Tag Archives: Karama Horne

NYCC 2024: IYANU gets the spotlight with new trailer, clips and more!

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At New York Comic Con, Cartoon Network, Max, and Lion Forge Entertainment released the first feature trailer for the highly-anticipated series Iyanu. In this trailer, viewers are treated to a breathtaking introduction to the series’ captivating story based on Nigerian culture and mythology. The scene opens in a lush, vibrant landscape, where the main characters, Iyanu and Biyi, find themselves in a heart-pounding moment of peril when tranquility is shattered by the thunderous charge of a wild rhino, a powerful symbol of nature’s raw force. Then, in a stunning display of courage and intuition, Iyanu channels the ancestral wisdom of her heritage, stopping the rhino in its tracks and unveiling her true nature as the chosen one.

The series adapted from the popular graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Roye Okupe published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics set to premiere on Cartoon Network and Max in Spring 2025.

This feature trailer made its debut during the show’s “IYANU: Lion Forge Brings African Fantasy to Cartoon Network” panel at NYCC.

The event brought together key creative members behind the series, including the show’s creator, lead writer, voice director, and episodic director for the first time—a testament to the series’ truly global production spanning four continents. This unprecedented gathering offered attendees rare insights into the intricate process of casting and directing animation and voice actors across the world, providing a glimpse into the making of this global phenomenon.

Panelists from the “Iyanu” series Included:

  • Roye Okupe –Creator, Executive Producer and Showrunner
  • Paula Gammon Wilson – Voice and Casting Director for “Iyanu” 
  • Darnell Johnson – Episodic Director
  • Brandon Easton – Story Editor and Writer
  • Karama Horne – Moderator – Lion Forge Integrated Marketing Lead

Iyanu will premiere in Spring 2025 on Cartoon Network and Max in the US, and will stream exclusively on Showmax across 44 African countries. The global distribution of the series reflects its universal appeal, and with the passionate audience at New York Comic Con—known for its love of fantasy, animation, and comics—this unveiling perfectly aligns with the show’s ambition to bring a fresh African fantasy narrative to fans who appreciate imaginative storytelling and diverse content.

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 Nigerian voice cast is led by Serah Johnson as Iyanu and includes:

  • 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

Lion Forge Entertainment heads to Virtuous Con with an exclusive first look at ‘Iyanu’ Animated Series

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Iyanu

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 Website General Admission $30 | General Admission with Gift Box $75

Marvel Voices: Wakanda Forever is an excellent set of stories

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Marvel Voices: Wakanda Forever

When Black Panther: Wakanda Forever debuted last year, we all waited with baited breath to see how they would address Chadwick Boseman’s passing. As the story addressed it, to showing how those left behind, stayed affected. As it created divisions amongst the nation, where none laid before. I was probably the most realistic depiction of grief , that had not ever been seen.

The film also talked about the importance of legacy. As Shuri struggled to lead her family, everything around her, crumbled. She also found out that she had a nephew, Tchalla II. In this gorgeous one shot timed to be released for Black History Month, we get Marvel Voices: Wakanda Forever, where we see the world of Wakanda like we have never seen before.

In “The Introduction”, the brilliant Frederick T. Joseph explains exactly what type of impact the Black Panther movies have had worldwide but also on the Black diaspora. In “The Old Ways” T’Challa visits the Ancestral Plane, to seek guidance on his future as Wakanda’s leader, as he soon learns he must win the battle within first. In “The Education Of Changamire”, we find that wisdom does not always in those who hold power, but those who keep the faith. In “Remember The Name”, Shuri sees a vision of how she dies,  and accepts it full heartedly   . In “The Illusion Of Fairness”, a Dora Milaje initiate finds out size has nothing to do with fight, but outsmarting your opponent is always key. In the final story “The Last Black Panther”, we find out how the world ends, and how Wakanda lives on despite .

Overall, Marvel Voices: Wakanda Forever is an excellent set of stories that showcases the ingenuity of  world building in the Black Panther mythos. The stories by the different creators are exciting. The art by the different creators are dazzling. Altogether, it’s a set of stories that will leave fans excited to have returned to Wakanda.

Story: Karama Horne, Adam Serwer, Murewa Ayodele, Dr. Sheena C. Howard, Juni Ba
Art/Ink: Alitha E. Martinez, Todd Harris, Dotun Akande, Marcus Williams, Juni Ba
Color: Rachelle Rosenberg, Jordie Bellaire, Dee Cunniffe, Marcus Williams, Chris O’Halloran
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Explore Wakanda this November with Marvel’s Voices: Wakanda Forever #1

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The next edition of Marvel’s Voices anthology series, Marvel’s Voices: Wakanda Forever, hits stands next month! Honoring Black History Month, Marvel’s Voices: Wakanda Forever #1 will feature five all-new stories spotlighting the iconic heroes of Wakanda as they are brought to life by an incredible lineup of Black creators, including fresh talent making their exciting Marvel Comics debuts! Today, fans can get a sneak peek at the stories that await and check out all four Marvel’s Voices: Wakanda Forever #1 variant covers!

Here are the tales of myth, adventure, strife, and more that readers can look forward to, each one expanding the inimitable world of Wakanda in fascinating new ways!

  • T’Challa’s grandfather, Azzuri, learns a lesson as a teenager that will have a dramatic impact on Wakanda’s present in a moving story by writer Adam Serwer (Wakanda) and Marvel Studios storyboard artist Todd Harris!
  • It’s the debut of the LAST Black Panther in the far future of Wakanda in a revelatory tale written and drawn by Juni Ba (Black Panther, Image Comics’ Monkey Meat)
  • T’Challa must grapple with a crisis of faith and goes through surprising lengths to get through it in a thrilling tale by writer Karama Horne, author of the recent Black Panther: Protectors of Wakanda book, and artist Alitha E. Martinez, known for her work on Black Panther and Miles Morales: Spider-Man
  • Learn what length Shuri will go to in order to protect Wakanda from a devastating attack from a dangerous new foe in an action-packed story by Murewa Ayodele and Dotun Akanda, the team behind the recently announced I Am Iron Man limited series
  • A new Dora Milaje trainee must accomplish one last thing to earn her place: defeat Okoye in combat! Witness this breathtaking battle in this story by Eisner Award-winning writer Sheena Howard and artist Marcus Williams (Tuskegee Heirs)
  • Plus all-new essays, interviews, and bonus material about all things Wakanda! 

Celebrate Black History Month by picking up Marvel’s Voices: Wakanda Forever #1 on February 15.

Marvel celebrates Black History Month with Variant Covers, Backup Stories, and more!

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Marvel has announced some of the exciting things coming as it celebrates Black History Month this February with various new series centered about Black heroes and creators and a new edition of Marvel’s Voices anthology series, Marvel Voices: Wakanda Forever. Fans can discover more about the stories and creators that await in Marvel Voices: Wakanda Forever, check out all four Black History Month Variant Covers, and learn about special Black History Month Backup Stories that will appear in select issues throughout February. 

Marvel Voices: Wakanda Forever #1 will feature five all-new stories spotlighting the iconic heroes of Wakanda and brought to life by an incredible lineup of both fan-favorite creators and talent fresh to the Marvel Universe. Join them as they grow and expand the inimitable world of Wakanda in these tales of myth, adventure, strife, and more!

  • T’Challa’s grandfather, Azzuri, learns a lesson as a teenager that will have a dramatic impact on Wakanda’s present in a moving story by writer Adam Serwer and Marvel Studios storyboard artist Todd Harris!
  • It’s the debut of the LAST Black Panther in the far future of Wakanda in a revelatory tale written and drawn by Juni Ba
  • T’Challa must grapple with a crisis of faith and goes to a surprising ally to help get him through it in a thrilling tale by writer Karama Horne, author of the recent Black Panther: Protectors of Wakanda book, and artist Alitha E. Martinez, known for her work on Black Panther and Miles Morales: Spider-Man
  • Learn what length Shuri will go to in order to protect Wakanda from a devastating attack from a dangerous new foe in an action-packed story by Murewa Ayodele and Dotun Akanda, the team behind the recently announced I Am Iron Man limited series
  • A new Dora Milaje trainee must accomplish one last thing to earn her place: defeat Okoye in combat! Witness this breathtaking battle in this story by Eisner Award-winning writer Sheena Howard and artist Marcus Williams
  • Plus all-new essays and interviews about all things Wakanda! 

In addition, Marvel’s Black History Month Variant Covers are back, giving some of the industry’s most acclaimed artists a chance to spotlight some of the most iconic Black super heroes in fiction. This year, fans can find these stunning covers on four titles and each issue will also have a special backup story starring that very character!

  • Thor #31 will include a teamup story featuring Thor and Black Panther by writer Cheryl Lynn Eaton and artist ChrisCross
  • Moon Knight #20 will see the crescent crusader crosses paths with the Sheriff of the Vampire Nation, Blade in a story by writer Danny Lore and artist Ray-Anthony Height
  • Spider-Man #5 features Spider-Man and Photon in an action-packed adventure by writer Justin A. Reynolds and ChrisCross.
  • Scarlet Witch #2 will see two of Marvel’s biggest powerhouses, Scarlet Witch and Storm, join forces in a story by writer Stephanie Williams and artist Chris Allen

The Quarto Group heads to Baltimore Comic Con 2022

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The Baltimore Comic Con is coming to the Inner Harbor’s Baltimore Convention Center on October 28-30, 2022. Tickets for admission and VIP experiences are online now. The Quarto Group has announced they will be attending Baltimore Comic Con this year! They will be bringing a few authors with them to celebrate their inaugural attendance at the con. They will located at booth #2008.

Quarto will be showcasing their new publishing partner Saturday AM, with Saturday AM cofounder and author Frederick L. Jones present. Jones graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA in Communication Studies. Having worked on nearly every part of product creation, including product marketing, product development, and brand management, Frederick combined his experience with his lifelong love of anime to create the diverse manga brand Saturday AM in 2013. He is the author of The Massively Multiplayer World of Ghosts, Yellow Stringer, and Clock Striker, and will be signing all three books on Saturday at 11am at the Quarto booth #2008.

In addition to the Saturday AM crew, Karama Horne (@theblerdgurl) will be present to talk about and sign Protectors of Wakanda: A History and Training Manual for the Dora Milaje. Horne is a culture journalist, podcaster, host, and critic parked at the intersection of geekdom and diversity. She has bylines at Marvel.com, Rotten Tomatoes, NERDIST, Mashasble, SYFYWIRE, and The Wrap. Protectors of Wakanda is her first novel, set in the world of the Black Panther Universe, and hits bookshelves Fall of 2022. Horne will be signing at Quarto booth #2008 on both Saturday at 1pm and Sunday at 2pm, respectively.

Marvel’s Voices podcast returns for a Sixth Season

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Angélique Roché returns as the host of the popular Marvel’s Voices original podcast series with a thrilling new lineup of Marvel guests! In the all-new sixth season, a variety of storytellers join Angélique and select guest hosts for in-depth conversations about their creative processes, collaborations, and professional journeys, painting a full picture of the diversity of the Marvel Universe. Fans can listen to new episodes every Thursday on the SXM App, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
 
This season’s theme, “Marvel: A Window to Our World,” focuses on the global influences on the Marvel Universe. Throughout the eight episodes, the hosts and guests dive into how a variety of cultures and mythologies have played a key role in the creation of Marvel characters, and how their cultures and nationalities have influenced stories within the Marvel Universe.  
 
And while Marvel comics have made their way around the world for decades in English and dozens of other languages, the rise of digital comics has given access to many more readers worldwide. Marvel has not just become the world outside our window, but a window to our world, reflecting global culture and talent.   
 
The new season kicks off with Janice Chiang, the first Chinese-American woman letterer at Marvel. The remaining episodes feature an incredible roster of creators including Nigerian artist Adedotun Akande and writer Murewa Ayodele, Japanese comic creator Peach Momoko, South African writer and musician Mohale Mashigo, Juni Ba a writer hailing from Senegal and France, Argentine-American comic writer Fabian Nicieza, and Alejandra Lopez, the Puerto Rican director of the Spanish-language audio series “Wolverine: La Larga Noche.”  

In addition to the impressive line-up of talent, the upcoming Marvel’s Voices season will feature several “Creator-Led Conversations,” in which former Marvel’s Voices guests and current Marvel writers will guest host the show to talk with other creators about their work, careers, and current projects. The guest hosts include Karama Horne, Marika Hashimoto, and Tochi Onyebuchi. 

The weekly 8-episode series is produced by Isabel Robertson and Kara McGuirk-Allison, and executive produced by Jill Du Boff. 

Additionally, the Marvel’s Voices initiative is expanding into consumer products, with Walmart’s exclusive Marvel’s Voices artist capsule collection that spotlights the work, contributions, and lived experiences of Marvel creators and fans of color, as well as products from the Black Panther Legacy program. Created by artists Nardstar and Damion Scott, the new capsule collection features Walmart-exclusive Funko collectibles with additional exclusives coming later this year. Fans can learn more about the artists and new items, check out exclusive content, and shop the wider Legacy product assortment online at Walmart’s Marvel Hub! 

Learn what it takes to join their ranks. Protectors of Wakanda: A History and Training Manual of The Dora Milaje out in September

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Protectors of Wakanda: A History and Training Manual of The Dora Milaje

Publishing September 20, 2022, Protectors of Wakanda: A History and Training Manual of The Dora Milaje, by Karama Horne, takes you inside Wakanda’s elite, all-female guard—to learn what it takes to join their ranks.

In this exclusive, in-world manual, you’ll step inside this elite society of women warriors and discover what it’s like to train as member of the Dora Milaje. Recruited from across all tribes, the selected initiates undergo intense training, both physical and mental.

Passed down from elder Dora to initiates, with entries by General Okoye, Princess Shuri, and Queen Mother Ramonda, Protectors of Wakanda reveals not only the history and foundation of the unit, but collects the strategy, weapons, and combat training as well as the code of honor and nuances of service required to protect the Black Panther and the nation of Wakanda.

Added commentary and guidance from notable warriors, such as Mistress Zola, Ayo, Aneka and M’yra, fill the margins of this treasured text.

Find out if you have what it takes to become a member of the Dora Milaje and bring honor to your tribe!

“The Artist’s Experience: from Brotherman to Batman” shares insights into the creative process of top African-American comic book artists

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The Society of Illustrators has announced a dynamic new installation coming to the museum that delves between the pages of comic books and explores the artists’ process. “The Artist’s Experience: From Brotherman to Batman” on display from June 15 through October 29, 2022. The exhibit celebrates some of the top African-American artists in the comic book industry, and was co-curated by renowned culture journalist and writer Karama Horne and Eisner Award-nominated artist and writer Shawn Martinbrough, whose work will be featured along with over sixteen other talented artists. 

This special exhibition showcases the works of independent and mainstream creators, such as Dawud Anyabwile, founder of the landmark Brotherman Comics, the longest running, independently published American Black comic book and Eisner Award-winning, DC Comics and Marvel artist Denys Cowan, co-founder of Milestone Media.

Also featured are Eisner Award-winning artists Afua Richardson, Alitha Martinez and John Jennings, as well as veteran artists Larry Stroman and Darryl Banks.

Artwork from award-winning artist Ronald Wimberly, founder of the experimental art magazine THE LAAB (whose Prince of Cats graphic novel is currently being adapted to film by Spike Lee), Khary Randolph, Jamal Igle, Micheline Hess, Sanford Greene, Eric Battle, Marcus Williams, Chuck Collins, Damion Scott and Robyn Smith will all be on display, as well.

“The Artist’s Experience: From Brotherman to Batman” runs from June 15, 2022 to October 29, 2022, with a Juneteenth Opening Night Celebration on June 16th from 6pm-9pm at the Society of Illustrators located at 128 East 63rd Street New York, NY.

DC Announced as an Official sponsor of Virtuous Con

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Virtous Con

Virtuous Con has announced that international comic book publisher DC is an official sponsor and virtual vendor of the virtual convention launching live worldwide on February 20 and 21 along with several new special guests. Including Eisner Award-winning artist Alitha Martinez (World of Wakanda, Immortal Wonder Woman)​ and Robyn Smith (Wash Day, NUBIA: Real One)​ , who will both join previously announced guest, award-winning writer L. L. McKinney (A Blade So Black, Immortal Wonder Woman, NUBIA: Real One)​ on the panel “Nubia is Back! The DC Storytellers who reintroduced Wonder Woman’s Sister”. ​ Live host and culture journalist ​Karama Horne (SYFYWIRE, theblerdgurlLIVE, NERDIST)​ will moderate the panel.

Founded by award-winning science fiction writer Cerece Rennie Murphy, Virtuous Con: Black History Month will feature indie artists and exhibitors in a live interactive virtual space dedicated to science fiction, fantasy, comic books,
anime and more.

Martinez, Smith and Horne will join previously announced guests YA author Daniel José Older (Shadowshaper Cypher, Star Wars: The High Republic​), artist, editor and founder of Megascope imprint John Jennings (Black Comix Returns, Kindred: A Graphic Novel), writer and H1 imprint co-founder Kwanza Osajyefo (BLACK, Ignited) and Nigerian comic creator and founder of YouNeek Studios Roye Okupe (E.X.O. The Legend of Wale Williams, Malika).

February will not be Virtuous Con’s premier convention. Murphy successfully beta-tested the event in October 2020 with a small group of attendees and vendors on the Remo platform, customized to support the convention. Virtuous Con still has a few tables left for vendors, but programming space is limited. For details about vending, panels, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://virtuouscon.com/.

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