Iyanu: Child of Wonder is getting the Toy Fair treatment. As the graphic novel heads to Cartoon Network as a series, it will debut three toys at the trade show in March.

The graphic novel, which has a new Cartoon Network series, Iyanu, is based on Nigerian culture and mythology. Both titles follow a brave orphan living in magical Yorubaland. She yearns for a normal life until threatened by long-forgotten divine powers and sets out to uncover the source of evil with her newfound friends. 

Roye Okupe created Iyanu; he serves as Creator, Executive Producer, and Showrunner and authored the graphic novel. Inspired by Avatar: The Last Airbender, the series from YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics features an all-African voice case and is staffed by Black creators. Brandon Eastern serves as Story Editor (Transformers: War for Cybertron), Kerry Grant is credited as a Writer (Ada Twist Scientist, Backyardigans), Vincent Edwards is a Supervising Director (Spider-Man), and Darnell Johnson is an Episodic Director (Into the Spiderverse). Black-owned Lion Forge Entertainment produces the show. Voice talent includes Serah Johnson, Okey Jude as Biyi, Samuel Kugbiyi, and Adesua Etomi-Wellington.

“We’re all excited to see it premiere on Cartoon Network and Max this April,” says Lion Forge Entertainment CEO and Founder David Steward II. “Iyanu represents a major leap forward in our commitment to telling culturally rich stories that resonate with audiences around the globe, and we’re confident audiences will share in our excitement.”

Lion Forge Entertainment will unveil three collaborations for the new show at Toy Fair, held March 1-4 in New York City. Brown Toy Box, located at booth No. 6129, is launching a line of STEAM kits inspired by the series. Brown Toy Box is dedicated to creating educational toys celebrating Black culture.

Kidazzle will display its Iyanu-inspired plush, figures, playsets, and role-play items. The company is located at booth No. 4B01. Kidazzle previewed prototypes at Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) last year. The company holds the master license for Iyanu toys.

Resurrection Games, a project-based publisher specializing in tabletop games, will debut an immersive tabletop game collection inspired by Iyanu. Fans can enjoy interactive games and experiences that explore Yorubaland through board games and card games. 

The series will debut on Cartoon Network April 5 with episodes streaming the next day on Max; it will air on Showmax June 13 in 44 African countries. ITV will air the series this summer. 

“It has been a hero’s journey for Roye and the team to bring this ambitious and stunning series,” says Michael Ouweleen, President of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. “This April, we all get to benefit from years of their effort and enter the super unique world they have created, filled with magic, mysterious enemies, and divine powers.”

To experience Iyanu toys, visit Brown Toy Box, Kidazzle, and Resurrection Games at Toy Fair March 1-4. For more information, visit toyfairny.com.