Iyanu’s vibrancy is infectious. This new animated series from Cartoon Network is a must watch. Iyanu spends her life as an outsider, longing for normalcy. But she learns normal was never her destiny. She embarks on a hero’s journey where she has to come to terms that she will be the one to unite the kingdom.
Drawing on Nigerian culture, music, and mythology, the 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 attention to detail in the animation also sets this series apart from others like it, along with the world building we see within Yorubaland. The attention taken to each character all the way down to those in the background is impressive. This depth highlights just how different and unique we all are, showing that we are not a monolith. We are multi-dimensional and multifaceted. Every part of the animation moves the viewer. The kingdom of Yorubaland is also a character in the story.
Adapted from Roye Okupe’s graphic novel series “Iyanu: Child of Wonder” and published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics (the powerhouse behind “The Umbrella Academy” and “Hellboy”), the series 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, a leading Black-owned animation studio in North America.
Iyanu’s Message is Universal
Sometimes it takes the younger generation to fix what the adults refuse to. Iyanu shows an understanding of their target audience. Kids are smarter than adults give credit for – often treated as if they are not smart enough to understand certain aspects of life due to their age.
The series trusts that kids understand how the world works when people are untrustworthy. They can see when someone is discriminated against due to their race or class. Kids understand how it feels to be an outcast. They find empathy for those who don’t like you or agree with you are the measure of a person. A message a lot of kids and adults still have to learn.
Iyanu premieres April 5 at 9:30am ET/PT, and will stream on MAX April 6.
