By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Leading educational toy developer Brown Toy Box has announced a licensing partnership with Lion Forge Entertainment for their highly anticipated animated series Iyanu.
The series, which is set to premiere on Cartoon Network and Max in 2025, is a superhero story with a difference, as it is set in the fictional African nation of Yorubaland, and based on Nigerian culture and mythology.
The licensing agreement between Brown Box Toys and Lion Forge will see the launch of a new line of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) kits and educational play products inspired by the series, offering children an inspiring and immersive way to explore STEAM concepts while engaging with the vibrant world of Iyanu.
“We’re proud to partner with a leading brand like Brown Toy Box, who’s recognized for their commitment to creativity and diversity in the toy industry,” said Lion Forge Entertainment founder and CEO David Steward II. “With our shared belief in the power of authentic representation, the new STEAM kits and products will give kids an exciting, hands-on way to engage with the characters and stories of Iyanu, and immerse themselves in content that celebrates their own identities and experiences.”
IYANU is an adaptation of Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios’ popular graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder by award-winning Nigerian creator and filmmaker Roye Okupe. Dark Horse Comics is the powerhouse behind the likes of The Umbrella Academy and Hellboy comics.
“The partnership with Brown Toy Box is a perfect fit for IYANU,” said Okupe. “The story centers on young people discovering their inner strength and potential, and these STEAM kits give kids a way to engage with those themes while learning valuable skills. It’s exciting to see how the world of IYANU will now inspire kids through educational play.
Iyanu is set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, which draws from Nigerian culture, music and mythology. The animated series follows a teenaged 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.
Each Iyanu STEAM kit will focus on a specific character from the series, paired with a STEAM theme such as engineering, chemistry, or geospatial learning. In addition, the collection will feature giant puzzles and construction sets, encouraging hands-on learning that is equal parts educational and fun.
Brown Toy Box CEO Terri-Nichelle Bradley says the company’s mission is to make STEAM learning accessible and joyful for children of all backgrounds, adding this collaboration provides an exciting new way to do just that.
“We are beyond excited to partner with Lion Forge to bring the IYANU series to life through these innovative STEAM products,” said Bradley. “Our mission has always been to create educational play that sparks curiosity and celebrates culture.
“With the IYANU kits, we’re delivering an experience that lets kids see themselves in these inspiring characters while building real-world skills in science, technology, and creativity.”