By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Lion Forge Entertainment is on the hunt for licensing and retail partners at the annual Toy Fair in New York this year, as it debuts the hotly anticipated animated series “Iyanu.”
The series will debut on April 5 on Cartoon Network and the following day on MAX, with early buzz comparing the show to the 2005 megahit series “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” which still enjoys a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Showmax will also be streaming the series starting in June across Africa, and ITVX bringing Iyanu to the UK and Ireland this summer. (See the official trailer HERE or click the video below)
Certainly, there are a number of similarities, as both series draw from a rich cultural base—that being Asian in the case of “Avatar,” and African for “Iyanu”—and both involve young people discovering not only great powers, but heavy responsibilities.
In the case of “Iyanu,” the series is adapted from Roye Okupe’s graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder—published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics (the powerhouse behind The Umbrella Academy and Hellboy) and is steeped in Nigerian, culture, music and mythology.
The title character Iyanu is a seemingly ordinary teenaged orphan who spends her days studying history and ancient arts in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland. She yearns for a normal life until a looming threat awakens her divine power not seen since the legendary Age of Wonders. Accompanied by newfound friends Biyi, Toye, and a magical leopard named Ekun, Iyanu embarks on a journey to uncover the evil lurking in Yorubaland, and unlocking destiny along the way.
Iyanu Produced by Oscar-Winning Studio Lion Forge
The series is produced by the Oscar-winning studio Lion Forge Entertainment, one of the largest Black-owned entertainment studios, which took home the award for their hit short animation “Hair Love.”
Lion Forge, who will be attending the New York Toy Fair, has already signed deals for toys and games for “Iyanu” with Kidazzle, Resurrection Games and Brown Toy Box, but the company says it is planning an aggressive and broad licensing program that will cover the globe, thanks to its already broad distribution.
“When selecting partners for ‘Iyanu,’ we look for those who don’t simply treat the property as a project, but who truly embrace its essence and are genuinely excited to bring it to life,” said Amy Taylor Boyett, Head of Franchise Development and Marketing & Commerce at Lion Forge.
“Kidazzle, Resurrection Games, and Brown Toy Box have done exactly that,” she adds. “In fully immersing themselves in the world of ‘Iyanu,’ they haven’t just developed products, but dedicated themselves to understanding the culture, characters, and mythology at the core of the story. Their deep commitment to the narrative shines through in every phase of the process, and their passion has helped elevate the product and support the series.”
Taylor Boyett says the company is actively looking for partners who share its passion for storytelling.
“The most successful partnerships are those where every partner is deeply invested in enhancing and expanding the story,” she said. “As one of the few large, Black-owned entertainment studios, we’re eager to continue partnering with companies that bring both their expertise and a shared passion for honoring diverse stories.
“Whether collaborating with Black-owned businesses or those from other backgrounds, our goal is to create something that resonates with global audiences while staying true to the cultural richness and authenticity at the heart of the series.”
Iyanu to Launch With Three Strong Toy and Game Licensees
Taylor Boyett says the partnerships with Kidazzle, Resurrection Games and Brown Toy Box are excellent examples of the type of collaborations the Iyanu team is looking for. “They have been a natural fit as we look to bring the ‘Iyanu’ universe to life in a way that resonates with fans and families worldwide,” she said. “These companies each bring something unique to the table, creating interactive, educational, and imaginative experiences that extend far beyond the screen.”
Kidazzle is a new toy company, founded by industry veteran Steve Rosenthal, that’s producing a diverse range of toys, including dolls, action figures, and role play accessories, offering kids an interactive way to engage with the series and its characters through imaginative play. Rosenthal says he was thrilled to have “Iyanu” as the company’s first Master Toy partner.
“We were immediately impressed with the depth of ‘Iyanu’s’ story and characters,” Rosenthal said. “The intricate relationships, combined with adventure and action, make it truly special. Its broad appeal was also a key factor. As a new company, we wanted to make a strong market debut, and ‘Iyanu’ offers us that opportunity.”
Resurrection Games, a new partner announced in late January, is producing a range of tabletop and card games, allowing fans to dive deeper into the story and mythology while enjoying a dynamic, family-friendly experience.
“We aim to make games for fans where the character and story sits at the center of the design,” said Resurrection president Brian Zander. “It’s also not a coincidence that more than one of our projects feature young, black female protagonists. When a project creates an opportunity to elevate stories from creators with diverse backgrounds, RG recognizes how important it is for young families to have games with characters that represent and inspire them.”
For that reason, Zander said working on “Iyanu” with Lion Forge was a natural fit. “When we take on a project we always start with two questions—what is the story for the fan base? and is there a game there? With ‘Iyanu’ both were evident right away.
“We could clearly see the strength of what Lion Forge was doing with the animation and their commitment to the message, and after some research there is a rich world to create gameplay from.”
Brown Toy Box has taken on the task of creating innovative STEAM kits and educational products that will introduce children to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) concepts through “Iyanu’s” culturally rich narrative. These kits, focusing on specific characters and themes like engineering and chemistry, make learning fun while reinforcing the series’ core values of curiosity, empowerment, and perseverance.
CEO Terri Bradley is so excited about the story- telling in “Iyanu”, that she describes the partnership as one of the most important moments for her company.
“This licensing deal is a pivotal moment for us,” Bradley said. “It not only expands our product line but also reinforces our commitment to celebrating diversity and cultural authenticity.
“More importantly, it allows us to marry educational play with STEAM principles—integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into culturally rich, hands-on experiences that inspire learning and creativity in every child.”
Lion Forge Seeking Partners Dedicated to Diversity
As one of the few major black-owned studios, Lion Forge has long seen one of its key roles to be the telling of stories that embrace diversity, and doing so by hiring people of diverse backgrounds. The company’s philosophy is that all people and all children should be able to see themselves in the stories that are told, whether in books, film, television or graphic novels.
They feel the same way about licensing, Taylor Boyett says.
“Diversity in programming and hiring is essential in entertainment, but it is equally vital when it comes to licensing,” Taylor Boyett says. “The TV space is one platform for representation, but the toy aisle is another critical space where children interact with the world around them.
“When children see themselves positively represented in the products they play with, it not only boosts their self-esteem, but also empowers them to envision themselves achieving anything they set their minds to. These fun and meaningful products provide the physical tools to nurture curiosity, encourage self-expression, and celebrate the rich diversity of cultures and people.
“That’s why we are committed to partnering with companies that share this vision, and creating products which reflect different cultures and peoples authentically.”
Brown Box Toys is a perfect example of a partner that embraces the same ethos of diversity and representation, and Bradley says the result of the collaboration on Iyanu has been inspiring for her team.
“Our mission goes beyond educational play,” Bradley said. “It’s about ensuring that all children have access to toys that celebrate the rich culture represented by ‘Iyanu’.
“These STEAM toys bring Africa to America and the world in a fun, intentional, and playful way, Bradley added. “By infusing culturally enriched storytelling with STEAM learning, we’re challenging outdated stereotypes and offering every child a window into a vibrant heritage.
“This approach helps dismantle barriers, showing that creativity and innovation know no bounds, and that diverse narratives can empower all kids to explore and excel in STEAM fields.”
Zander, from Resurrection Games, agrees that the toys and games connected to Iyanu can amplify that message of representation.
“It’s important for families—especially those with young kids—to be able to see themselves in their heroes,” Zander said. “We hope that everyone will be able to see themselves as a part of ‘Team Chosen’ in some way that is special for them.
“Playing these games with your family and friends will help bring these characters and their adventures to life in your homes.”
Toy Fair New York Comes At a Key Moment for “Iyanu”
The Toy Fair in New York comes at a pivotal moment for Lion Forge and the “Iyanu” series. The series will premiere on Cartoon Network on April 5, and the following day on MAX, with Showmax streaming the series starting June 13 across 44 African countries. ITVX will also bring “Iyanu” to the UK and Ireland this summer.
We’re excited to be at Toy Fair to introduce “Iyanu” to a wider audience within the toy
and retail industries,” said Taylor Boyett. “This marks the first time we’re presenting to buyers, and it’s a great chance for us to find the right spaces for our amazing products to connect with
audiences.
“What makes this debut even more meaningful is the opportunity to bring the captivating world of African mythology to the licensing community,” she added. ‘Iyanu’ offers a rich, culturally significant story and characters that we believe will resonate deeply with audiences and provide something truly unique and inspiring.”
Taylor Boyett says she also wants to inspire retail and licensing partners at the Toy Fair, which is running from March 1 to March 4 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. She promises partners will find Lion Forge is a partner that approaches licensing holistically, with a comprehensive and long-term vision.
“We don’t just create content; we carefully plan and build around properties that have strong potential for expansion across multiple verticals,” Taylor Boyett explained. “With Iyanu, we’ve spent a significant amount of time building the foundation for the series, engaging with audiences well before its launch and connecting with them across cultural touchpoints that resonate on a deeper level. This kind of groundwork is rare in the industry, and it’s a key reason why we’re so excited about its debut.”
Rosenthal says Lion Forge Entertainment’s approach to licensing has helped develop better toys and a deeper collaboration with Kidazzle.
“Lion Forge brings a fresh approach to the partnership between licensor and licensee,” Rosenthal said. “From the start, this has been a real collaboration, and we have had amazing access to the creators of Iyanu, which has been instrumental to our product plans and strategies as we develop our line.
“This also has given us rare insight to the behind-the-scenes creativity of the Iyanu team, and has allowed us to align the toys we will make with the core essence of the property.”
Taylor Boyett also says that licensing is seen by Lion Forge as much more than just additional revenue streams. Instead, the primary focus for the studio is to extend the ways in which fans can enjoy the mythology inherent in “Iyanu,” and encourage long-term growth rather than look only for immediate returns.
For “Iyanu,” licensing offers fans unique ways to connect,” Taylor Boyett says. “Through publishing, they can delve into the rich mythology; with toys, they can immerse themselves in the fantasy; and through apparel, they can proudly showcase their enthusiasm for the characters and story.
“Licensing is not just about generating revenue,” Taylor Boyett adds. “It’s about building meaningful, long-term relationships by bridging the gap between the virtual and physical worlds. This expansion allows the property to grow beyond its original format, helping it remain relevant and continue to resonate with audiences over time.”
Licensees or retail partners interested in potential partnerships can reach out to Amy Taylor Boyett at this email: amy.taylorboyett@lionforge.com
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