Cartoon Network & Max Sneak Peeks ‘Iyanu’ at NYCC

Today at New York Comic Con, Cartoon Network, Max and Lion Forge Entertainment released a first-look at the new animated series Iyanu, a superhero story based on Nigerian culture and mythology. Watch below!

The preview opens in a lush 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. Tapping into her inner 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 video made its debut during the “Iyanu: Lion Forge Brings African Fantasy to Cartoon Network” panel at NYCC. The event featured key creative members behind the series, including the show’s creator, lead writer, voice director and episodic director — together for the first time due to the series’ production spanning four continents. Attendees were treated to insights into the process of casting and directing animation and voice actors across the globe.

Panelists included:

• Roye Okupe – creator, executive producer and showrunner
• Paula Gammon Wilson – voice and casting director for Iyanu (Pepsqually VO and Sound Design, Inc.)
• Darnell Johnson – episodic director
• Brandon Easton – story editor and writer
• Karama Horne – moderator – Lion Forge Integrated Marketing Lead

Synopsis: 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 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; and Ike Ononye as Elder Alapani.

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.

Iyanu will premiere in Spring 2025 on Cartoon Network and Max in the U.S., and will stream exclusively on Showmax across 44 African countries.