Leeds author's viral superhero sequel sparks Netflix buzz with WrestleMania-inspired blockbuster
Following the global viral success of FIVE, award-winning author and PR professional Mohammed Bhana, writing under the pen name Mo Bhana, has released the highly anticipated sequel, FIVE II: The IBCW Showdown.
The new novel arrives after the original FIVE became an international phenomenon, with copies photographed at iconic landmarks including the Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills, Sweden and India's Taj Mahal, helping propel the superhero adventure to worldwide attention.
Interest in the sequel has already gathered significant momentum before publication, with promotional content generating more than three million Instagram views across Bhana's social media channels. The online buzz has fuelled widespread fan discussion about a potential screen adaptation, with Netflix frequently mentioned by readers eager to see the story brought to life.
FIVE II: The IBCW Showdown expands the fictional universe with a blockbuster storyline centred around the return of the series' main villain, The Claw, who re-emerges during the International Belt Championship Wrestling (IBCW) Battle Royal.
The championship centres on the powerful IBCW Belt, a mysterious artefact contested by heroes FIVE and i5 before a dramatic twist sees The Claw reveal himself as the surprise final entrant and claim the title.
Armed with the belt, The Claw launches a campaign to reshape the world's financial system through a new digital currency known as Claw Coin, while simultaneously searching for the original £5 note that holds the ultimate key to global economic control.
The sequel also introduces Minus FIVE, a dark clone created to destroy everything the hero represents, forcing FIVE and i5 into the "Dominion of Devastation"—a series of high-stakes contests inspired by the spectacle and storytelling of major wrestling events.
Supported by Winston Churchill, alongside allies including The American Phantom and Triple FIVE, the heroes face The Claw's expanding army of Clawbots and villains including Dirty Graham and The Beast of Nebulon in a battle that blends superhero mythology with sports-entertainment drama.
Bhana says the book was intentionally written to feel like a major live event.
“I wanted FIVE II to feel like a global event—something that captures the excitement and spectacle of a packed stadium while still telling a story with real heart," said Mo Bhana.
“Every twist, every match and every character serves a purpose. The success of the first book completely surprised me, and my son Ismaeel never stopped encouraging me to write the sequel. It took me more than a year to complete, but every chapter was written with the energy of watching WrestleMania unfold."
He added: “The Claw represents chaos and control, while FIVE and i5 represent gratitude, resilience and hope. At its heart, this is a story about choosing good over corruption, even when the odds seem impossible.”
The novel also incorporates elements drawn from Bhana's own family life, including humorous social media observations from his son Adam that inspired the introduction of a group of satirical "Brown auntie" characters. Originally conceived as comic relief, the characters ultimately become embroiled in one of the IBCW's most chaotic matches, adding comedy alongside the action-packed narrative.
Alongside this creative evolution, Bhana introduces new antagonist Whittaker, who serves as The Claw's calculating strategist, contrasting with the disorder created by the villain's more unpredictable allies.
The book is dedicated to Bhana's sons, Adam and Ismaeel, whose creativity helped shape the expanding FIVE universe. Bhana also pays tribute to generations of writers, entertainers and professional wrestling storytellers whose work inspired the series' blend of superhero action and larger-than-life spectacle.
Before creating the FIVE franchise, Bhana authored The Asian Liverbird, a commissioned project for Liverpool FC exploring the club's international fanbase. During that project he interviewed leading football figures including Steven Gerrard, Gary Lineker, John Barnes and Xabi Alonso, while his work also earned recognition from former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.
With fan interest continuing to grow and comparisons increasingly being made to cinematic superhero franchises and global wrestling entertainment, FIVE II: The IBCW Showdown marks the next chapter in what has become one of the UK's most distinctive independent superhero series.