The Monkey King Vol 2: Wukong's Disgrace

Le roi singe #3-4

by Chaiko, Mike Kennedy (Editor)

The second, concluding volume in a diptych retelling of the legendary fable of ancient Chinese lore. The powerful Monkey King Sun Wu Kong sets out to accompany the monk Xuanzang on his journey to the west, where they will encounter all manner of threats and tests of character. Artist Chaiko brings his unique visual style and humor to this fantasy adventure about the legendary, supernatural monkey who squares off against gods and nature to protect those he has sworn to protect.

Genres: Graphic Novels

160 pages, Hardcover

Published June 6, 2023

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having not read the original text I don't know how accurate this all is but it's a pretty fun journey, I love the artwork, particularly Wukong with his constantly bored/cheeky expression.

The story does feel a little repetative at times because it's Wukong and his gang just constantly protecting the Monk from one demon after another but the artwork keeps things fresh and there's enough of a spin on each encounter to keep me invested.

The ending feels a little rushed, but it's a nice continuation of volume one.

[Steven Latour · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this volume the pilgrims meet with Sha Wujing and several of the more interesting stories from “Journey to the West” are adapted, including White Bone Demon, Red Boy, and Princess Iron Fan. I am somewhat disappointed that this is the concluding volume as there is much more of the story to tell, especially the conclusion, but this is not the only partial comics retelling of a story that is, after all, 100 chapers and 2,000 pages long.

[Michael Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vol 1 + Vol 2
This is an outstanding graphic novelization of part of "Journey to the West" I think parts one and two. The first part of Vol 1 is the origin story of the Monkey King, born from a solid rock, with copious magical powers to start with and a keen mind that gets him to the height of the Immortals and then in a massive amount of trouble from overstepping his limits. He is freed in the 2nd part in order ro become the disciple of Teng Sanzang, based on the monk Xuan Zang, who is headed to India on a quest for the finest sutras and teachings of Buddhism. They gather companions of nearly similar power thru part 2 and vol 2, and encounter various problems, monsters, demons, and bad-tempered Immortals who oppose their quest - or just want to eat them. The action, the writing, the artwork, and the panels are outstanding.

Let's hope Chaiko will finish it some day!

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The artwork in this book, as well as in the first, is good; sometimes quite beautful. The expressions on the faces of the characters are fun to look at. But I’m a bit disappointed that this is not a complete retelling of the original. Of course I knew that it would have to leave stuff out—the original being very long—but it doesn’t include the story’s ending. Thus, it’s kind of like a tv series that gets cancelled too soon. Maybe someday Chaiko will continue it? If he does, I’ll buy it.

[Julie Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finishing up my basic education about Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. Now I know the connection between the Bull Demon and Princess Iron Fan. It's not a requirement for enjoying Korean Odyssey but it's nice to have a bit of context for what Korean viewers would already know.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need another one

[Josie Pawlicka · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

Se nota que está última parte de Viaje al Oeste es mucho más difícil de adaptar, creo que hace un trabajo notable y lo ameniza todo lo posible.