A special thanks to NetGalley and UDON Entertainment for the ARC to review.
Taking a brief break from the pixel-filled world of video games—a medium famously obsessed with the Monkey King—I’m reviewing the legend itself: Wu Cheng’en’s Journey to the West, adapted by Udon Entertainment for their Manga Classics line.
Yes, you heard it right! One of the most beloved Chinese novels of all time, Journey to the West, has been reinvented as a full color action-adventure Manga Classic for all ages!
Following the Buddha’s instructions, the diligent monk Tang San-Zang and his four disciples set forth on a mission to retrieve important Buddhist scriptures from India. But the journey becomes far more than they ever could have imagined as they encounter mysterious magic, mighty monsters, strange spirits, and so much more! The adaptation handled by Char A, Jim Zub handling the English Script, and artist Julien Choy handling the illustrative work.
The story of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, has been adapted for a younger audience, giving it a fresh facelift for a new generation of readers. Adapting a classic like Journey to the West is no easy task, but the Manga Classics line handles the source material with care. The narrative stays faithful to the original, capturing its core themes, character dynamics, and tone without taking unnecessary liberties.
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The artwork is reminiscent of classic manga, with exaggerated expressions, well-detailed action sequences, and distinctive character designs. Julien Choy’s illustrations are impressive, and the book’s vibrant colors make the pages leap out, instantly grabbing the attention of both younger and older readers. Another strength of this book is how well manga serves between classic folklore and modern storytelling, I can see why other readers who have recommended this story have described what is the best thing about Manga: it can serve as a bridge between old and new memories, and between classic folklore and modern storytelling.
Manga Classics: Journey to the West: The Beginning goes on sale on October 27th, and is available for Pre-Order on Amazon.
Final Grade:
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