The hit graphic novel series from YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics, the inspiration for the new Cartoon Network/Max animated series, is ready to dazzle fans and newcomers in a fantastic new oversized hardcover edition collecting Volumes 1 and 2.Iyanu: Child of Wonder Library Edition Volume 1 is written by creator Roye Okupe, 2020 Glyph Comics Awards winner, for Best Female Character, YALSA 2021 Great Graphic Novel for Kids selection, and 2022 Nommo Award Winner for Best Graphic Novel! Volume one art and covers by Godwin Akpan, volume 2 art by Chima Kalu, and letters by Spoof Animation.
Iyanu, a teenage orphan with no recollection of her past, suddenly discovers that she has abilities that rival the ancient deities told of in the folklore of her people. These abilities are the key to bringing back an “age of wonders,” as Iyanu begins her journey to save a world on the brink of destruction. The Corrupt—cursed wildlife and strange, divine beasts—are determined to destroy humanity unless Iyanu can stop them. A timeless fantasy quest inspired by Yoruba culture and myths—from the best Nigerian comics talent!
Connect with Iyanu and adventure through a world of folklore and fantasy as Iyanu: Child of Wonder Library Edition Volume 1arrives in a gorgeous hardcover (256 pages, 8×12.1875″) edition in bookstores and comic shops on August 19 and 20, 2025, for $49.99. Pre-order now from TFAW, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your local comic shop or bookstore.
Cartoon Network and Max have announced that the animated series Iyanu will premiere on Cartoon Network Saturday, April 5 at 9:30 AM ET/PT, and the following day on Max. The network and streamer also released the premiere feature trailer giving audiences another glimpse into the captivating story based on Nigerian culture and mythology.
Adapted from Roye Okupe’s graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder—published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics – the show is helmed by Roye Okupe himself, who was born and raised in Nigeria and now serves as Creator, Executive Producer and Showrunner. The series is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment.
Drawing on Nigerian culture, music, and mythology, the animated series follows Iyanu, a brave young orphan living in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland. While studying history and ancient arts, she yearns for a normal life—until a looming threat awakens divine powers not seen since the legendary Age of Wonders. Accompanied by newfound friends Biyi, Toye, and a magical leopard named Ekun, Iyanu sets out to uncover the source of this evil, unlocking her destiny along the way.
The talented all-African Iyanu voice cast includes: Serah Johnson as Iyanu Okey Jude as Biyi, Iyanu’s carefree adventurer friend Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye, Iyanu’s bookworm companion Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Olori Blossom Chukwujekwu as Kanfo, Toye’s father Stella Damasus as Sewa Shaffy Bello as Emi – The One Mother Ike Ononye as Elder Alapani
Previously announced streaming partner Showmax has set its launch date for June 13, when the entire first season of Iyanu will be available across 44 African countries. Recently announced partner ITVX will also stream the series across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland this summer.
The show’s executive producers are David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands and Matt Heath from Lion Forge Entertainment, Roye Okupe of YouNeek Studios, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and Doug Schwalbe of Superprod.
Dark Horse Books and YouNeek Studios presentIyanu: Child of Wonder Volume 4, continuing the epic fantasy saga. This new volume expands the lore of African fantasy and superhero stories from the shared YouNeek YouNiverse. Iyanu: Child of Wonder Volume 4 is written by Roye Okupe, illustrated by Sunkanmi Akinboye, colored by Toyin Ajetunmobi, lettered by Spoof Animation, with cover art by Akinboye and cover art colors by Godwin Akpan. The epic graphic novel saga of Iyanu is now set to be an animated series, coming soon to HBO MAX/Cartoon Network.
In this series suited for readers age 12 and up, Iyanu must face her destiny and save all of Yorubaland with help from her friends. Among them are Biyi, a carefree adventurer; Toye, the bookworm; and Ekun, the magical and opinionated giant leopard. Together, all four, known as Team Chosen, will embark on an epic adventure full of twists, turns, and laughter that will change their lives forever!
Iyanu: Child of Wonder Volume 4 (152 pages, 6.625 x 10.1875”, paperback) will be available in bookstores on March 4, 2025, and in comic shops on March 5, 2025. The book is available for pre-order now at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, TFAW, and wherever books and comics are sold. It will retail for $19.99.
Cartoon Network and Max at San Diego Comic-Con revealed a first-look clip of the highly-anticipated series Iyanu, the epic superhero animated-series steeped in Nigerian culture and mythology, showcasing for the first time a glimpse at the series set to captivate audiences with its magical storytelling and breathtaking visuals. A Lion Forge Entertainment production, Iyanu is an adaptation of Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios’ graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder by award-winning Nigerian creator and filmmaker Roye Okupe.
The clipwas exclusively revealed during the “Crafting IYANU: An Inside Look at Lion Forge Entertainment’s Animated Series” panel at San Diego Comic Con which featured some of the creative team, including Roye Okupe (EP/Creator/Director), Vincent Edwards (Supervising Director), Brandon Easton (Story Editor/Writer), Kerri Grant (Writer), Vincent Edwards (Supervising Director), as well as moderator/host Karama Horne.
Iyanu is a superhero tale set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, which draws from Nigerian culture, music and mythology. Drawing deeply from the rich tapestry of Yoruba people, the animated series follows a teenage orphan girl, Iyanu, who spends her days studying history and ancient arts but yearns for a normal life. One day, responding to danger, she unknowingly triggers her divine powers, the likes of which have not been seen since the Age of Wonders. With newly discovered superpowers, Iyanu joins forces with two other teenagers, Biyi and Toye, as they embark on a remarkable journey to discover the truth about the evil lurking in her homeland. Throughout her adventure, she’ll uncover the truth about her past, her parents, and her ultimate destiny to save the world.
The talented voice cast is led by Serah Johnson as Iyanu, a teenage heroine who must uncover the mystery behind her newfound powers to save her people from an ancient curse threatening to destroy humanity. In Addition to Johnson, the “Iyanu” voice cast also includes Okey Jude (“Hotel Labamba,” “The Governor’s Daughter”) as Biyi, Iyanu’s carefree adventurer friend, Samuel Kugbiyi (“Tafiya Lafiya: The Journey”) as Iyanu’s bookworm friend Toye, Adesua Etomi-Wellington (“King of Boys,” “Gangs of Lagos”) voices Olori; Toye’s father Kanfo is voiced by Blossom Chukwujekwu (“Falling,” “Stolen Lives”); Stella Damasus (“Gone”) plays Sewa; Shaffy Bello (“The Score,” “Battleground”) voices Emi – The One Mother; and Ike Ononye (“Doc Martin,” “The Lovers”) is Elder Alapani.
Iyanu is slated for release in the US on Cartoon Network and Max in 2025.
Brandon Easton (Transformers: War for Cybertron: Seige, Marvel’s Agent Carter) headed the writers’ room, with Roye Okupe serving as the executive producer, writer, and director on multiple episodes. The show’s Executive producers are David Steward II and Matt Heath from Lion Forge Entertainment, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and Doug Schwalbe.
Cartoon Network and Max have announced the all-Nigerian cast for Iyanu, the epic superhero animated-series steeped in Nigerian culture and mythology. A Lion Forge Entertainment production, Iyanu is an adaptation of Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios’ graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder by award-winning Nigerian creator and producer Roye Okupe.
Leading the voice cast is Serah Johnson as Iyanu, a teenage heroine who must uncover the mystery behind her newfound powers to save her people from an ancient curse threatening to destroy humanity. Johnson, known for her extensive voiceover work within the animation industry and audiobooks, is the first Nigerian and African to win the Society of Voice Arts Award (SOVAS) for Outstanding Animation Character – Film or TV – Best African VoiceOver for her work on “Moji.”
In Addition to Johnson, Iyanu is made up of promising new talent along with experienced and esteemed actors including TV personality and City People Award winner for Fast Rising Male Actor Okey Jude (“Hotel Labamba,” “The Governor’s Daughter”) who joins the cast as Biyi, Iyanu’s carefree adventurer friend. Recognized as the official IVR (Interactive Voice Response) on Nigeria’s largest telecommunications network MTN between 2013 and 2015, Jude also earned an Africa Choice Awards nomination for “The Most Promising Male Movie Star of 2022.” Samuel Kugbiyi, a multifaceted artist with a career spanning from childhood, comes on board as Iyanu’s bookworm friend Toye. Noteworthy among Kugbiyi’s creative endeavors is the acclaimed musical drama “Tafiya Lafiya: The Journey,” where he was both a writer and performer.
African Movie Academy Awards winner and Nollywood actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington (“King of Boys,” “Gangs of Lagos”) will voice Olori, who Vogue named as one of their 14 global superstars in 2019 alongside Scarlett Johansson, Deepika Padukone and Vanessa Kirby; set to play Toye’s father Kanfo is one of Nollywood’s foremost leading men Blossom Chukwujekwu (“Falling,” “Stolen Lives”) who is celebrated with multiple wins and nominations across Nigeria’s award shows like the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Best Of Nollywood Awards, Golden Movies Awards, among others; Nigerian- born entertainer and author of “Màmá, It’s A Girl” Stella Damasus (“Gone”) is set to play Sewa; Shaffy Bello (“The Score,” “Battleground”), a Best of Nollywood Awards nominee, has signed on to voice Emi – The One Mother; and esteemed actor Ike Ononye (“Doc Martin,” “The Lovers”) is Elder Alapani.
Iyanu is a superhero tale set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, which draws from Nigerian culture, music and mythology. Drawing deeply from the rich tapestry of Yoruba people, the animated series follows a teenage orphan girl, Iyanu, who spends her days studying history and ancient arts but yearns for a normal life. One day, responding to danger, she unknowingly triggers her divine powers, the likes of which have not been seen since the Age of Wonders. With newly discovered superpowers, Iyanu joins forces with two other teenagers, Biyi and Toye, as they embark on a remarkable journey to discover the truth about the evil lurking in her homeland. Throughout her adventure, she’ll uncover the truth about her past, her parents, and her ultimate destiny to save the world.
Iyanu is slated for release in the US on Cartoon Network and Max in 2025 and has a 26 episode, two season order.
Brandon Easton (Transformers: War for Cybertron: Seige, Marvel’s Agent Carter) headed the writers’ room, with Roye Okupe serving as the executive producer, writer, and director on multiple episodes. The show’s Executive producers are David Steward II and Matt Heath from Lion Forge Entertainment, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and Doug Schwalbe.
Virtuous Con, the premier online convention celebrating independent Black creators, proudly announces a captivating panel discussion called “The Magic of Iyanu: The Creation of an Animated Series” centered around the highly anticipated animated series, Iyanu.
Sponsored by the Academy Award-winning production studio Lion Forge Entertainment, this exclusive event offers attendees an inside look into the transformation of this groundbreaking show from its comic book origins to its forthcoming animated adaptation currently in development for Cartoon Network. Exclusive images of the series will be shown for the first time during this panel.
Based on the Iyanu: Child of Wonder graphic novel series created by Roye Okupe (YouNeek Studios) and Dark Horse Comics, the story is inspired by West African Yoruba culture. The discussion features Lion Forge Entertainment CEO David Steward II (Hair Love), veteran animation writer and producer Kerri Grant (Doc McStuffins, Ada Twist Scientist), Iyanu lead writer Brandon Easton (Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy) and Okupe is an Executive Producer, a Writer and a Director on the series. The virtual discussion will be moderated by Karama Horne (theblerdgurl) for the event.
This panel will offer fans a unique opportunity to learn about the process of adapting a graphic novel to the small screen as well as revealing an exclusive first look at Iyanu.
“The Magic of Iyanu: The Creation of an Animated Series” is scheduled for Saturday February 24th, 2024 from 3:30 PM ET to 4:30 PM ET online at the Virtuous Con WebsiteGeneral Admission $30 | General Admission with Gift Box $75
Dark Horse Books and YouNeek Studios present the next chapter in the tale of Iyanu in Iyanu: Child of Wonder Volume 3. Writer and head of YouNeek Studios, Roye Okupe is joined by artist Chima Kalu, colorist and cover artist Godwin Akpan, and letterer Spoof Animation to bring you this empowering tale inspired by African culture, history, and mythology.
Iyanu is soon to be an HBO Max/Cartoon Network animated series! The Iyanu tale is part of a shared universe of African fantasy and superhero stories—the YouNeek YouNiverse.
In this new volume, Iyanu makes her way to the Source to save all of Yorubaland from an ancient curse. She has help from her new friends: Biyi, a carefree adventurer; Toye, the bookworm; and Ekun, the magical and opinionated giant leopard! Together, all four—known as Team Chosen—embark on an epic adventure full of twists, turns, and laughs that will change their lives forever!
Iyanu: Child of Wonder Volume 3will be available in bookstores August 22, 2023 and comic shops August 23, 2023. It is available for pre-order now on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and at your local comic book shop and will retail for $19.99.
It’s one of two new comic book days today! What are you all getting? What are you excited for? Sound off in the comments below! While you think about that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web.
Since 2012, Roye Okupe, has been building a universe of superheroes that spans centuries centered around African stories, crafted by African creators. Okupe’s YouNeek Studios graphic novels have joined Dark Horse as part of its’ publishing line.
Dark Horse will be publishing the entire line of previously self-published stories, along with never-before-seen bonus material starting with Malika: Warrior Queen, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, and E.X.O: The Legend of Wale Williams, and continue onward into new and never-before-seen stories.
In Malika: Warrior Queen, Malika inherits the crown from her father, but in the process the kingdom of Azzaz is split in half. After years of civil war, Malika finally unites all of Azzaz, expanding it into one of the largest empires in all of West Africa—but expansion will not come without its costs. Malika: Warrior Queen arrives September 7 2021.
Iyanu: Child of Wonder, the tale follows a teenage orphan with no recollection of her past. Suddenly Iyanu discovers that she has abilities that rival the ancient deities told in the folklore of her people. It is these abilities that are the key to bringing back an “age of wonders,” and Iyanu must begin her journey to save a world on the brink of destruction. Iyanu: Child of Wonder Volume 1 arrives September 21, 2021.
E.X.O.: The Legend of Wale Williams Volume1 is an Afrofuturist superhero story about redemption set in the bustling metropolis that is Lagos, Nigeria. Wale Williams, who moonlights as the tech savy superhero E.X.O tries to save the city from a deadly group of emerging extremists, but first he must save himself. E.X.O.: The Legend of Wale Williams Volume1 arrives October 19, 2021.
