“Iyanu,” Nigeria’s Newest Superhero Animation, Steals the Show at Lagos Comic Convention
At the 12th edition of the Lagos Comic Convention, hosted at the Landmark Event Centre, attendees celebrated Nigeria’s creative landscape with excitement. A highlight of the event was the showcase of the animated series Iyanu, produced by Lion Forge Entertainment and Showmax. Set to debut in 2025 on Cartoon Network and Max in the United States, as well as exclusively on Showmax across 44 African nations, Iyanu has generated significant anticipation.
Iyanu is adapted from the graphic novels Iyanu: Child of Wonder, published by Dark Horse Comics and YouNeek Studios. During a panel titled “Iyanu: Creating a Nigerian Superhero Series for the World,” key creatives involved in the series and the graphic novels shared insights. The panel featured notable figures such as Serah Johnson, the voice of Iyanu; Godwin Akpan, the artist and art director; Akinboye Olasunkanmi and Toyin Ajetunmobi, fellow artists; and Victor Sanchez Aghahowa, Head of Production at MultiChoice. They discussed the unique blend of Nigerian folklore with modern animation techniques, creating a superhero narrative that appeals to both local and global audiences.
Roye Okupe, the founder of YouNeek Studios and creator of the Iyanu universe, serves as the Executive Producer and Showrunner for the animated series but could not attend the panel due to his commitments in the US with Lion Forge Entertainment.
Serah Johnson expressed her enthusiasm about voicing Iyanu, stating, “The whole experience was so mind-blowing for me.” She emphasized her dedication to understanding the character by immersing herself in the comic books, which deepened her connection to Iyanu. Johnson described Iyanu as a smart and adventurous girl with divine powers, whose journey of self-discovery resonates with viewers of all ages.
Highlighting the potential of Nigeria’s animation industry, Johnson noted, “Growing up, I didn’t see faces like mine in animation. I commend the Lion Forge team for their meticulous casting, ensuring authentic representation.” She pointed out that many foreign productions often misrepresent African accents, making it crucial for the series to authentically portray Nigerian culture.
Godwin Akpan, the Art Director of the series, remarked on the significance of showcasing African culture. He stated, “Having a show about African culture is a big deal. There are many Black individuals in the diaspora eager to connect with their roots. Working on a show that presents our culture in a fantasy context is an incredible opportunity. Africa is ready to shine, and this marks the beginning of exciting adventures ahead.”
Victor Sanchez Aghahowa emphasized the importance of storytelling in preserving African culture. He stated, “Iyanu represents a monumental moment where our rich heritage is shared globally. Showmax is proud to present this narrative to African audiences. It’s time for us to reclaim our stories. With the shift to streaming, our culture, once passed down through oral traditions, now reaches viewers directly.”
Iyanu is poised to premiere in 2025, promising to captivate audiences with its vibrant storytelling and representation of African heritage. As excitement builds for its release, the series stands as a testament to the growing recognition of African narratives in global media.
