Product Overview
Journey to the West - Adapted & Illustrated by Chang Boon Kiat / Vision, Perseverance, Teamwork / Paperback / Asiapac Books 2018
Paperback 2018
ISBN-10: 9812297189
ISBN: 9789812297181 / 978-9812297181
PAGES: 164
PUBLISHER: Asiapac Books
LANGUAGE: English
English Summary:
The bestselling Journey to the West comic book by artist Chang Boon Kiat is now back in a brand new fully coloured edition.
Journey to the West is one of the greatest classics in Chinese literature. It tells the epic tale of the monk Xuanzang who journeys to the West in search of the Buddhist sutras with his disciples, Sun Wukong, Sandy and Pigsy.
Along the way, Xuanzang’s life was threatened by the diabolical White Bone Spirit, the menacing Red Child and his fearsome parents and, a host of evil spirits who sought to devour Xuanzang’s flesh to attain immortality. Bear witness to the formidable Sun Wukong’s (Monkey God) prowess as he takes them on, using his Fiery Eyes, Golden Cudgel, Somersault Cloud, and quick wits!
Be prepared for a galloping read that will leave you breathless!Modelled after one of the greatest chronicles in human history, Asiapac’s Journey to the West tells of Sun Wukong’s quest for immortality and enlightenment. By handpicking the most exciting parts of the story and compressing them into one compact, colorful volume, Chang Boon Kiat has created a gripping tale that can be enjoyed by all ages.
A story would not be complete without a cast of interesting characters, and Xuanzang Sanzang’s merry band of Buddhist disciples do not fail to disappoint. The book hits the ground running with the flashy introduction of Sun Wukong, and Chang’s portrayal of the mischievous but powerful Monkey King hits the nail on the head.
From Wukong’s dialogue to his simple but distinctive design, everything is taken into careful consideration to craft a character that is just as awe-inspiring as he is likeable and entertaining. Wukong’s fellow disciples, Pigsy (Zhu Bajie) and Sandy (Sha Wujing), while not as prominent within the story, are given similar treatment with their unique appearances and personalities.
Journey to the West seems to understand that a good antagonist is as crucial to the story as any protagonist. From imperial generals to bloodthirsty demons, every character has a strong design, making each one as memorable as the last. And, while interesting on their own, the diverse cast of antagonists truly shine when pitted against Wukong and friends, and their dynamic interactions give life to the trials and tribulations which they represent in the course of the journey.
An important dynamic that is explored within the book is the conflict between Sanzang’s benevolent character and Wukong’s impulsive and violent tendencies. Their encounter with the White Bone Spirit and Sanzang’s subsequent banishment of Wukong leaves the reader to consider this conflict’s significance.
This dissension between teacher and disciple is representative of the conflicting ideologies of Law and Chaos and how it affects our actions. One may immediately assume that being lawful is the best course of action, but is that really true when Sanzang always ends up in danger, only to be saved by the chaotic Wukong? The profound lessons that this story imparts to its readers are simply another aspect of what makes it so engaging.
About the Author:
Journey to the West was written by Wu Cheng'en (1500-1582) a poet and scholar of the Ming dynasty. Although he was highly talented and very learned, he never achieved a high rank.His failure to achieve rank led to hardship and poverty, as well as the ridicule of other who had attained fame and fortune. This left him very disillusioned with society, a dissatisfaction which is reflected in Sun Wukong's rebellious and defiant nature.
About the Illustrator:
Chang Boon Kiat was born in 1971 in Perak, Malaysia. He was a graduate of the College of Arts in Kuala Lumpur where he studied fine arts. His publications include Detektif Hantu (detective ghost stories), Red Head, Journey to the West and short love stories. His works have also been published in the Malaysian comic magazine Gempak.
