REVIEW: 'Iyanu' Is As Wonderful As It Seems
- Moriba Forde
- Mar 29
- 4 min read
Iyanu is a refreshing saga in the superhero zeitgeist. The series was crafted by artists who wear their hearts on their sleeves, fully confident knowing they are on the verge of introducing an icon the world has been deprived of.
Iyanu is an animated series coming to Cartoon Network, based on Roye Okupe's graphic novel via Dark Horse Comics and Youneek. It follows the titular protagonist, a teenage orphan girl prophesized to save her nation, Yorubaland, from evil forces that have already been corrupting life's natural balance for years. Iyanu possesses a trinity of powers: natural, unnatural, and supernatural. Beyond her enhanced physical attributes, she can manipulate energy at a divine level and command wildlife. No force on Earth can stop her, except herself.
The coming-of-age epic remains relevant to young viewers without getting stuck in the reluctant hero cliché that has been saturating media for years. It beautifully balances familiarity with originality to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Fantasy/Reality: Two Sides Of The Same Coin
Iyanu delivers a compelling tale, unafraid to authentically represent the corruption and classism we face today. The animated series does not water down its subject matter to appeal to its target audience. Instead, it trusts kids to be mature enough to understand the corrupt nature of the world we live in and how we are discriminated against regardless of race or class.
Iyanu (Serah Johnson) is a talented, compassionate, and courageous girl who commands magical abilities with God-like potential, yet none of that matters to the elite. They make their disdain towards her clear from the first episode, shunning her because she is an outsider as far as they are concerned. She has no issues standing up for herself or what's right, but she doubts herself at times, like most heroes her age. What makes her stand out is that she does not doubt her ability to save the world as much as she doubts her place. The way she constantly feels like she does not belong but remains willing to adhere to her responsibilities makes her an equally inspiring and relatable protagonist.
Along the way, she meets kindred spirits, Biyi and Toye, voiced by Okey Jude and Samuel Kugbiyi, respectively. Although they do not share her divine attributes, they are outsiders in one way or another. Biyi is a wanderer with no family, as far as we know. Before Iyaanu, he had no one but himself to keep him company. Unlike Iyanu and Biyi, Toye resides in the Inner City, but he might as well be an outsider. It never feels like he belongs in what is supposed to be his home. He is alone, constantly bullied, and has a strict father who takes a hands-off approach, practicing tough love. The trio invites viewers into the bond they share with open arms because, at the core of Iyanu, is a love letter to anyone feeling like an outcast.
Divine Wonders of Art
In a world where the only good animation on television seems to be found in anime, Iyanu stands out with breathtaking visuals that do justice to the Nigerian culture despite having an anime influence akin to Avatar: The Last Airbender. The animation is beautiful, with an immersive aesthetic and intrinsic nuance and detail given to each character, including ones in the background who do not utter a word. The biggest character of them all is Yorubaland. Yes, the setting is a character as far as I am concerned. The land is inviting, with a personality of its own and a nature as majestic as the Garden of Eden. You can feel its love for the people and the sorrow it feels when corruption runs deep in the land.
On the auditory side, the music is infectious, and the dialect organically reflects Nigerian heritage. It is difficult not to be moved by every beat, or to feel unwelcomed by the conversations the protagonists share. The energetic and relatable natures of the series travel by sound and just as fast.
Wonder Rises With The Sun
Iyanu is a fantastic addition to Cartoon Network. The series is an incredible adventure into a Nigerian land, a showcase of their talent and culture, and a reminder of how dark the world can be, there will always be light that never loses its shine.
Rating: ★★★★☆
About Iyanu
Premiere Date: April 5, 2025
Episode Count: 13
Executive Producer/Showrunner: Roye Okupe
Writer: Brandon Easton
Directors: Vincent Edwards, Saxton Moore, Roye Okupe, Dawud Anyabwile, Darnell Johnson, Esteban Valdez
Producers: David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kristen Newlands, Matt Heath, Roye Okupe, Erica Dupuis, Ryan Haidarian, Doug Schwalbe
Production: Lion Forge Animation, YouNeek Studios, Impact X Capital, Forefront Media Group, Superprod
Network: Cartoon Network
Cast: Serah Johnson, Okey Jude, Samuel Kugbiyi, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Stella Damasus, Shaffy Bello, Ike Ononye
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.
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