Journey to the West review

Hi. I'm Shadow Steve

In case you haven't noticed I'm actually a huge Dragon Ball fan. I used to watch Dragon Ball Z on Cheev TV till I was forced by my mum to switch off the tv to get inside her car & to school where I never got a chance to see what happens next

But hey at least I got a chance to catch up on the anime on dvd & of course the original manga illustrations by Akira Toriyama. All the action all the characters all the powers but what I didn't know is that it was inspired by Journey to the West

When Journey to the West was originally released in China in 1592 it became a Chinese phenomenon till it gets a worldwide release as it gets translated to different languages numerous times including an original English translation by Arthur Waley. However I got the new translated version by Julia Lovell

Plus it had a lot of media attention like stage plays movies like the 2014 movie starring Donnie Yen inspires various pop culture characters like Digimon League of Legends of course Dragon Ball & the game on PC PS5 & Xbox Series X by Chinese publisher & developer Game Science - Black Myth: Wukong

Set around the Tang Dynasty in the 7th Century AD where a monkey named Sun Wukong has been chosen to learn the art of the Tao

But when he raids the Heaven's Orchard of Immortal Peaches the Buddah traps Wukong & then frees him 500 years later & orders him to protect a monk named Tripitaka to travel to India to find the precious Buddha sutras

Apart from its translation I loved it - the characters based on different animals the action & even the humour

So without Journey to the West there wouldn't be Dragon Ball

& it's a must read 🐒

🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒/5

#shadowstevereads #journeytothewest #penguinclassics #penguinbooksaus #dragonball

4/13 Edited to

Journey to the West is not just an ancient story; it is a cultural cornerstone that has shaped many aspects of modern entertainment. Reading this classic offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich mythology and folklore of Tang Dynasty China, especially through the rebellious and powerful character of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. As a longtime Dragon Ball fan, I found it eye-opening to trace the roots of Goku's character back to Sun Wukong’s adventures and traits. This connection adds a deeper layer of appreciation for both the original epic and the adaptations it inspired. One of the most striking aspects of Journey to the West is its blend of action, humor, and spiritual lessons. The story’s vibrant characters, many of whom are based on animals with unique personalities and abilities, make the narrative engaging and memorable. The monkey’s mischievousness balanced with his profound journey towards enlightenment highlights a universal theme of growth and redemption. The recent translation by Julia Lovell brings a fresh perspective that makes the story accessible to today's readers without losing its original charm and cultural significance. This edition is well-annotated, providing historical context and explanations that enrich the reading experience. It’s fascinating to learn how the tale influenced other media forms – from the Donnie Yen film to the highly anticipated game Black Myth: Wukong on PC and next-gen consoles. For fans of fantasy, mythology, or just great storytelling, Journey to the West offers a rare blend of entertainment and cultural education. Plus, knowing its indirect gift to modern pop culture phenomena like Dragon Ball makes it feel like a shared journey across time and media. If you enjoy stories with epic quests, unforgettable characters, and meaningful life lessons, picking up this book is highly recommended – it’s a remarkable adventure and insight into a narrative that continues to inspire.