7 Anime Inspired by Journey to the West

If you’ve been online lately, you may have noticed a Black Myth: Wukong. This action role-playing game from Chinese developer Game Science is inspired by classic novels. Journey to the West.

Although the adventures of Sun Wukong also originated in China, they are also very popular in Japan. If you haven’t seen Black Myth yet, but still want to experience some of the monkey’s magic, you should also check out the following seven animations that also have Chinese influences. Journey to the West.

1. Greater Alakazam

Its Japanese name is Saiyūki. The Great Alakazam It is an old Japanese musical film from the 1960s. It heavily references Journey to the West and was also produced by the “Godfather of Manga” Osamu Tezuka, who created Astro Boy and Black JackWhile the film was a huge success upon its release in Japan, it unfortunately flopped in the United States. However, the film does have one thing to its credit, and that is that the Bull Demon King character in the film inspired Shigeru Miyamoto to create a villain. Mario franchise, Bowser.

2. Wukong’s Big Blast

Wukong’s Big Punch is another anime series that aired in 1967. Produced by Mush Productions and aired on Fuji TV, the series was also directed by Gisaburo Sugii, who is best known for the Touch series and film adaptations of children’s books. Mist Night exist. Wukong’s Big Punch There are 39 episodes in total, and the protagonist is once again Wukong, based on the Monkey King. In terms of plot, this anime is basically faithful to the original novel.

3. Monkey Typhoon

This is a story about Sun Wukong, with a slight twist. Monkey Typhoon is an anime and manga series released in 2001 by Avex Inc. The manga was eventually serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine, while the anime aired on television from 2002 to 2003. In this reinterpretation of Journey to the West, Wukong is a robot. He and his friends, with the help of the human Sanzang, obtain 49 keys that can open the gates of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and prevent the destruction of the world.

4. Gensomaden Saiyuki

This one is a bit more modern and has a healthy dose of Beautiful Girl. Gensomaden Saiyuki is an anime series also based on Journey to the West. However, in contrast to the other series, the main character is not Wukong, but the monk Xuancheng Sanzang. The story takes place in Shangri-La, a paradise where humans and demons coexist. Xuancheng Sanzang is sent by Guanyin to Tianzhu to stop the curse from falling. On his journey, he is joined by his followers Sun Wukong, Sha Wujing and Super Hakkai. The series was produced by Studio Pierrot, and its popularity has led to several film adaptations and spin-offs, such as Saiyuki: Requiem and Saiyuki Reload.

5. New Three

Shinzo This work may look different from other adaptations of Chinese mythology, but that’s because it’s given a sci-fi twist. This work was produced by TV Asahi, Toei Advertising, and Toei Animation. Shinzo The story is set in the future, where genetically modified creators known as Enterrans have taken over Earth. However, three Enterrans are tasked with protecting the last remaining humans and finding a sanctuary for “Shinzo” where they can restore the human race. In this series, Son Goku appears as a character named Mushra. He even retains his iconic golden headband and scepter.

6. Sci-fi Saiyuki Starzinger

This sci-fi meets space opera anime series is yet another reimagining of Journey to the West. Set in a futuristic world, the story follows Princess Aurora and her companions Kugo, Djorgo, and Hakka. Their goal is to travel to the Great King Planet and restore galactic energy, fighting interstellar people along the way. Leiji Matsumoto of Space Battleship Yamato fame is the lead writer on this project. Stasinger It was broadcast on Fuji TV in Japan from 1978 to 1979.

7. Dragon Ball

This series needs no introduction. One of the most famous adaptations of Journey to the West to date is Dragon Ball Created by Akira Toriyama. Originally created and serialized in 1984, the series follows the adventures of Sun Wukong as he trains in martial arts from childhood to adulthood. Compared to other series, the series is also heavily inspired by old Hong Kong films, as reflected in the series’ focus on karate and kung fu. While Sun Wukong’s journey is the main source of inspiration, Dragon Ball Eventually it will deviate from the main plot, especially in his sequels Dragon Ball Z.

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