Youneek Studios, headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, has produced beloved comic series based on African culture. Such titles include Malika: Warrior Queen and E.X.O.: The Legend of Wale Williams. This list also includes Iyanu: Child of Wonders, a fantasy story inspired by Yoruba culture. The books focus on a teen girl trying to protect her homeland from evil. And now, the saga will be coming to Cartoon Network next year.
Summarizing the Iyanu Comic Series
Created by Roye Okupe, the Iyanu graphic novels take place in the kingdom of Yorubaland. Iyanu, the titular character, is the apprentice of a magical warrior named Olori. They live inside the outer ways of the city of Elu, practicing the ancient ways. Everything changes after Iyanu uses her powers to save a boy from a corrupted animal. It turns out the power she wields is more divine than typical magic. Word of Iyanu’s abilities reaches the Oba/King of Elu and orders for her capture.
However, they capture Olori instead, and Iyanu must go on a dangerous journey. She must locate The Source, a legendary place where magic is most potent. It is there she will discover why animals now thirst for human blood. Along the way, Iyanu learns of her past, her parents, and her true destiny. Two other teenagers join her, the troublemaking Biyi and Toye, the aspiring engineer. Ekun, the last of the Divine Beasts, leads and safeguards them.
A Preview of the Upcoming Series
A sneak peek of the Iyanu series premiered on the Cartoon Network YouTube channel. It opens with a voice explaining how the Chosen will rise and restore peace. The next scene changes to Iyanu and Biyi walking through tall grass. They arrive at a clearing with statues depicting animals like gorillas and wild cats. Biyi says they are from the Age of Wonders before recapping their people’s history. Suddenly, a rhinoceros with glowing red eyes appears and charges at them.
Iyanu and Biyi run away, but the rhino pursues them. As the teens flee, a voice tells Iyanu to cleanse the animal. Biyi trips as flowers bloom around the titular protagonist, and her body glows. The rhino collides with Iyanu, but she stops it, and energy swarms their bodies. After everything calms down, Biyi realizes that Iyanu is the Chosen. The sneak peek ends with a montage of scenes coming to the show.
Keeping the Nigerian Influence Alive
Iyanu takes inspiration from Nigerian culture, music, and mythology, mainly from the Yoruba people. The Yoruba is one of the three major Nigerian tribes. Series creator Roye Okupe was born into it, making the books all the more authentic. This aspect is apparent in the characters’ outfits and names, the architecture of Elu, and the soundtrack. The animated show will possess these features to adhere to authenticity.
The Cartoon Network series will feature an all-Nigerian voice cast, adding more to its genuineness. Serah Johnson, the first Nigerian winner of the SOVAS award, will play the titular character. Okey Jude, famous for acting in Hotel Labamba and The Governor’s Daughter, will portray Biyi. Voicing Toye will be Samuel Kugbiyi, who wrote and performed in Tafiya Lafiya: The Journey. And playing Olori, Iyanu’s mentor, will be award-winning Nollywood actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington.
Final Thoughts
Going off the sneak peek, Iyanu looks fascinating and could be a groundbreaking show. It appears to possess a vibe similar to Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender. It might be as successful if done correctly and stays true to its literary roots. People will find out once the series debuts on Cartoon Network in 2025.
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