The trailer for Cartoon Network’s Iyanu blends Nigerian mythology and anime-inspired action

Based on Roye Okupe’s comics series ‌Iyanu: Child of Wonder, Cartoon Network’s latest anime-inspired adventure arrives this April. 

By Matt Schimkowitz  |  February 17, 2025 | 9:02pm
Courtesy of Max
TV News Iyanu
The trailer for Cartoon Network’s Iyanu blends Nigerian mythology and anime-inspired action
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Announced in 2022, Cartoon Network’s long-gestating adaptation of Roye Okupe’s graphic novel series ‌Iyanu: Child of Wonder is finally heading to TV. Dropping the “Child Of Wonder” because it’s cleaner, Iyanu brings the magical kingdom of Yorubaland to life with a new animated series that draws on Nigeran culture, music, and mythology. Originally published as a comic by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics, Okube’s epic follows the titular Iyanu, a Yorubaland orphan who happens to be the chosen one. Born and raised in Nigeria, Okupe assembles a new variation on the young hero’s journeys inspired by Avatar: The Last Airbender with an all-African voice cast to bring it to life.

Here’s the synopsis:

Drawing on Nigerian culture, music, and mythology, the animated series follows Iyanu (voiced by Serah Johnson), 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 (Okey Jude), Toye (Samuel Kugbiyi), and a magical leopard named Ekun, Iyanu sets out to uncover the source of this evil, unlocking her destiny along the way.

Iyanu premieres on April 6 on Max.

 
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