Review of Iyanu: Child of Wonder Volume One by Roye Okupe & Godwin Akpan
From the moment I caught wind of Iyan: Child of Wonder Volume One, I knew I was diving into something special. As a huge fan of rich storytelling infused with cultural elements, the concept of Roye Okupe’s work, set in a vibrant world influenced by African culture, instantly drew me in. Coupled with Godwin Akpan’s exquisite artistry, I felt compelled to explore this intriguing new addition to the YouNeek YouNiverse.
As I turned the pages, I encountered a vivid landscape of colors that felt alive, akin to a dance of hues drawn straight from the heart of Africa. Akpan’s illustrations are nothing short of breathtaking. There’s a flowing airiness reminiscent of manga, yet deeply grounded in African aesthetics. The way he colors each scene elevates even the simplest moments into something magical. It’s easy to lose oneself in the visuals—each frame is a painting that tells its own story.
However, I found myself grappling with the narrative, which, while promising, felt somewhat muddled at times. The plot centers around young Iyanu, raised outside the walls of Elu by Olori, a wise woman combating a mysterious force known as Corruption. With the unexpected death of Elu’s king, a political struggle emerges, brewed by the conniving chancellor, Noru, touching on power grabs and the struggles of the impoverished citizens. Yet, I felt something crucial was missing—clarity.
As I navigated Iyanu’s journey, I was constantly left with questions: Why does she possess her incredible powers? Why is the ruling elite so quick to dismiss her wonders as “false”? These storylines are tantalizing yet frustratingly opaque, making it difficult to fully invest emotionally in Iyanu’s plight alongside her. Yes, I grasped parts of the motivations behind Noru’s shifty tactics and his quick manipulation of the new king, but much remains unresolved. Will answers unfurl in the next volume? I certainly hope so, as there’s a treasure trove of potential waiting to be tapped.
Despite these narrative flaws, I couldn’t help but relish the atmosphere, the heartbeat of Elu, and the stark contrasts between the ruling class and the common people. It felt like half of a much larger narrative, almost like a well-crafted introduction eager to spring forth into further exploration. Okupe’s writing carries a certain rhythm that keeps the story flowing, even if I occasionally stumbled over the complexities. There’s something worth praising in the way Akpan’s artwork communicates emotions and actions almost more gracefully than the words themselves—a brilliant partnership that showcases the strength of visual storytelling.
This volume is undoubtedly a visual feast, and for that alone, I’d recommend it to anyone who appreciates great art or is curious about stories rooted in diverse cultural heritages. If you’re drawn to tales filled with adventure, character growth, and a sprinkle of magic, Iyanu: Child of Wonder is a captivating introduction to a world that promises deeper explorations ahead.
As I closed the book, I felt a mix of anticipation and hope. I look forward to seeing how the narrative might unfold in Volume Two and how the puzzles left untouched will take shape. While not every question was answered, the journey was undeniably enchanting; sometimes, that’s just enough to keep me eagerly flipping the pages.
Discover more about Iyanu Child of Wonder Volume One on GoodReads >>