Cartoon Network and Max brought “Iyanu” to the big screen at New York Comic-Con.

On October 19th at New York Comic Con, Cartoon Network, Max and Lion Forge Entertainment, a leading Black-owned animation studio in North America, released the first feature trailer for the highly-anticipated series Iyanu. In this trailer, viewers were treated to a breathtaking introduction to the series’ captivating story based on Nigerian culture and mythology

(MAX)

The NYCC panel event, "IYANU: Lion Forge Brings African Fantasy to Cartoon Network” united creative team members from the series, showcasing the global production's complexity. Attendees gained rare insights into casting and directing animation and voice actors worldwide, revealing the process behind the series which is set to be a global phenomenon.

Panelists from the “Iyanu” series Included:

●      Roye Okupe –Creator, Executive Producer and Showrunner

●      Paula Gammon Wilson – Voice and Casting Director for “Iyanu” 

●      Darnell Johnson – Episodic Director

●      Brandon Easton – Story Editor and Writer

●      Karama Horne - Moderator - Lion Forge Integrated Marketing Lead

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.

(Max)

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The series adapted from the popular graphic novel “Iyanu: Child of Wonder” by Roye Okupe published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics. Fans were also given a chance to meet and greets with some of the talented voice actors of the series during New York Comic-Con.

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

●      Ike Ononye as Elder Alapani

Both critics and fans alike are filled with anticipation well ahead of the release of this new and dynamic series.

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

Check out this sneak peek from Cartoon Network below and keep an eye out for what will surely be a dynamic and entertaining series!