At the 12th edition of the Lagos Comic Convention, held at the Landmark Event Centre, Nigeria’s creative diversity took center stage as Lion Forge Entertainment and Showmax unveiled the much-anticipated animated series Iyanu.
During the panel session titled, “Iyanu: Creating a Nigerian Superhero Series for the World,” key creatives, including Serah Johnson (Voice Actress of Iyanu), Godwin Akpan (Art Director), Akinboye Olasunkanmi and Toyin Ajetunmobi (Artists), and Victor Sanchez Aghahowa (Head of Production, MultiChoice West Africa), discussed the series’ fusion of Nigerian folklore and advanced animation to create a globally appealing superhero.
Serah Johnson, who plays Iyanu, expressed her excitement about the role and how it connects with her personally. She also praised the attention to detail in representing Nigerian culture, particularly in accents and character portrayal.
Godwin Akpan emphasized the importance of showcasing African culture through animation, highlighting the global desire to learn more about African heritage. Victor Sanchez Aghahowa spoke on the significance of preserving African culture through storytelling, especially in the digital age, with Iyanu set to reach a broad audience through streaming platforms.
Iyanu is scheduled to premiere in 2025 on Cartoon Network and Max in the U.S. and Showmax across 44 African countries.