Iyanu 1×01, 1×02 and 1×03 Review: “The Chosen,” “The Exiles” and “The Eso of Eso”

Iyanu’s three-episode series premiere introduces a world and story with a lot of potential.

Based on the graphic novel by Roye Okupe, Cartoon Network’s newest animated series Iyanu blends classic tropes with a vibrant world inspired by Nigerian mythology. The three episodes of the series premiere, “The Chosen,” “The Exiles,” and “The Eso of Eso” effectively bring this world to life with beautiful, though slightly out of sync at points, animation. The series opens with a stylistic opening sequence that explains the world and the ancient curse that has overtaken and corrupted most of the region’s animals.

The story follows the titular Iyanu (Serah Johnson), a young girl with special abilities who is forced to live in the forest outside the nearby city of Elu. Iyanu is instantly shown to be a likable and compelling protagonist. An encounter with some kids inside the city puts a target on Iyanu’s back and she is forced to go on the run as her mentor Olori (Adesua Etomi-Wellington) is captured.

Though Iyanu’s story is the focus of the series, there is a great deal of time spent on the politics inside the city of Elu. There is much emphasis on the corruption of the city’s ruler and how the working class is struggling. It’s a commentary that is very relevant today and will likely continue to provide vital commentary going forward.

As Iyanu is on the run, she encounters the first of her future companions, the fierce cursed leopard Ekun (Babajide Oyekunle). While we don’t see much of Ekun in the first three episodes, Iyanu briefly heals his corruption, and it will be exciting to see how the bond between the two of them will grow throughout the season.

Iyanu also encounters Biyi (Okey Jude), a boy who is quite knowledgeable about the legend of the Chosen. Biyi and Iyanu are initially skeptical of each other, but it’s clear the seeds are being planted for a potential romantic arc between the two. While it’s too early for me to be invested in Biyi and the storyline, I am still interested to see how their dynamic develops.

The most compelling of Iyanu’s future companions so far is Toye (Samuel Kugbiyi), a bookworm who is more interested in reading than fighting. This causes conflict with both his warrior father Kanfo (Blossom Chukwujekwu) and the kids who bully him. It’s easy to relate to his struggles and his desire to learn more about the world and their history.

As soon as Biyi figures out Iyanu is the fabled Chosen, he brings her to his village. Village elder Mama Sewa also knows quite a bit about the Chosen and her powers, but Iyanu frustratingly denies she is the Chosen despite all the obvious evidence. Iyanu reluctantly trains with Mama Sewa, despite her urgent desire to rescue Olori. Though Iyanu is still learning about her abilities, the elements of her abilities that we see are impressive and look good visually.

Mama Sewa provides an interesting revelation that indicates there is more to Olori than being Iyanu’s mentor. She tells Iyanu that Olori banished her from the city years ago. Furthermore, a surprising family connection reveals that there is more to Olori’s story than initially thought and it will be interesting to see what further revelations are brought forth.

Iyanu’s three-episode premiere contains a thrilling premise with a lot of interesting characters and plotlines. Though the series contains many elements familiar to the trope of the chosen one, the uniqueness of the world makes the story beats feel fresh.

Author: Jessica Wolff

Jessica Wolff is a graduate of Drexel University with a BS in Film/Video. She has a passion for entertainment and representation in entertainment. She currently resides outside of Washington, DC.

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