Iyanu: Child of Wonder Volume 3

Iyanu: Child of Wonder #3

by Roye Okupe, Chima Kalu (Illustrator), Godwin Akpan (Illustrator)

Soon to be a Cartoon Network/Max/Lion Forge Animation animated series!

Iyanu makes her way to the Source to save all of Yorubaland from an ancient curse.

This time, however, she has help from her new Biyi, a carefree adventurer; Toye, the bookworm; and Ekun, the magical and opinionated giant leopard! Together, all four—also known as Team Chosen—embark on an epic adventure full of twists, turns, and laughs that will change their lives forever!

Dark Horse and YouNeek Studios continue stories in a shared universe of African fantasy and superhero stories—the YouNeek YouNiverse!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Young Adult, Comics, Middle Grade

136 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2023

About the author

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Roye Okupe is a creative specialist who holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in computer science from The George Washington University. His passion for animation led him to found YouNeek Studios in 2012, an avenue that would allow him pursue his dream of creating a diverse library of superheroes. Under that umbrella, Roye wrote, produced and directed several animated productions including, but not limited to, 2D/3D animated short films, TV commercials, show openers, music videos and much more. These productions have allowed Roye to attain much prestigious recognition’s such as being #5 on Ventures Africa’s list of 40 African innovators to watch (2016) as well as being part of NewAfrican Magazines’ 100 most influential Africans of 2016.

With the superhero genre currently at the height of popularity, Roye has made it a goal to create a connected universe of heroes, with origins from locations that are currently neglected and/or ignored. In August 2015, Roye released his debut graphic novel titled: E.X.O. The Legend of Wale Williams Part One, a superhero story set in a futuristic Nigeria. E.X.O. was received with critical acclaim and has since been featured on CNN, Forbes, The New York Times, NBC, The Guardian, ABC7, BBC, The Huffington Post, Mashabe and more!

Reviews

[Jack Phoenix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though the art is rather rough at times, the strong writing makes this entry an excellent glimpse into a larger, magical, and political world.

[kaitlphere · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the recaps at the beginning of the volumes and the little world building notes between issues.

This volume is very well balanced with Iyanu's storyline, the city's revolt, and the teacher's story. I like the mixes of characters in the different storylines, especially the addition of the magic tiger.

[Alysses · Rating 4 out of 5]

The graphics are always beautiful and on point. The story has moved forward but drops at a huge cliffhanger. I'm glad that a strong alliance has been formed between the youth that I foresee will be the new leaders of this world. They each represent the three factions that are currently at war. I do wish I had Vol 4 readily available.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot thickens as both sides move to their end game. Iyanu gains two companions to help her on her journey. Imaginative, exciting, adventurous, and heartfelt. I'm excited to see how this series ends!

[Tinomutenda Mpunganyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is really coming into its own. The story is maturing, the stakes are higher, and the artwork has leveled up in ways that left me pausing just to admire panels. I took screenshots because some of the details were simply stunning.

While Vol. 1 had moments of inconsistency and Vol. 2 left me unimpressed visually, this installment strikes a balance. The art feels polished, cohesive, and deeply expressive. Whoever took on the illustration for this volume clearly benefited from the groundwork laid before, and it shows.

Narratively, Iyanu has shifted from a whimsical coming-of-age tale into something heavier and more political. The veil has been lifted for Iyanu and her companions—characters die, revolutions stir, and speeches echo themes of exploitation, corruption, and resistance. One moment that struck me deeply was Omolola’s rallying words against leaders who prosper while oppressing the working class. That social commentary cut close to home.

Thematically, Okupe blends Yoruba mythology and Afro-fantasy with real-world parallels. Yet, at times, some names and artifacts feel oversimplified—missed opportunities where Yoruba language and folklore could have been woven in more creatively. Still, this doesn’t overshadow the story’s strength.

In the end, this was a beautiful and impactful volume, easily my favourite so far. It feels like the world of Iyanu has grown teeth—and heart.

⭐ 4.5/5 (rounded up to 5 stars)

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting third volume in this series. I am looking forward to the cartoon adaptation.

Digital arc from Edelweiss.

[Classical Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Denise Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story! I need to know when will volume 4 be released!!!!

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iyanu, Biyi, Toye, and Ekun make their way towards the Source, but face challenges along the way. Revolution begins in Elu.

[Xan Rooyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun installment in this series. Really enjoying it.

[Summertime Readaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.

Still enjoying this tale. Although I am not fan of the art in this one.

Story still brings me joy in the "by us for us" sense. I'm feeling this whole label so far.

[Syntaxx]

i waited too long in-between volumes & couldn't get back into the story so i dont feel like it's fair to rate this one

[Adrienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the neutral, warm colors used in this one. The story is developing, and giving me more background on the Divine Ones (which is similar to the Bible with creator Yahweh (I AM), throwing Lucifer out of the heavenly throne as the Fallen One and taking 1/3 of the angels with him. Divine ones are referred as Angels. Yet, they changed it to First Father, Adoka, and scouted out the inferior humans to worship and honor the Divine Ones).

I am saddened that the woman could not teach and tell the young inner child what her powers can do nor did her former teacher, but she did break free from prison--will see if they unite and get clearer picture of this power she possesses.

This story sounds familiar to Snow White, where the wicked witch/wife (stepmother) desired to be the prettiest of them all (vanity) and had the hunter kill Snow White, yet instead she fled. In this story, the nephew wanted the kingdom, or to be king of Elu, and killed the king (regicide) then the son, he refused to kill and sent him to the wild to do the damage. You can also see Joseph sold into slavery as another similar story. Hm. Intersectionality. Like this one thus far.

Leisure Read.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am still deeply invested in this story and these characters. The dire straits our characters were in last volume were overcome with some very sad consequences, but a more serious threat has been awakened. I look forward to volume 4.