Iyanu: Child of Wonder Volume 2

Iyanu: Child of Wonder #2

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

Soon to be a Cartoon Network/Max/Lion Forge Animation animated series!The orphan Iyanu is thrust into the wildlands beyond the safety of the walls of her home!She must quickly learn to work with an exile and the people of the Riverlands Settlement if she hopes to save her mentor. Meanwhile, Chancellor Nuro finalizes a diabolical plan that threatens to destroy the entirety of Yorubaland in his greedy hunt to capture Iyanu, also known now as the Chosen One! The YouNeek line at Dark Horse expands with this fantastic graphic novel series!

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

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2022

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

[FreeFormLady · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
I really enjoyed the story. I'm excited to continue the series.
The only thing lacking is the art. The colors were really dark which made it difficult to see the details in the art.

[itisi_riri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so invested in this story whoa. Love it.

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Omen Cage · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pieces are starting to move into important positions on the chessboard, and I can't wait to see the outcome of each player's strategy. The political intrigue also makes an appearance in this volume, and I'm here for it. The backstories did an excellent job fleshing out these characters and the roles they play. I enjoyed myself with this one.
And of course, the main character, Iyanu, is really starting to come into her own. She's an easily lovable badass, but I worry that making her highly capable from the beginning might cheapen her victories in the future. Still, I can't wait to see more from her.

[Tinomutenda Mpunganyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. OH MY GOODNESS. This was a fantastic read!

One of the things I appreciated in Volume 1, and continue to appreciate here, is the way Roye Okupe gradually expands the world. The worldbuilding isn’t too slow, and it isn’t overwhelming—it unfolds at the perfect pace. In Volume 2, things pick up significantly as the action intensifies, and the story pushes forward, revealing more of the true plot.

If you’re familiar with the hero’s journey, you know there’s always that moment where the protagonist faces their lowest point—the moment where everything goes wrong and they have to figure out how to rise from the pit. This volume delivers on the buildup to that moment. Iyanu is growing, learning how to center herself, master her abilities, and step into her role as the Chosen. She’s not just training; she’s becoming the hero she needs to be.

And let’s talk about the antagonists. In Volume 1, it seemed like the chancellor was the big bad, but in Volume 2, you realize he’s just one piece of a much larger, more dangerous puzzle. The story reveals more about his backstory, his connection to Elu, and his sister (whose name I’m blanking on right now, but wow, what a twist!). The layers just keep unfolding, and I love how the stakes are getting higher with each new revelation.

The action? Phenomenal. Iyanu’s training and meditation are paying off—she’s stronger, more skilled, and the fight scenes are so well done. The intensity keeps building, and by the end, you just know things are only going to get even crazier in Volume 3.

Honestly, I finished this book a couple of weeks ago, but I haven’t started Volume 3 yet because I’m trying to savor the experience. There are only four volumes out, and I do not want to rush through them and be left twiddling my thumbs, waiting for the next release. But where this story is heading? It’s amazing. I cannot wait to see what’s next.

⭐ Final Thoughts: This was an incredible installment—faster-paced, action-packed, and rich in character growth. If you haven’t started this series yet, you’re seriously missing out!

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume two is as food as volume one! Iyanu finally gets to learn some of her powers. Noru is tempted by evil. Remi needs to escape.

The dynamic between biji and iyanu is a joy to watch. They fight like siblings and have a hard time trusting others. Toye gets some father son time. It's an interesting dynamic. They fight but they care about each other and both miss toye's mom. The illustrations are beautiful! More supernatural nature scenes. I'm excited for volume 3.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume was not quite as enjoyable as the first. There are a lot of disturbing revelations about both characters and plotlines as the story moves toward what promises to be a violent conflict. Also, I read this as a physical book whereas I read the first volume as an ebook and surprisingly found I enjoyed the art better in electronic form.

[Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okupe’s world-building magic arrives again.
We get more history about this particular timeline, allowing for more growth in the other timelines.
I highly suggest the whole Youneek universe series for your devouring.

[Lindsay · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. This was a bit too heavy on world building and history and I found myself becoming disinterested.

[Tara Schaafsma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good, but not as good as the first. She seems to grasp her powers really fast. But I enjoyed it and will read more.

[C.S. Malerich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this universe.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable story, but the art is super inconsistent. When it's good, it's great, but otherwise it's kinda got an uncanny valley vibe going on (especially with some of the eyes).

[Gwyn VDB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as awesome as the first book, with even more of a cliff-hanger!

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved learning so much more about the history of Yorubaland, the People of the Deep, and Iyanu's powers. The book ended with a nice little cliff hanger and now I have to wait for volume 3, ugh.

Oh well, looking forward to reading the next volume when it is released.

[Tosin (tosmeabook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to read volume 3

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this sequel and I will definitely continue with this graphic novel series because I love the main character and I think this world is very interesting.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iyanu begins to explore her powers.

[sasheel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

I love the Illustration and story of this dope graphic novel. Time to read volume 3. Keep up the good work.

[Xan Rooyen]

Another excellent installment. Love the vivid art and am even more intrigued now by both the world-building and the plot as secrets are revealed. Straight onto the next..

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🏹🏹🏹🏹

[kaitlphere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-paced worldbuilding with a tight cast of characters. Love the jewel tones that stand out in this volume.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better explanation on the history and movement in plot.

[Maxxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
Même si j'ai moins accroché que pour le tome 1, je trouve l'histoire toujours très intéressante et le lore passionnant. Cependant, les dessins me semblent différents du tome 1 et peu constants sur l'ensemble de la production, c'est un peu dommage. Les encarts historiques / civilisations sont toujours ma partie préférée de l'oeuvre.

[Michael Daines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon the Nommo Awards recently, which recognize speculative fiction from Africa. “Iyanu: Child of Wonder”, Volume 2, won for graphic novel in 2022, and the first two volumes are on Comics Plus. An animated series is also out, though I’m good with just reading the books.

It is a chosen-one tale, but I still found the story compelling. The Yoruba-inspired world is a joy to explore.

I’ll try to read volumes 3 and 4 when I get a chance.

[Brendilynn Mantey-Annor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful volume! Iyanu: Child of Wonder has a wonderful storyline and history of African background. It really makes the fantasy tale enjoy, and I look forward to reading the 3rd volume. This graphic novel is highly recommended and songs the first volume!