In a universe where the monkeys can swing from Olympus to the celestial heavens, “Monkey King and the World of Myths” is a great tale that defies the boundaries of mythology. Imagine Sun Wukong, the mischievous Monkey King himself, swapping his cloud for a chariot and a lyre as he teams up with Greek demigods!
This whimsically adventurous graphic novel serves up a delightful fusion of Chinese-Asian myths with Greek mythology, creating a mythological sandwich that’s as tasty as it is entertaining.
Our cheeky protagonist, armed with his magic staff, boldly leaps into the wild world where Hercules might just be nearby flexing his biceps, and Athena could be crafting a clever plan to outsmart their enemies. Who knew that the Monkey King and the Greek Gods would share some common ground amidst misunderstandings, silly battles, and some seriously fun banter?
The artwork is a colorful feast for the eyes, bursting with vibrancy that makes the panels practically leap off the page, much like our nimble monkey hero himself! As we dive into Monkey King and the World of Myths, it’s impossible not to chuckle at the sheer ridiculousness of mythological figures clashing and connecting in ways that are both unexpected and utterly fascinating.
The plot weaves an entertaining tapestry so rich and vibrant that you’ll find yourself flipping pages faster than a monkey on a sugar high caught in an epic dodgeball match against a team of irate gods! Seriously, it’s like watching a hyperactive primate outmaneuver Zeus while tossing divine thunderbolts for points. So, is it worth your time? Oh, you better believe it!
Monkey King and the World of Myths: Story Review
Monkey King and the World of Myths takes readers on an exhilarating journey as the beloved Chinese hero, Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, unexpectedly finds himself in a vibrant realm where Greek mythology collides with his own. This whimsical graphic novel not only entertains but also beautifully highlights the universal themes that unite mythologies across the globe.
Monkey King: The Prophecy
Ah, the grand tale of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King! Grab your heavenly peaches and sit back, for I shall regale you with a prophecy that’s as twisted and playful as the Monkey King himself.
Once upon a time in the mystical realm of Chinese mythology, the heavens were a bit too serious, and the celestial beings were getting a bit tired of their mundane schedules of cloud counting and star polishing.
Enter Sun Wukong, the hot-headed monkey with a flair for mischief and an insatiable hunger for adventure — and, of course, bananas! Now, before Wukong could become the legendary Monkey King, he needed a prophecy to tell him about his destiny.
The cheeky Monkey King demonstrated that prophecies can unfold in delightfully unexpected ways, often brimming with humor and mischief. This enchanting blend of Chinese and Greek mythology invites readers to explore deeper themes than one might anticipate, all while wrapped in a vibrant, kid-friendly graphic novel. With its playful antics and clever twists, it reminds us that even a small monkey’s fate could have divine cosmic significance!
The Three Worlds: A Summary
One of the first things that really drew me into the story was the explanation of the three worlds — made up of gods, humans, and beasts — and how every being on Earth belonged to one of those three worlds. The gods wielded divine power, humans were granted remarkable tools, and the beasts embraced the essence of magic!
Monkey King and the World of Myths unfolds a captivating tale of harmony shattered, revealing how the inhabitants of the three realms coexisted in blissful peace — until an epic war ignited, pitting gods, humans, and beasts against one another in a cataclysmic struggle that lasted for a staggering thousand years.
Monkey King in Heaven
One fateful day, Sun Wukong — the notorious, mischievous monkey — decided to test the limits of his audacious spirit by sneaking into the celestial realm of Heaven. As he bounded through the pearly gates, his playful antics and boundless energy quickly drew the ire of the Gods, including Venus. And no, its not this God!
The heavenly kingdom, a sacred sanctuary reserved exclusively for deities, could not tolerate the intrusion of humans or beasts.
Hermes, the swift-footed messenger and a trusted ally from the West, had sent a message that sent shivers through the deities. The age of monsters was drawing near! The YAO-QI, those malevolent forces that slither between realms, were stirring once more, threatening to breach the delicate veil separating the three worlds.
With the very fabric of their divine order threatened, the Gods erupted in fury, sparking a series of events that would change the fate of all worlds forever. In order to take every precaution to stop the unthinkable from happening, Sun Wukong, their monkey guest was banished to the dungeon!
Sun Wukong: The Monkey King God?
Sun Wokong couldn’t help but gawk at the lavish lifestyle of the gods. Sparkling nectar, endless banquets, and that sweet, sweet divine bling — it was a monkey’s paradise! Naturally, he decided that becoming a god was the only sensible career move. But there was a catch. To obtain his heavenly crown, he’d first have to graduate from the esteemed School of Monster Hunting!
Yes, you heard that right — a monkey, armed with nothing but a cheeky grin and a stick, was expected to defeat some of the most fearsome beasts in the universe. If he succeeded, the dazzling gates of Godhood would swing wide open.
No pressure, right? It was time for this trickster monkey to prove he could turn those pesky monsters into mere stepping stones on his path to divinity!
The Evil Energy in the Three Worlds
The story even delves into how evil manifested itself from the shadows of the three worlds, which was super interesting to read.
The way someone’s soul ended up being possessed by evil, sounded like a very plausible theory.
The Monkey King in the Underworld
When Sun Wukong agreed to become a monster hunter, little did he know he’d signed up for a one-way trip to the Underworld, ruled by none other than the brooding Hades himself! One moment, he was ready to sling some serious monkey mojo at pesky beasts, and the next, he’d taken a tumble to Earth that was a bit more permanent than he anticipated. Surprise!
The not-so-fabulous Charon, boatman extraordinaire, was now his Uber driver to the land of the dead! Let’s just say, being ferried across the River Styx wasn’t quite the thrilling adventure he had in mind.
Upon his grand arrival in the Underworld, Sun Wukong was greeted by Hades, the dark lord with a flair for the dramatic, who couldn’t resist boasting about his ferocious new three-headed guard dog, Cerberus.
But wait, before Wukong could even process the whole three-headed dog thing, Hades dropped a bombshell! He was willing to let the Monkey King return to the land of the living, provided only if he agreed to take young Cerberus along for a little “life experience.”
Imagine it, a mischievous monkey and a puppy with three heads tearing through the mortal realm! What could possibly go wrong?
The Monkey King and the Minotaur
The Monkey King soon made his way to King Aegeus, who looked like he could really use a vacation. The Athenians were in a pickle, cursed to send their young folks to Crete as a snack for the Minotaur. Yes, you heard that right, a half-bull, half-boy creature.
The Athenians thought Sun Wukong was in cahoots with King Minos, the Minotaur’s very own zookeeper., so they let him have it with some black gooey stuff!
Naturally, King Aegeus, in a moment of extreme, panic-inspired logic, mistook Sun Wukong for King Minos’s newest henchman.
After a slapstick battle with black goo that would make any royal laundry day turn into a comedy show, Sun Wukong finally managed to clean himself up and strut his stuff all the way to the labyrinth in Crete.
Wukong braced himself for a fearsome face-off, ready to unleash his moves like a martial arts star in an epic showdown. But to his surprise, what he found in the labyrinth was not an angry bull-man snorting and stomping, but rather a pouting creature slumped against a wall, looking about as fearsome as a cute puppy.
Instead of a fierce battle, Wukong found himself wanting to hear the Minotaur’s side of the story.
It reminded me of another book, Oh My Gods! – Book 2: The Forgotten Maze. In this graphic novel, you will also find a misunderstood Minotaur. You can find out more about this graphic novel series here: Oh My Gods! Graphic Novel Series Review
For a more traditional Greek myth about the Minotaur, check out Ancient Greek Myths: MINOTAUR Graphic Novel Review.
The story of Monkey King and the World of Myths then took readers into a totally unexpected zone, much like the labyrinth’s windy-path, where the Minotaur was kept.
As you can see, the story doesn’t follow the typical Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. It blends in so much more!
That’s why I highly recommend diving into the vibrant pages of Monkey King and the World of Myths, a graphic novel that’s more than just a feast for the eyes — it’s an adventure that dances on the fine line between childhood wonder and adult intrigue!
Monkey King and the Wold of Myths: Review
The eye-catching graphic novel follows the antics of the legendary Monkey King, and trust me, it’s a rollercoaster ride packed with excitement, fun, and a sprinkle of heartfelt wisdom. Set against a backdrop of rich Asian myths combined with Greek mythology, the story whisks readers into an imaginative realm where ancient legends come to life.
Kids will revel in the whimsical illustrations, more like anime in many panels, and the fast-paced action. Adults and children will also appreciate the deeper themes of identity, friendship, and overcoming challenges. It’s one of those rare gems — an all-ages experience that resonates on multiple levels!
From epic battles against foes with unbelievable powers to moments of cool amusement, this graphic novel packs plenty into its 232 awesome pages. And, let’s not forget the incredible world-building! Each chapter feels like a new adventure, immersing readers in folklore that transcends cultures and generations.
At the end of the book, there are also extra details about the main characters: Sun Wukong, God Erlang, God Venus, the Jade Emperor, Buddha, Cerberus, Hades, the Minotaur, Princess Ariadne, and King Aegeus.
Whether you’re a kid captivated by the playful escapades of the Monkey King or a young-of-heart adult savoring a unique twist on Greek mythology, this graphic novel has something for everyone. So grab a copy, cozy up, and unleash your imagination!
I personally give Monkey King and the World of Myths a book rating of 7.5 out of 10. If I were a kid myself, I probably would have scored it even higher. It’s fantastic blend of fun and thought-provoking moments making it a compelling read for everyone.
Check Availability and Pricing: Monkey King and the World of Myths: The Monster and the Maze by Maple Lam
Pin it … Share it
