What is Iyanu TV Show
Iyanu tv show is based on graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Roye Okupe and Godwin Akpan. The plot is about a young girl named Iyanu who is born from a tree and is the chosen one. Iyanu is under the care of Oiori, who is an exiled from the walls of Elu and also last Agoni. Backstory of the series, there are two entities warriors of light and dark. Animals in Yoruba started to become corrupted and only one to save them is chosen one. Iyanu’s powers can control plant life, non-animate objects and divine construction. She also can use Capoeira and Dambe boxing skills. During the journey, Iyanu meets Biyi and Toye along with other characters in the series. Iyanu is companied by a black panther Ekun. The show is basely west African culture mix with anime.
I have watched Invincible Fight Girl, and it pays homage to shonen anime, feel free to check out the article I wrote about it. The series is animated by Lion Forge Entertainment, YouNeek Studios, Impact X Capital and Forefront Media Group. In my opinion, the story is not bad but there were some holes in it. It’s good to see a black protagonist that looks like me saving African from evil. Voice actors are all African which I love and will get a season two because I think novel has two volumes. The show tackles family, responsibilities and Nigerian culture in general. There is a lot of critics that compare this show to Avatar The Last Airbender because both Iyanu and Aang are chosen ones in these shows.
Avatar: The Last Airbender About
Avatar: The Last Airbender is the hit Nickelodeon show created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. The plot is about four nations (Water, Fire, Earth and Air) living in harmony. Everything changes went Fire Nation attack, only the Avatar Aang can stop them. During opening, one of the main characters, Katara narrates overall storyline of the show. Aang is the avatar and throughout the series, he meets allies and antagonists alike. He learns fire, water and earth bending throughout the show. Aang learns Avatar ways from the past and how to harness his power for good. Early seasons, Prince Zuko wants to capture the Aang to restore his honor. Later on, teaches Aang fire bending and defeat fire lord Ozai. In Avatar series, creators’ study Asian culture like martial artists and many more.
Aang slowly matures and growth throughout Book 2 and 3. Toward the end of the show, Aang restores balance between four nations and passed away before Legend of Korra. His power is to control four elements air, earth, water and fire. Also, he has companions Momo and Appa that serves as comic relief. Don’t forgot Katara and Sokka who found him in Northen Region. Aang is a happy go-lucky kid and willing to do what is right. Avatar: The Last Airbender was the best show on Nick I ever watched. I grew up with anime and Asian culture. The show has unforgettable characters and has a huge fan base. Iyanu is one of the shows that was inspired by Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Iyanu and Avatar: The Last Airbender
Both shows have episodes that focus main protagonists to unlock their powers. For example, in Iyanu episode 2 “The Eso of Eso”, Mama Sewa uses guards to unlock her power to prove herself that she is the chosen one. In Book 2, episode 21 “The Avatar State”, went Aang goes to Earth Kingdom. General Fong focus Aang to go to Avatar State after faking Katara’s death. These are very similar in many ways. What about Aang meets Roku, telling him about his Destiny and give him wisdom. In episode 9 and10 “The Source”, Inayu meets her mother and tells about to restore balance in Yorubaland. Both protagonists seek answers on what to do with their powers. Iyanu and Aang got adversaries they must face, such as Chancellor Nuro along Commandar Zhao.
Aang has a teacher and guardian Monk Gyatso (who later died during fire nation attack). Iyanu has Oiori who is alive and well. Don’t forget the traveling companions and along with having a sense of humor. I want to see a crossover between these two. It might be unlikely it will happen, but I want to see Iyanu learn all four elements fire, earth, air and water. Aang can construct animate object, but he already can learn earth. I want to see them interact with each other along their friends. If you want to watch Iyanu, check it out on Cartoon Network and HBO Max. You can also buy graphic novels as well. Avatar: The Last Airbender is available on DVD and to stream on Paramount+ along with Amazin Prime Video.
Closing
Both Avatar and Iyanu sets into a fantasy world. Avatar: The Last Airbender is much bigger than Iyanu because how popular franchise is. I am hoping to see season two of Iyanu which is during end of episode 10. We see a new antagonist that reminds me of Azula and she is from people of the deep. There is new movie The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender, where the characters are young adults. The movie set to release in October, 9, 2026 and Dave Bautista voices villains of the film. Also, there is new television show, Avatar: Seven Havens which comes after Legend of Korra. I don’t know the release date yet. There is a 2024 Netflix live action show that you can watch as well.
What are your thoughts on Iyanu and Avatar the Last Airbender? Put your thoughts on the comments and thank you for reading this blogpost. Tune into the next blogpost by yours truly.
