The animated landscape is about to witness a groundbreaking addition with Iyanu: Child of Wonder, an upcoming children’s animated series adapted from the acclaimed Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios graphic novel series. HBO Max, Cartoon Network, and Lion Forge Animation have joined forces to bring this epic superhero tale, rooted in Nigeria’s rich culture, music, and mythology, to screens worldwide.
A Story of Destiny and Adventure
Set in the mystical kingdom of Yorubaland, Iyanu: Child of Wonder follows the journey of a teenage orphan, Iyanu, who has no recollection of her past. Immersed in the study of Yoruba history and ancient art, she dreams of a normal life. However, everything changes when she discovers extraordinary abilities that rival the ancient deities of her people. With an ancient curse threatening humanity, Iyanu must embrace her destiny to save her people.
She does not embark on this journey alone. Alongside her are three steadfast companions:
- Biyi, a carefree adventurer with a daring spirit
- Toye, a bookworm whose intellect provides crucial insights
- Ekun, a magical and opinionated giant leopard
Together, these four form Team Chosen, setting off on an adventure full of challenges, laughter, and self-discovery that will redefine their lives forever.
A Celebration of Nigerian Culture and Mythology
What sets Iyanu apart is its deep cultural roots. Created by Nigerian filmmaker Roye Okupe, the series is heavily influenced by the folklore, history, and mythology of the Yoruba people. The narrative captures the grandeur and mysticism of ancient West Africa, presenting an authentic and immersive world for audiences of all ages.
According to Okupe, Iyanu was born from his love for fantasy and a desire to highlight African mythology in a way that resonates globally. “When I set out to create Iyanu for a global audience, I wanted to develop a world that combined everything I love about the fantasy genre with the majesty and awe that is ancient West Africa,” Okupe shared.
Notably, Godwin Akpan, the talented illustrator of the original graphic novels, will serve as the art director, ensuring that the visual aesthetics remain faithful to the source material.
The Powerhouse Behind the Animation
Lion Forge Animation, a Black-owned studio dedicated to inclusive storytelling, is leading the production of Iyanu. The studio, known for its Academy Award-winning short film Hair Love, is committed to ensuring authenticity and diversity in animation. Founder David Steward II emphasized the importance of representation in storytelling, stating, “The authenticity of the Iyanu story means everything to us and aligns perfectly with our mission to create and deliver inclusive content to global audiences.”
With the collaboration of HBO Max, Cartoon Network, and Lion Forge Animation, Iyanu: Child of Wonder promises to be a thrilling addition to the growing representation of African narratives in mainstream media.
A Bold Step for African Fantasy
The adaptation of Iyanu into an animated series marks an exciting moment for African-inspired fantasy. With a compelling storyline, rich world-building, and dynamic characters, the series is poised to captivate audiences worldwide while introducing them to the beauty and depth of Yoruba mythology.
As the release date approaches, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing Iyanu’s journey unfold on screen. In an era where diverse storytelling is gaining recognition, Iyanu: Child of Wonder stands as a beacon of the rich, untapped potential of African mythology in global entertainment.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting series!
Iyanu chronicles the journey of a teenage orphan girl with no recollection of her past, who suddenly discovers that she has abilities that rival the ancient deities of her people.
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!
HBO Max, Cartoon Network, and Lion Forge Animation announced they are adapting the acclaimed Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios graphic novel series, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, into a children’s animated series.
According to the press release, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, which was created by Nigerian filmmaker Roye Okupe **is “an epic superhero tale steeped in Nigeria’s rich culture, music, and mythology. The series follows a teenage heroine who must uncover the mystery behind her newfound powers to save her people from an ancient curse threatening to destroy humanity.”
Influenced by the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Iyanu: Child of Wonder is set in the majestic kingdom of Yorubaland. The series follows a teenage orphan girl, Iyanu, who is immersed in studying the achievements of the Yoruba people and their ancient art but yearns for a normal life. After responding to danger, her eternal power comes alive. Armed with superpowers, Iyanu connects with two other teenagers as she goes forth on an adventure to change the world.
In a statement, Okupe shared his excitement about adapting his novels into an animated series and he’s also slated to write and direct multiple episodes.
“When I set out to create Iyanu for a global audience, I wanted to develop a world that combined everything I love about the fantasy genre with the majesty and awe that is ancient West Africa,” Okupe said. “On top of that, working with Godwin Akpan, who illustrated the books, as our art director and collaborating with a thoughtful studio-like Lion Forge Animation that prioritizes authenticity and diversity, is beyond belief.”
David Steward II, the founder of Lion Forge Animation, one of the leading Black-owned animation studios (the studio won an Academy Award for *Hair Love*), is overseeing the production.
“The authenticity of the ‘Iyanu’ story means everything to us and aligns perfectly with our mission to create and deliver inclusive content to global audiences,” Steward said.
“A powerful means of accomplishing and sustaining this is through franchise building, and the depth and layers of the Iyanu world allow us to explore and create a beautiful universe on-screen alongside tremendous partners.”
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