Creating a comic is hard. Getting it published is even harder. But turning it into an animated series premiering on Cartoon Network and Max? That’s a dream few indie creators ever achieve.
But Roy Okupe did it.
His story isn’t just about Iyanu: Child of Wonder—it’s a beacon of hope for indie comic creators, proving that with perseverance, relationships, and the right support, dreams can become reality.
One key lesson from Iyanu Animated Series‘s success?
Your Network Determines Your Net Worth
No one builds something this big alone. Behind Iyanu Animated Series is a network of publishers, producers, investors, and creatives who believed in the project. From securing a Dark Horse Comics publishing deal to working with Lion Forge Entertainment, Impact X Capital, and Cartoon Network & Max, Okupe’s journey proves that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about building the right connections.
Here’s how Iyanu Animated Series went from a Kickstarter campaign to an internationally distributed animated series, proving that indie comics can reach the world stage.
2015-2018: The Indie Hustle Begins
Before Iyanu Animated Series, Roy Okupe had already made waves in indie comics. As the founder of YouNeek Studios, he created a shared universe of African-inspired superheroes and fantasy stories, including:
- EXO: The Legend of Wale Williams (2015) – Afrofuturistic superhero adventure.
- Malika: Warrior Queen (2017) – Historical fantasy set in 15th-century Africa.
- WindMaker (2018) – Urban fantasy with supernatural elements.
But YouNeek Studios didn’t just stop at comics. In 2019, they ventured into animation with Malika: Warrior Queen—YouNeek’s first animated project, which premiered with 843,176 views on October 15, 2019, making waves in the animation community. This was a huge milestone for the studio, as it marked the first step toward creating the highly anticipated Iyanu Animated Series.
Malika: Warrior Queen – YouNeek’s First Animated Project
Malika: Warrior Queen, based on the 2017 comic, showcases Malika, a military commander, and queen in fifteenth-century West Africa, struggling to protect her empire from both internal and external threats. The animated short gave fans a taste of YouNeek Studios’ distinct style, combining African-inspired mythology with epic fantasy elements.
The project featured a talented voice cast, including:
- Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Malika
- Femi Branch as Chief Dogbari
- Deyemi Okanlowan as King Bass/WindMaker
- Sambasa Nzeribe as General Ras
- Blossom Chukwujekwu as Abdul
With animation by Anthill Studios and post-production by YouNeek Studios, the series stayed true to its roots while showcasing the rich culture of Africa through incredible storytelling and top-tier animation. Music by Femi “Fem D” Agunbiade and sound design by Aube Production (Patrick Ruane, Clement Ignace, and Angel Ignace) completed the immersive experience.
If you missed it, you can download the YouNeek Studios app to access all their comics/content plus bonus exclusives for just $2.99/month—your go-to spot for more Malika and beyond.
2019: The Birth of Iyanu and the Foundation for the Animated Series
After establishing himself with EXO and Malika, Okupe turned to fantasy storytelling inspired by Yoruba culture. He envisioned a heroine whose journey reflected real struggles of identity, acceptance, and purpose.
Kickstarter: Betting on Himself
Rather than waiting for approval from mainstream publishers, Okupe launched Iyanu on Kickstarter, where fans directly funded the project.
The campaign was a huge success, proving there was demand for African-inspired fantasy stories.
But one successful campaign wasn’t enough.
He leveraged this momentum to pitch the project to publishers and industry professionals, leading to one of the biggest turning points of his career: joining forces with Dark Horse Comics.
2021-2023: Iyanu Animated Series Gains Momentum
With Iyanu Animated Series now available globally, the series quickly earned critical acclaim for its:
- Gorgeous artwork
- Deep Yoruba mythology
- Powerful coming-of-age themes
The Transition to Dark Horse Comics
One of the pivotal moments in Iyanu’s journey was the transition to Dark Horse Comics, one of the leading independent comic book publishers. This partnership was a huge step for Okupe and YouNeek Studios, offering them the credibility and resources to expand the reach of Iyanu globally.
Dark Horse is known for its collaborations with top creators in the comic book world, and Iyanu’s inclusion in their catalog helped open the doors to bigger and better opportunities, ultimately leading to the animated series deal with Cartoon Network & Max.
Expanding the Story of Iyanu Animated Series
Okupe and his team continued to develop Iyanu, leading to:
- Volume 2 (2022) – Iyanu begins training to control her divine abilities.
- Volume 3 (2023) – She fully embraces her destiny and meets her magical leopard companion, Ekón.
Now, Volume 4 is available for preorder, set to continue Iyanu’s heroic journey. Pre-order your copy now at YouNeek Studios!
2023: Iyanu Animated Series Becomes a Reality
In a historic moment for indie comics, Iyanu Animated Series was officially announced as an animated series, produced by:
- Cartoon Network & Max (major animation distributors)
- Lion Forge Entertainment (Oscar-winning Black-owned animation studio)
- Impact X Capital & Forefront Media Group (financial backers & co-producers)
- Superprod (animation production support)
Okupe, serving as creator, executive producer, and showrunner, promised to stay deeply involved in production to ensure authenticity and faithfulness to the story.
This level of collaboration highlights how an indie creator’s network can elevate their work to new heights.
February 17, 2025: Iyanu Animated Series Premiere Date Announced
Cartoon Network and Max have officially announced that Iyanu Animated Series will premiere on:
- Cartoon Network: April 5, 2025, at 9:30 AM ET/PT
- Max: April 6, 2025
Additionally, Showmax will release the entire first season on June 13, 2025, across 44 African countries, with ITVX streaming it in the UK & Ireland this summer.
Meet the Cast of Iyanu Animated Series
Iyanu Animated Series features an all-African voice cast, including:
- Serah Johnson as Iyanu
- Okey Jude as Biyi
- Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye
- Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Olori
- Stella Damasus, Shaffy Bello, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and more
With a worldwide release, Iyanu Animated Series is set to be a groundbreaking milestone for African fantasy storytelling.
Why Iyanu Animated Series is a Beacon for Indie Creators
Roy Okupe’s journey isn’t just about making a comic or an animated series—it’s about breaking barriers.
Lessons from His Success
- Indie comics can thrive – Even without mainstream backing, stories like Iyanu Animated Series can find an audience.
- Your network determines your net worth – Okupe’s success was built on strategic partnerships with publishers, investors, and producers.
- Persistence pays off – From Kickstarter to Dark Horse to Cartoon Network, Okupe never stopped pushing his vision forward.
- Dreams take time – Iyanu Animated Series didn’t become an animated series overnight—it was an 8-year journey of hard work, rejection, and perseverance.
For every indie creator wondering if their dream is possible—Okupe has proven that it is.
Final Thoughts: The Future is Bright for Black Comics
Iyanu Animated Series isn’t just a success story—it’s a movement.
It’s proof that Black indie comics can thrive. That African fantasy is in demand. That creators don’t need to wait for approval to bring their visions to life.
And for fans, it’s a chance to connect with Blerd culture from both the African and African-American perspectives, embracing the rich tapestry of stories rooted in shared history and cultural pride.
So if you’re an indie creator wondering if your story is worth telling—the answer is yes.
Build your network. Strengthen your connections. Keep pushing forward.
Because if Iyanu Animated Series can go from Kickstarter to Cartoon Network, your story can go places you never imagined.
Where to Read Iyanu Animated Series
Iyanu: Child of Wonder Volume 4 is available for preorder now at comic shops, Amazon, Comixology, and bookstores like Barnes & Noble. Or, pre-order directly at YouNeek Studios.
Learn more about the Iyanu universe and its journey at Discover Iyanu!
Are you excited for Iyanu Animated Series? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
