MONKEY KING

The Monkey King’s conflicts with Heaven get an in-depth visual treatment in this adaptation that draws upon the Chinese literary classic Journey to the West.

While the original epic consists of multiple volumes, this graphic novel focuses on the powerful and mischievous monkey hero’s early escapades. These adventures reveal the sources of his power and the events leading up to his being called on a sacred journey. A rock, “blessed by the divine spirits of Heaven and Earth,” hatches a golden-eyed monkey with “insurmountable celestial power.” Known as Sūn Wùkōng, he uses his skills to provide for his fellow monkeys, who name him their king. The Jade Emperor in Heaven is soon alerted to Wùkōng’s combat prowess as rulers and deities complain of his arrogance in demanding precious relics from them. Attempting to appease the monkey’s thirst for power, the Jade Emperor offers him numerous titles. But Wùkōng eventually realizes it’s all a charade, and his misbehavior escalates. Chau’s whimsical panels, which are rendered in soft, glowing colors, have an epic, cinematic feel. Her deft handling of pacing and composition brings balance to the many action-packed sequences in this work that seamlessly includes Chinese terms and is more comprehensive than many young readers’ versions of the story. Wùkōng’s unabashed personality is on full display, and his flaws add intrigue.

A respectful, accurate, and visually delightful retelling that’s both ambitious and enthralling.