story that’s at once an exhilarating adventure and a breathtaking descent into mythology, history, and the horrors of colonialism.
Soho, London. Estranged childhood friends Timi, Sango, and Gbonka reunite on the eve of the British Museum’s historic purchase of the works of Timi’s late father. Timi has been invited as a “guest of honor,” but what the Museum is heralding as a triumphant acquisition, the trio see as nothing short of brazen cultural theft.
Emboldened by a night of drinking and shared outrage, the friends concoct a scheme to steal back the seminal artwork themselves!
But when the trio find themselves in possession of “The Register,” a document outlining dozens of colonial-era stolen artifacts, their sights turn even higher to the Benin Bronzes–the British Museum’s cache of nearly 1,500 works of stolen art from the Kingdom of Benin…
1. What was the most challenging aspect of working on this series?
Shobo: For me, the most challenging aspect was figuring out how to make the set pieces truly engaging. There are countless classic spy tropes to draw from, but staging things like a train or museum heist in a way that feels smart, fresh, and exciting is surprisingly difficult. Ultimately, readers will decide if we succeeded, but I’m incredibly proud of what the creative team has achieved. I think it’s a fun blend of escapism, drama, myth and action.
Shof: Listening to the voice in my head that’s unsuppressed, uninhibited.
Alexandre Tefenkgi: The most challenging aspect of working on this series was developing the characters’ interactions in a way that truly highlighted their individuality. It was important to me to bring out each character’s unique style, personality, and behavior, ensuring that these traits stayed consistent and authentic throughout the story. Balancing these dynamics while weaving them seamlessly into the narrative was both a creative challenge and a rewarding process.
2. Could you explain the title?
Shobo: The title “Bronze Faces” is layered with meaning. It references the need for Black visibility and identity, the symbolic power of masks and shifting personas, and of course, the iconic Benin Bronzes, which are central to the narrative.
Also, let’s be honest, it just sounds cool, doesn’t it?
Shof: Shobo nailed it.
3. What is the elevator pitch for the series?
Shobo: Shof has a killer elevator pitch that I’m genuinely envious of, so I’ll leave it to him to do it justice!
Shof: Benin Bronzes suspended against oppressive white walls. Standing in front of them, they whisper to you loudly, “What if you just took me home- eh? That guard has had one too many fish pies. You can sprint right out this museum o! Four or five of us underhand!” Fela in ears. Propelled by Union Jack- Reebok classics, haha. Through Heathrow and Murtala Mohammed airports, right back HOME!
4. What does your writing and drawing space look like?
Shobo: A year ago, it was a too-tiny dining table in a too-tiny condo. Now, it’s a serene dedicated space.
I’ve got a large desk that makes me feel like I have endless creative possibilities and a window that overlooks a rolling green lawn. It’s peaceful, and I can breathe while I work. I count myself quite lucky.
Shobo: Sketchbooks, lots of books around, and too many post-it notes.
AT: My drawing space is a desk in my bedroom, positioned in front of a big window that brings in plenty of natural light. I do most of my work on an iPad Pro, which gives me the flexibility I need for the details of my illustrations. On my desk, I keep a mirror handy to study and replicate character expressions as I act them out. I also have a camera and a standing stick to play out scenes and capture full-body postures for authenticity. It’s a functional and evolving space—since we’ve moved recently, I haven’t added many decorations yet, but it’s already become a creative corner I feel comfortable in.
5. What was your biggest inspiration for Bronze Faces?
Shobo: A year ago, it was a too-tiny dining table in a too-tiny condo. Now, it’s a serene dedicated space.
I’ve got a large desk that makes me feel like I have endless creative possibilities and a window that overlooks a rolling green lawn. It’s peaceful, and I can breathe while I work. I count myself quite lucky.
Shof: I feel and think of Bronze Faces as a power story so in literature: The mythical story of Sango and his Two Warrior Heroes. And in life: First-hand accounts of diaspora people’s descriptions of their experience in major museums in Europe and North America.
6. What are you reading now and what’s on your pull list?
Shobo: I don’t really have a pull list since I prefer picking as I go, but here’s what I’m reading (Novels and Comics):
For Work and Research:
- A Man of the People by Chinua Achebe
- Anthills of the Savannah by Chinua Achebe
- The Interpreters by Wole Soyinka
- Decolonization: Taking African Agency Seriously by Olufemi Taiwo
- Every Black Panther book from the last 15 years—yup, all of them.
For Pleasure:
Red Sonja: Wrath of the Gods
Valerian and Laureline: The Empire of a Thousand Planets by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières
Shof: Precious Metal in comics and There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
AT: I’m currently catching up on my mangas and comics readings with Mushishi by Yuki Urushibara, as well as Bug Wars by Jason Aaron and Mahmud Asrar. I love distinct storytelling styles and stunning artwork. I’m also reading Portugal by Cyril Pedrosa—a beautifully crafted graphic novel that’s a true masterclass in storytelling and emotion.
7. Describe your ideal way to sit down and read a comic or graphic novel.
Shobo: Ideally? I’d pause time, cast a silence spell on the outside world, and immerse myself completely in the story. Since I’ve been told I can’t do that anymore, I use noise-canceling earbuds.
Shof: At the park.
AF: My ideal way to read a comic or graphic novel is at night, right before bed. There’s something special about winding down in the quiet, letting the artwork and story transport me. It feels like a private moment to fully immerse myself in the world of the comic, with no distractions—a perfect way to end the day.
8. What is your favorite writing/drawing snack or drink?
Shobo: I can’t eat or drink while writing or drawing, I find it too distracting.
I keep a glass of water nearby as a reminder to hydrate, but if I need a break, I’ll get up, move around, and then refocus.
No, wait, I’ve told a lie. Coffee. What does it say about me that I consider coffee neither food nor drink but simply the thing attached to the end of my arm?
Shof: Tea.
AT: My favorite snack while drawing is dry chili seaweed—it’s light, flavorful, and keeps me energized. I also enjoy aloe vera drinks, which are refreshing and help me stay hydrated. I became fond of both during my three years in Vietnam, where they became my creative staples. Luckily they’re available a bit everywhere.
9. Who would you cast in your dream movie or TV adaptation of the series?
Shobo: When we were drafting the pitch for Boom!, I attached certain actors’ faces to the character descriptions to convey their “energy.” While Shof might have different ideas, here’s my lineup:
- Sango: Lashana Lynch
- Timi: Toheeb Jimoh
- Gbonka: Yetide Badaki
Netflix, if you’re reading this, hit us up!
Shof: What Shobo said! Though I’d add Cynthia Erivo and Folake Olowofoyeku to that illustrious list.
10. What piece of advice would you give to the main characters? What about the villains?
Shobo: To the main characters: We’ve tot three (Sango, Timi and Gbonka). I’d say: Each of you fears being trapped by a predetermined fate. My advice? Stop making decisions based on fear. No one writes your story but you.
To the villains: Being on the wrong side of history never ends well. Rethink your choices.
Shof: You are enough.
AT: I would advise the main characters to work on improving their communication. Being open and honest can prevent so many misunderstandings. I’d also encourage them to let go of old grudges. Holding onto the past only fuels their bitterness and prevents them from moving forward.
BRONZE FACES #1 will be available on February 5, 2025 at your local comic shop. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including Kindle, iBooks, and Google Play.
