Monkey King Volume 18: Bands of Brothers [1 ed.] 9788998341183

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Wei Dong Chen • Chao Peng

Bands of Brothers

Vol.

18

Vol.

18

Vol. 18

Bands of Brothers Created by

WEI DONG CHEN

Wei Dong Chen, a highly acclaimed and beloved artist, and an influential leader in the “New Chinese Cartoon” trend, is the founder of Creator World in Tianjin, the largest comics studio in China. Recently the Chinese government entrusted him with the role of general manager of the Beijing Book Fair, and his reputation as a pillar of Chinese comics has brought him many students. He has published more than three hundred cartoons, which have been recognized for their strong literary value not only in Korea, but in Europe and Japan, as well. Free spirited and energetic, Wei Dong Chen’s positivist philosophy is reflected in the wisdom of his work. He is published serially in numerous publications while continuing to conceive projects that explore new dimensions of the form.

Illustrated by

CHAO PENG

Chao Peng is considered one of Chen Wei Dong’s greatest students, and is the director of cartoon at Creator World in Tianjin. One of the most highly regarded cartoonists in China today, Chao Peng’s fantastic technique and expression of Chinese culture have won him the acclaim of cartoon lovers throughout China. His other works include "My Pet" and "Searching for the World of Self".

Original story “The Journey to The West” by Wu, Cheng En Editing & Designing Sun Media, Design Hongs, David Teez, Jonathan Evans, YK Kim, HJ Lee, SH Lee, Qing Shao, Xiao Nan Li, Ke Hu ©Chen, Wei Dong 2011 All rights reserved. Original Chinese edition published by Anhui Fine Arts Publishing House. Scanning, uploading, and electronic distribution of this book is prohibited.

Characters

Volume 18

THE AZURE LION KING The Azure Lion King is the eldest of the three monster kings of ShiTuo. Before he became a monster, he was the trusted steed of the Buddhist deity Pu Xian. In Journey to the West, the lion king is the first of his brothers to engage Sun Wu Kong in battle, and he soon learns that the stone monkey is not to be underestimated, even after being eaten by an enemy.

THE YELLOW-TUSKED ELEPHANT KING The Yellow-Tusked Elephant King is the second oldest of the three monster kings of ShiTuo. Before he became a monster, he was an elephant ridden the Goddess of Wisdom when traveling. He has a powerful trunk, which he uses as a weapon against his enemies. In Journey to the West, the elephant king is the second of the three brothers to battle Sun Wu Kong, and even if he doesn’t underestimate the stone monkey, he would do well to be wary of the Miracle Staff.

THE GOLDEN OWL KING The Golden Owl King is the youngest and the wisest of the three monster kings of ShiTuo. Before he became a monster, he was the spiritual brother of Buddha’s mother, and thus is known to and has an almost familial relation to the supreme being. In Journey to the West, the owl king is the last of the three brothers to confront Sun Wu Kong; unlike his siblings, he refrains from directly attacking the stone monkey and sets a trap to capture San Zang. He underestimates neither the monkey nor the Miracle staff, but he will be surprised by his opponent’s resourcefulness and list of allies.

7

sob

koff, koff

sob

8

Goodbye, Wu Kong.

It is said that friends are like leaves, and life like the wind. A strong wind can bring friends into our lives in a moment, and take them away just as quickly.

But you always fought to stay by my side. As a partner ...

And now you're gone before the end of the journey.

So this is it. The end of the road. I'm as good as dead without you, anyway.

San Zang! Don't give up! If you quit now, then all three of them died for nothing.

Death comes to us all. Don't be You must afraid carry on. of it. To the end.

Very well. Wu Kong, Bajie, Wu Jing: I will never I will forget your carry on noble in your spirit. names, no matter what.

14

HA HA! A H A HA H

MP O L

C

WHUM

P

H N EIG

UGH !

16

AH H ! ! !

SPLASH

GASP, GASP I REFUSE TO DIE... I WILL LIVE, I WILL CARRY ON, COME WHAT MAY... FOR THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING... FOR THOSE MY DISCIPLES DEDICATED THEIR LIVES TO... I, SAN ZANG, WILL NOT DIE.

NO...NO! PLEASE! NOT WHEN I'M SO CLOSE TO THE END! I CAN'T DIE! NOT HERE!

WU KONG! HELP ME!

Wu Kong!!! HELP!!!

?

I... Huh? Guh!

Wait. What's going on?

Ha! I just had a dream!

Master! What’s wrong?

20

We know.

You were talking in your sleep.

I was? I talked in my sleep?

It was mostly nonsense. But you sounded scared. Tell us about it.

Yeah. A lot.

It's nothing. Just a silly dream.

That's why you should tell us about it. We're sworn to protect you, even from your dreams!

We're here for you.

I'm tired.

It seemed real. That's why I was agitated.

Don't keep us in suspense! Tell us!

I dreamed ...

I…

You know something? I've already forgotten about it. So it couldn't have been that important.

Tell you what: I'll go back to sleep and try to dream again. Then, if you're still curious, I'll tell you all about it in the morning. Hmph.

Master! There's a village up ahead.

? Fine.

22

Hello...? Hello? There's

nobody here. The whole town is empty.

Save us, merciful Buddha! Hello?

Can anyone spare some food? oink

How strange. Is everyone playing hide and seek?

Shh! Quit your squealing! You'll wake the dead!

Oh! You If I were scared pregnant, me.

I'd have lost the baby!

Wait! Come back! I want to see the baby! I don't have a belly of my own, so I'm curious.

Let me cut you open and take a look.

Pregnant? Oh, I see... How far along are you?

Gah! Ghost!

Go away! Leave me alone!

24

No! Are you crazy? If you cut me open, I'll die!

Let me cut you open and take a look!

You wimpy klutz. Like I'd ever come within five feet of your guts.

Wake up, pork chop! Just because you're lying down doesn't mean it's nap time.

Wait, that was you? I'm going to kill you!

Easy, there big talker! He he he!

Why do you insist on teasing me all the time? oink

Come back here and get your just desserts!

HA

Dessert? You'd eat it all!

HA HA

HA!

You know what I mean! Come back Boy, here, you rat! I hate you!

There isn't a breath or a whisper to be heard here. What could have happened to all these people?

Master! I’ve searched every inch of this town. I can't find anyone.

Most of the houses have dinner tables that are set, with rice still on the plates. It's like time stopped.

How can this be?

How can no one remain?

I don't know. But whatever happened, it happened quickly.

Something terrible must have happened so quickly that no one had time to sit down to their dinner, and they were taken away with empty bellies.

All right, that's enough. There's no point in making wild guesses.

Wu Kong, keep looking through the village. See if you find anything that would explain what happened to all these people. There has to be some clue out there.

Ah, good!

Take him with you. He can help you search.

Here comes Bajie!

? 28

Report back as fast Yes, Master. as you can. Time to find a needle in a haystack.

No thanks! I prefer to work alone on this one!

Where are you? You're dead meat!

Where's he going?

Master! Where is he? Where is that miserable fleabag? I'll tear his limbs off!

I wasn't even finished talking to him.

Who, Wu Kong?

He just went to look around the village.

Sigh... You two are sworn brothers. Why do you insist on fighting all the time?

What's wrong with you? And why are you covered in dirt?

Ask him!

Wu Kong did it! That stupid baboon is always playing tricks on me!

There are only stairs through here. Strange. Why aren't there any roads?

CLANG CLANG

30

CLAN G G CLAN

Beware of flies and mosquitoes! Beware of bugs with wings!

Huh? What kind of monster is that?

Beware of bedbugs!

Beware of dead bugs!

Beware of everything!

31

What a ridiculous rhyme.

Clear air means no bugs!

…

Huh? Who are you? What are you doing here?

It’s strange to see a monster who is afraid of bugs. It's even stranger to see a monster announcing it to anyone who can hear.

32

Step aside! You are blocking my path!

Your path?

Maybe you're blocking my path. Who are you?

I'm on patrol for the king!

I'm on patrol for the king, too.

Well, I used to work in the kitchen as a cook.

Then why haven't I seen you before?

You were a cook?

That's a fine story, but can you prove it? Look! This is my rank, as bestowed by His Majesty! Let's see yours.

There. You see? Now tell me why you think you can mouth off to a senior officer.

The king liked my food above all others, so he promoted me and assigned me to the patrol team.

Gah!!!

CLONG You are a senior patrol officer!

Please spare my life! I didn't recognize you!

I didn’t even know we had a patrol commander. I'm so sorry.

I heard rumors that patrolmen like you were being lazy on the job. So I came to see for myself!

But why are you patrolling in person? That's not true! I work very hard the whole time I'm on duty! 34

Very well. A test, then: Where is our king's lair? What is our king's name?

What kind The eldest And there brother is a lion of test is this? are three who can swallow Our lair is great brother a whole army. ShiTuo Cave, kings, each deep within The second, with a unique an elephant ShiTuo Ridge. strength. who can reduce

a mountain to dust. The youngest is an owl as clever and wise as any being alive.

They have charged us with patrolling the mountain and killing every bug we find.

Very good. And why are we killing bugs?

Because Sun Wu Kong, San Zang's greatest disciple, often transfigures into a bug. We need to keep an eye out for him.

That way, our three great kings can eat San Zang's flesh.

WHAT?

That's the right answer, isn't it? San Zang and his disciples were spotted nearby, and once we get rid of Sun Wu Kong, his master will be ours for the feasting!

UGH !

WHA

Your answers are out of line. You have failed the test. Consider this a permanent demotion.

36

M

Your career has hit rock bottom.

Beware of bugs and mosquitoes! Beware of anything that flies! Death itself is in the air! Hey, why are you back so soon? Have you finished patrolling? Of course I have! I'm fast and I'm done!

Hey, smart guy! Shut it and get inside.

gulp Oh, boy...

Hey! Look who's back! That was fast. Have you already found San Zang?

Wow. There are so many of them.

Well, no. I didn't find him.

And I checked several times!

What am I going to do now? There's way too many of them.

He must not be very far from here.

Come on, Wu Kong, think! How do I scare them? Wait a minute!

If you didn't find San Zang, did you see Sun Wu Kong? What did he look like?

I can't tell you about him. If I do, you will get scared and run away, and then the kings will have my hide.

Please don't ask me about Sun Wu Kong. You don't want to know.

Why? Is he that Tell me scary? about him!

Don’t worry about it. Just tell us!

I'll tell you what: let's all go out, and you can buy me a bunch of drinks. If I tell you while you're drunk, the truth will be less scary.

Quit making excuses! Just tell us what you know and stop creating an atmosphere of terror.

Okay, but you'll regret it.

I watched Sun Wu Kong secretly, from a distance. He is enormous. Flames blaze from his eyes and smoke billows from his mouth. He carries a deadly iron staff.

Really? He sounds like a real horror.

Yes, scary.

That's not even the half of it. I spied him filing his staff into a spear, and heard him say he plans to impale every last one of us.

Then he'll feed us to the three kings! 40

He's going to do WHAT!

It's no use. He can see the future. That's how he knows you're already dead.

That's not right.

Which way do we flee?

! H A G

Just then, he transfigured into a fly so he could sneak in and kill us all.

BZZ

Fly!!! Sun Wu Kong is here! Run for your lives!

41

Run away!

It’s Sun Wu Kong!

Boy, they wear the skin of monsters, but they have the hearts of chickens.

SHI TUO CAVE IN SHI TUO RIDGE

!

Yuck! What a garish palace.

How times have changed.

When did monsters get so wealthy? In the Spring Mountain days, they went naked and barefoot.

44

INSIDE THE LAIR, MONSTERS PILED SKELETONS INTO GREAT PILES, FLAYED THOSE WHO WERE STILL ALIVE, AND BOILED HUMAN FLESH IN ENORMOUS CAULDRONS.

…

So this is what happened to all those villagers.

Hey, you! Show me your badge!

All right, hold your horses. Here it is.

46

They ended up on the monsters' dinner menu.

It looks like everyone is headed inside the palace. .

Ah ha! Three thrones of honor, each occupied by one of three great kings!

Sire! I come bearing I ask news of my your favor patrol. in hearing my report.

grr Favor granted! Tell us what you know.

Have you found San Zang? What about Sun Wu Kong?

Well, I saw them, but it’s hard to say... Well…

Speak up! grr 48

I saw a figure sharpening a massive iron staff by the side of the river.

He was massive, and had two fireballs for eyes.

Massive? As big as a giant?

Bigger. And you could almost sense his thirst for blood.

!

He was muttering to himself. He said he would behead one king, disembowel the second, and boil the third!

Are you sure that's what he said?

Don't We already be afraid, talked about brothers. letting him

Great kings! We've got a problem!

pass. Maybe we should.

Thousands of armed guards have just fled the gate! They said they were scared away by Sun Wu Kong!

All of them ran away? Are you sure?

I knew this would happen! Even the thought of Wu Kong can defeat an army.

That settles it. We'll just hope that he passes through without causing us any trouble.

That won't help!

Close the gate! And do it quietly!

grr Agreed.

Not when Sun Wu Kong can transfigure into something as small as a flea.

He's right. If there is so much as a crack in the rock wall, he can get through.

As you wish, Sire!

50

All right, listen up! From now on, our kingdom is at war with all bugs! Kill any bug you see, even if it's a fly or a bedbug.

We have no choice. We must do battle with Sun Wu Kong.

But this place is crawling with bugs.

How can we kill all of them?

!

BZZ

If it's a transfigured Sun Wu Kong, it won't look like a normal bug, right?

Yes! He’s right!

Kill all strange bugs first!

Move! 51

BZZ

Hey! That dung beetle is enormous!

grr

WHACK Ouch! Dang! Missed it!

Why did you hit me?

There it is! No, over there!

Don't let it get away!

The fly looks strange! Kill it, now!

What's so funny? You're not as quick or clever as you think you are.

53

Uh-oh. I let my guard down.

He's a patrolman. I’ve known him for years.

What are you doing?

It's true! I've done nothing wrong!

He has the buttocks of a monkey! He must actually be a monkey! This is Sun Wu Kong!

54

We'll see about that. Guards! Remove his pants. Even Wu Kong can't hide his hide.

Wow, if he were any sharper, he'd cut himself.

Well done, brother. You've saved us. We almost fell for his deception.

Yes, thank you.

You fools. Don't you understand? All I had to do was start talking, and your entire army fled in terror. Now let me go, so that you can all live long and prosperous lives.

If anyone should be worried about living a long life, it's you. In fact, if the rumors are true, I'd say you've lived long enough.

Guards! Throw Sun Wu Kong into our special guest quarters. Huh. Not a good fit for me.

Oof! Another day, another bottle.

It's The almost others nice were in here. dark and stuffy.

Wait... This one isn't like the others at all.

Hm... Too Nice or bad. not, I'm smashing my way out of here.

56

TU N K TU NK

THUD ?

The walls are too solid to break. Do they plan to starve me to death in here?

Oh, no...

THE WALLS WERE THICK, BUT THE REAL MIRACLE WAS THAT THE BOTTLE MADE FIRE ANY TIME IT HEARD A VOICE.

57

Ugh! These flames are stronger than the ones in Tai Shang's furnace! This is not good!

58

A toast to our brother, for quick and clever thinking.

Cheers!

Farewell, Sun Wu Kong. The fire in there is strong enough to boil lead. Even the mighty stone monkey will be reduced to a pile of dust.

Ah! This is what I get for letting my guard down and mocking my foes. I will end up as a lump of coal soon!

Wait a minute.

The three hairs from the Goddess of Mercy! She told me they can save lives!

SUN WU KONG TOOK THE THREE HAIRS GIVEN TO HIM BY THE GODDESS OF MERCY. ONE CHANGED INTO A GIMLET, ONE INTO AN ARROW, AND ONE INTO A STRING. EACH WAS INFUSED WITH MIRACULOUS POWER, AND WU KONG USED THEM TO BORE A HOLE IN THE BOTTLE.

60

Phew! Much better. All I needed was to air the place out a little.

Sire! The bottle isn't heavy any more!

The bottle is filled with yin and yang. It can't possibly get lighter!

Hey, did you feel that? This thing just got a lot Did the lighter. monkey burn up?

What do you mean?

I don't believe it! I can't feel the weight of the bottle at all!

Brother! What’s going on?

Is that what's left of him?

I don’t know. The bottle is weightless.

Why don’t you open it?

No, it’s monkey dung! Ugh, that freak!

Bring me some water, right now!

HAVING ESCAPED THE INFERNO INSIDE THE BOTTLE, SUN WU KONG RETURNED TO HIS MASTER AND HIS BROTHERS.

I guess the monkey is more clever than we thought.

And more disgusting. I feel like throwing up.

So the village people were all eaten...

Yes. It was a cruel fate.

I don't understand why you didn't destroy them. You've killed monsters for far less than that.

I guess that makes sense! Bajie! Come here!

Well, there were three of them, and they had thousands of armed guards surrounding their lair.

What? What’s going on?

So I was more than a little outnumbered.

The monster kings of ShiTuo Ridge are heartless killers. If we leave them be, they are sure to kill more innocent people. Go with Sun Wu Kong and help stop Help them. him?

63

Forget it! Killing monsters is Wu Kong's job. My job is to feed the horse and do the laundry.

You pot-bellied coward! You'll do what Master says, and do it without talking back. Go ask Wu Jing to help him.

You're going to help me, like it or not. Besides, Wu Jing is much better than you at feeding the horse and doing the laundry.

You two have got to learn how to get along with each other. Life is too short to fight over the slightest provocation all the time.

Bajie! What are you so afraid of? Wu Kong will keep an eye out for you.

You can strengthen your brotherly bonds and fight monsters while doing it. How hard is that?

64

Hey! Let go of my ear! Ow!

Great King! Sun Wu Kong and Bajie have arrived!

I have a score to settle with the filthy rodent who destroyed my precious bottle.

Very well.

Not so fast!

We don't know all that Sun Wu Kong is capable of. Let me deal with him first.

What's the problem? I won’t fail to kill him this time.

I said, not so fast.

I will draw him out and assess his strength. Then we can make a plan.

Well, Pigsy, what do you think? There's a lot of them and two of us.

Knock it off! I know what to do. oink I would understand if you want to sit this out.

Sun Wu Kong! It would be a waste of my soldiers' energy to send them after a weakling like you!

Step forward, and we shall fight man-to-man.

Aw... Are you saying you want me all to yourself?

If you can survive a blow from this sword, you may pass through our kingdom unharmed.

I have heard a rumor that your head cannot be scratched by any weapon.

Huh? That's Sure, it? take your best shot!

What arrogance. If I were you, I'd know better what I was dealing with before speaking.

SHOONG

H S O O WH

67

K C A R K BOOM

Now do you understand? If you kneel down and bow before me right this minute, I will spare your life.

What arrogance. You think you can kill me with that butter knife?

68

Tell you what: you can take three of your best shots!

What?

Are you deaf? I said you can have three chances to strike my head with your little toy weapon.

Suit yourself! Goodbye, Sun Wu Kong!

KRO

NG Impossible! He chipped the blade!

69

That was a warm-up! This time, it's real.

He he! That tickled! I thought you said you were going to hit me.

!

Ha ha ha! You see? I cut him right in half!

70

Really? Okay, go ahead.

Enough with the practice swings. I'm bored.

You have one last shot.

Give it all you've got.

What the...? He can't still be speaking after he's been cut in half!

Why? Is there a law against it or something? If you don’t take your final turn, I'll assume you Which forfeit. means you lost, and it’s my turn!

Your challenge is invalid, since you transfigured in order to deceive me!

What now?

He was lying through his teeth!

71

Come on, now. Act like a king and keep your word. It’s my turn now!

The hell it is!

I don’t have to keep my word to a cheater like you!

Oh, but you do. You see…

I can’t stand a double-dealer!

G N A L K

I will break you of the bad habit! And break every bone in your body while I'm at it!

P M U H W WHISH HA HA H A

BOOOOM

!

Look! Our great king has been crushed!

You should have listened Oh, to him. well. oink Enjoy the dirt nap.

The stories were true!

All right, you witless flock of sheep.

Sun Wu Kong We is too strong! don't have a chance!

Who would like to join their king? Step right up!

Sire!

You have exactly three seconds to get lost and prove you catch my drift. I'll even count down for you...

Big brother! He's still alive! Watch out!

76

P M U TH

Ha ha! Long live the king!

HUH?

AHH!!!

!!! P L E H

SHUK

I’ve swallowed the Emperor of Heaven like a midday snack. grr

78

Ha ha ha! So much for the invincible Sun Wu Kong. The cowardly Bajie, however, lives up to his reputation.

I'll let my guts do the work, and tomorrow I'll dispose of him for good.

Master! Master! We're done for!

Bajie?

Master! We’re in trouble now! The journey is finished!

What are you talking about? Where is Wu Kong?

What do you mean by that? What happened to Wu Kong?

I wouldn't worry about him anymore. He's gone where no one will find him again.

A monster king ate him! Swallowed him in one gulp!

79

What did you say? Look at me, Bajie! Are you making up stories again?

Ah… Sun Wu Kong...

80

I swear, I saw myself! The monster snuck up behind him and ate him whole.

I tried to save him, but it happened so fast.

Master! What are we going to do now? We can't possibly reach the West without Wu Kong.

Isn't there a chance he meant to be swallowed by the monster?

Wu Kong has been eaten before.

No way! We thought the monster was dead! oink

Maybe this was part of a plan.

Bajie, Master passed out!

Master! Master, wake up!

Wu Jing! Go to the village and fetch some water! Okay, but don't say anything else to traumatize him.

You should be more delicate with bad news.

Either way, It looks like the journey's over. Let's split the supplies three ways. oink

How else could I say "Good news, Master: Wu Kong it? no longer feels pain--because he's dead."

I can't even look at you.

Master can go back to Tang Dynasty. You can go back to your river. I'm going to find my wife.

82

Bajie! Mind your tongue!

Wait a minute. You swallowed Sun Wu Kong?

Well, I'm just saying...

Yes I did!

You mean, like a morsel of food? You swallowed him?

Uh-oh. Not good. This is going to get messy.

Um...I should have warned you about this earlier.

Why? What’s wrong?

You’re not supposed to eat the monkey. That’s

what he wants.

What are you talking about?

Sun Wu Kong managed to escape from Tai Shang's furnace. Do you think your stomach is more powerful than Tai Shang's furnace?

He'll probably shred your heart, liver, and lungs.

That monkey will wreak havoc on your defenseless Your innards. life is in his hands now.

And as long as he's in there, there's nothing we can do about it.

Didn't you think it strange that you swallowed him so easily, with so little fuss?

What am I going to do?

I’m not dead yet!

We will miss you, brother. sob Knock it off! 84

Bring some toxic elixir! I need to throw up everything inside my stomach!

HUURRL

BA A

AR F

I’ve been vomiting all day! Where the hell is he?

Sire! He’s not in here!

He he! Well, it’s awfully warm and cozy in here. I'm in no hurry to leave.

hrrk Sun Wu Kong! Get out of me! Right now!

Nah. It's started to get chilly outside. I think I'll ride out the winter in here, where it's warm.

What? He wants to spend winter in there?

Brother! I have an idea!

Tell me!

We’d better be using our wits to get him out.

What is it?

Here's what you do. Take this sword and swallow it.

?

What do you think?

Ugh! Help!

Then, if you stab your stomach with it...

I think you're an idiot! How do That won't you know work! unless you try?

Because I'll die while trying!

"DRINK STRONG LIQUOR. IF YOU GET SUN WU KONG DRUNK, HE'LL COME OUT."

Hm… Good idea!

86

Hey, Sun Wu Kong!

This Here is my you favorite go. booze.

Let's drink to A you! toast to a clever monkey!

You're not done, are you?

Ooh. It tastes so good!

! ACK I would like to get at least a little drunk. Bring more!

Here's to you escaping certain death!

I don't even feel a buzz!

My stomach! It's like he's stabbing me!

OW!!! He's an even bigger problem when he's been drinking!

Brother!

THUD Sun Wu Kong! Stop this! Oof! Help me!

W HUMP

Argh! My heart! My liver! My lungs! It hurts everywhere!

Sun Wu Kong, stop it! You've won!

Sun Wu Kong! We're sorry! Please forgive us!

And get out of him!

Please! You're killing him!

Since you've already proven to be a pack of liars, swear on oath.

You will make no attempt to capture my master. What's more, you will provide a carriage for him to pass through this land.

We give you our word!

He won't even need a carriage! I'll carry him across the kingdom on my back if I have to! Just get out of me!

Are you sure? Good! Now open your mouth... 89

Ah! Clean air! So good to breathe clean air again!

Now's my chance!

90

SHUK

KRUNCH I was going to bite him when he left.

Ugh! My teeth! He broke my teeth!

He beat me again! Brother, your mouth! What has he done?

!

Sun Wu Kong, you're a coward. No great warrior hides inside someone like a virus.

91

If you wish to be known as QiTianDaSheng, you must earn the name and fight fair!

Don't make me laugh! How dare you call me a coward! Your brother is the smelly lout who attacked me when my back was turned!

92

But I accept your challenge. How about we take this outside?

Very well. I trust someone who hates doubledealers will keep his word.

Sun Wu Kong! We are Come out, here! now!

Huh. So it seems you require a flock of minions for a man-toman fight.

Ha ha! I knew it! You're a You pack of live to liars. mislead. Shut up! You tricked me into swallowing you…

93

My army has gathered here for one reason.

They all want a shot at you.

I will strike the first blow!

SWISH

ZI P

N O O Z

K Gah! My heart! It's so tight!

What's the monkey holding in his hand?

SHRRCH Brother!

String! A very thin piece of string!

He he! I always liked flying kites!

Of course I did!

Argh! You've used magic string to tie up my heart!

WHOMP

I can't trust a liar! What a shrewd monkey! How did he do this?

96

Brother, are you all right?

Do I look all right?

The thread is coming out of your nose!

I know! And it's wrapped tightly around my heart! I can't breathe! I'm going to die!

I told you not to lie to me!

It's a good thing I was prepared this time. Otherwise you might have tricked me again!

Sun Wu Kong! We swear we are through lying to you! Please, forgive us and release our brother!

If we break our word, we will fall on our own swords!

You want me to trust you again?

There's an old saying I think the three of you should know. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me!"

Then what can we do to make you trust us?

You can get out of my sight!

Brother!

For good!

WHAM

Please release me. I swear to you, on my life...

If I ever attack you or lie to you again, you may rip the flesh from my bones.

We will send a carriage for San Zang very soon. Trust us.

But if you even think about deceiving me again--

Clear as crystal!

I'll eat my heart and my kidneys!

Hm… You are quite humble when you are on death's doorstep. All right. I'll trust you one last time.

--I will rip your heart out and feed it to you! Are we clear?

Now, please let me go. Remove the string.

Please!

I will never I will lie again. clean up my act... Huh?

He’s gone.

The string is gone too.

I’m alive. I’m alive!

Oh, no! Over here!

100

Are you all right, brother?

Brother! Wake up!

grr Yes... I’m okay!

sob My dream came true after all. I should have had more respect for the dream. Then Wu Kong might still be alive.

So I get the wooden rice bowl…

The hell you do!

That bowl is Master's!

…

… 101

Sun Wu Kong…

Master?

Where are you going?

How can you leave me like this?

You swore to protect me! You swore you wouldn't leave my side until the journey was complete!

WU KONG!!!

I should have listened to my dream...

102

What am I going to do now?

Master, why are you crying?

Did Pigsy eat all the food Why again? are you out here all alone?

Hello?

?

Wu Kong? Is...is that you? Are you really Wu Kong?

Wu Kong! You’re still alive! You were not killed!

Bajie told us you had been eaten by a monster.

?

Of course not. Who said I was?

He did? That fool!

What is going on?

!

Hey! Watch your mouth!

Are you trying to pick a fight?

You said he was dead!

Big brother… You're back!

He he he! oink

Oh! Really?

Um…

I saw you got eaten by the monster! I tried to fight him, but I couldn't win.

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I really tried to get you out of the monster's belly, but I couldn't. So I came back here and told Master what had happened.

It's true! Just ask Master.

W H AC K

Don't look like that, Wu Jing.

OOF! Apparently, Wu Jing has too. Look! He's already divided up our belongings.

That wasn't his Go idea. find Bajie. We need to move on.

Bajie gave up on his brother.

Speaking of which, I got the monsters to help us!

106

They are bringing a carriage to help you across the kingdom.

They are? Wu Kong, where would I be without you?

Ow.

I don't see anyone.

It's okay.

Now I'm getting agitated.

YAAHH!

I don’t need to ride in a carriage.

It's about time! What took you so long?

Why are you looking at me like that?

You're not going to break another promise, are you?

107

Don't be silly! My brother swore on oath not to fight you. But I didn't.

So if you want to pass through the kingdom, you have to go through me!

Wu Kong!

108

Are you sure you can manage them? They look dangerous.

Nah. These monsters are just good at deception, that's all. The problem is that I'm tired right now.

So what do We we do? let

Pigsy do it.

Wait, you want me to fight these guys? What for?

I know! I'll tie this rope around my waist. If I'm in danger, I'll tug on it, and you pull me to safety.

Well, there are three monsters, and three of us. This is the second monster, you're the second brother. Any more questions?

But I’m I don't a little know if out of I can beat shape. him.

And to think Bajie once commanded a heavenly army. Sigh...

Sure! No problem!

All right, trunk-face! Come and get it!

109

WHOOSH

THM P

Hey! Give that back!

Wu Kong! Help me!

Wu Kong! Bajie is in danger! Hurry up and get him out of there.

Boy, what a moron.

How hard is it to put up a fight for even one second?

Big brother! oof Big brother!

Maybe a couple more seconds for him to think on it...

Whoops!

PLUK Gah! Help! oink, oink

What a useless piece of meat.

Ha ha ha! I'd say you've lost, Sun Wu Kong.

We'll take the pig as a trophy.

Hey!

Why Wu Kong! didn't you help me? oink

How odd. Why was the string so slippery?

You know nothing of brotherhood! You spend all your time antagonizing your little brother, so that he spends all his time lying and trying to get out of the journey! This situation is hopeless!

Knock it off, Wu Kong.

You're no different from Bajie!

112

Do you want your little brother's blood on your hands? Answer me! Is that what you want?

Hey, he didn't save me! That monster swallowed me, and Pigsy just ran away like a coward.

That's because Bajie isn't as strong or brave as you are! But neither is anyone else! Don't you get that?

I...

Sit down, both of you. I have something to tell you.

Sigh...

113

Whoa. That's what you saw in your dream? All three of us were dead?

Now you know why I'm upset.

But it's just a silly dream!

And that's the problem. You don't seem to mind that you will outlive us all. So why don't you just head west and retrieve the Sutras all by yourself, since you haven't even batted an eyelid at the thought of Bajie being killed by monsters?

114

I never die! Ha ha!

Of course, it's precisely because you think this way that you would never reach your true destination, no matter how fast you could reach the West on your own.

Well, I didn't defeat Sun Wu Kong. But I captured Bajie in just a few moments!

HA HA

Hang on. You only brought back a useless pig!

HA! Our plan is completely ruined.

What plan? You never told me about a Well, plan. we tried

to tell But you! you had always gone!

Your lack of patience has ruined everything!

Now we have to come up with a new one!

Wait a minute...

ZHU BAJIE... Big brother is such a He jerk. didn't help me at all.

THE KING OF HELL HAS CALLED YOUR NAME.

YOUR TIME IN THE WORLD IS AT AN END. YOU MUST COME WITH ME.

I bet he meant to let go of the string.

YOUR TIME HAS COME.

He has?

THE UNDERWORLD IS WAITING FOR YOU.

oink What are you talking about? I'm still young and in my prime! You've got the wrong person!

I have a very common name.

This must be some kind of mistake! YOU WERE ONCE A NAVAL COMMANDER OF THE MILKY WAY ARMADA?

Yes, that’s right! But…please! Spare me! I need to accompany my Master to the West!

IF YOU WISH TO BE SPARED, THERE NEEDS TO BE SOMETHING IN IT FOR ME.

I...I have nothing to give you.

THEN YOU MUST DIE!

117

I have some silver pieces. I've been secretly keeping them.

Wait, wait! Please! I lied!

I was going to use them to buy some dumplings. sob

They're yours! Now, please spare me!

That’s all I have.

HE HE!

You’re You not a are messenger Sun Wu of death! Kong!

Wait a minute. I know that laugh...

Of course, I am, you idiot. 118

Master scolded me for letting you get captured, so I came to rescue you. And I can't believe you hid silver pieces from us!

Wait! I mean ...

Fine! Keep the silver! Just get me out of here, now!

Deal!

oink You are such a slimy rodent!

Give them back! They belong to me! Fine. I'll give them back and leave you here.

Hey! Bajie is escaping!

I keep killing There's them, but too many they keep of them! coming!

119

Great King! Bajie is escaping!

There are only 48,000 of them! Come on, Pigsy, let it all hang out! You should be good at that!

It must be Sun Wu Kong. I'll cut them off at the front gate!

Leave it to me! I'll get Bajie back, and I'll capture Sun Wu Kong too.

I told you Bajie was worthless!

What about our men?

I'll bring them both back here at once!

You Wait! are in over your head.

120

BOOM

Yup, I feel great. That was a good workout.

Ha ha ha! You see? Don’t you feel refreshed?

He he he!

Ha ha ha!

Isn't that the same buttugly monster who captured you?

Whoa, hold up.

It sure is.

Getting away won't be that easy. This is our land.

Drop your weapons and surrender yourself at once!

Pigsy! Watch and learn!

Big brother! Be careful around his trunk. It's dangerous.

122

Wow. He’s so fast and strong. I'm in danger of making a fool of myself.

KLANG

What kind of trunk is this?

Watch out! Ugh! This thing is more like a weapon than a nose!

Big brother! He may use it as a weapon, but it's still a nose! And all noses bleed, don't they?

Hey! That’s a good point!

K N O O TH Okay, okay, you win! I surrender! Now please stop. You will give me a sinus infection!

Already? I just got started! Let’s play No, it's over! some more! I'm through fighting.

That was I can be a great useful once idea! in a while.

…

Okay, let's go. Walk this way!

Ow! Let go of my nose! It hurts!

Less talk, more walk!

ONCE THE SECOND MONSTER KING HAD BEEN CAPTURED BY WU KONG, HIS BROTHERS CAME FORWARD AND BEGGED SAN ZANG FOR HIS RELEASE. THE THREE BROTHERS SWORE TO HELP SAN ZANG CROSS THEIR LAND SAFELY.

THE MONSTER KINGS SELECTED EIGHT HEFTY SOLDIERS TO HOIST SAN ZANG IN A CARRIAGE FOR THE JOURNEY.

AS THEY MADE THEIR WAY ACROSS SHI TUO RIDGE, THEY FOUND A PLACE WHERE THEY COULD MAKE DINNER AND REST FOR THE NIGHT.

SAN ZANG'S SPIRITS WERE RAISED, AND HE WAS PROUD OF HIS DISCIPLES.

THANKS TO DEDICATED EFFORTS OF THE MONSTERS AND THEIR MEN, SAN ZANG AND HIS DISCIPLES WERE ABLE TO CROSS THE ENTIRE KINGDOM IN TEN DAYS.

ALONG THE WAY, THEY CAME ACROSS A MYSTERIOUS FORTRESS THAT WAS ADORNED WITH SKULLS AND SURROUNDED BY EVIL SPIRITS.

128

THIS WAS THE FINAL PHASE OF THE THIRD KING'S PLAN. THE CASTLE ORIGINALLY BELONGED TO HIM, AND IT WAS FILLED WITH MONSTERS WHO WERE WAITING TO ATTACK ON HIS ORDERS.

130

131

S

G N O HO

Ha ha ha! You have traveled a long way to get caught in such a simple trap!

You know, I had a feeling you were still lying.

It's too late for hindsight! Prepare to die!

Big brother! Hang on! I'm coming!

Hey! Where are you going? May I have this dance?

WHACK

K L A NG

Oh, no! I thought something was strange. Those monsters were acting way too nice.

But this trap is worse than I feared!

Move it! Let's go! We trusted blindly, and this is what it got us.

Stop! Let me down!

134

No, no! Wu Kong! Help me!

Wu Kong!!!

Master!

CK

KRA

I should have known better than to trust you!

Monsters never change! They only change color!

136

Big brother! Help! He's got me!

Huh?

Pigsy!

You have defeated my two brothers. But not me. If you do, I will release your master.

I don't like this. He's got wings.

BAM

138

THM P

Ha ha! Where are you going?

OSH O H W

Wu Jing!

Hmph. With brothers this weak, who needs enemies!

Sun Wu Kong! You should know better than to turn your back on an opponent!

139

Ugh!

Now, what do you have to say about that?

BOOM

I'd say watch your back.

Wait, don't answer! You haven't begun to feel my wrath!

Hello, down there!

Did that hurt much?

Stay away from him, you treacherous little brat! Have you forgotten about us?

SHOON K

I'd rather not deal with three of them at once. Time to spread them out.

You take Let's one side, I'll take play kill the other. the monkey!

Look! He's running away!

Brother! Don't lose him!

WHOOS H

Don’t worry! He's all mine!

Sun Wu Kong! Come back here!

He he! Our little brother is the strongest of us by far.

Ha! You won't be able to catch the memory of me!

Sun Wu Kong doesn't stand a chance!

I can cross an ocean in the blink of an eye!

And you think you are the only one who can do this?

One flap of my wings, and I cross a continent. Two flaps, I cross an ocean.

Three flaps, and I stop you dead in your tracks.

143

There! I didn't need that second tail anyway.

OOF! Ha ha ha! It appears your flying isn't as quick as your wit.

Ugh! How did he...?

Impossible!

144

The monkey is fast, but . not as fast as he thinks. I caught him with little fuss.

Give them a thorough rinsing, then it's into the steamer!

Oh, no. Not again...

Well done, brother! That'll teach the arrogant little twerp.

Tonight's menu is monk flesh with sides of monkey, pig, and...blue thing.

You know, I've always had a fondness for blue thing.

Sire! The steamer Good! is ready!

The pig has a thick hide. Put him in first, then Wu Jing.

Wu Kong! Do something!

oof I can't die like this! Help!

You got any ideas?

Of course not! That's your job!

…

gasp I can't breathe in here! Yech! It smells like pig sweat in here!

Save us, merciful Buddha!

Pigsy and Wu Jing can hold out for a while, but Master won't be able to.

THE KING OF NORTH SEA IS HERE.

Do you see that giant steamer down there? My Master and brothers are in it.

I'm going to go find help. Please watch over them while I'm gone.

Oh, dear.

I will. But do hurry.

HAIL, SUN WU KONG! WHAT IS IT?

I need you make sure the steamer doesn't heat up.

If Master so much as breaks a sweat, I'll flatten your palace!

Some chilly air will cool things down.

Hey!

It’s cooling down in here!

Stroke the fires! More heat!

This place is crawling with more monsters than I can count.

It will take years to get rid of them all!

Then, of course, there are the three kings.

Should I ask the Jade Emperor for help? No, he won't be able to help.

That leaves one person. But he's the only one for the job. Others are useless. I need the big guy.

I AM AWARE OF YOUR FOES. THE FIRST AND SECOND KINGS HAVE MASTERS. BUT THE THIRD IS DIFFERENT.

Save us, merciful Buddha! My master and my younger brothers are in mortal danger. Have mercy and save them!

HE IS A RELATIVE OF MINE.

Say what now? He's related to you?

THE PEACOCK IS MY MOTHER, AND THE OWL IS THE THIRD BROTHER.

AT THE DAWN OF TIME, THE MIGHTY PHOENIX BORE A PEACOCK AND AN OWL.

So the owl monster is Buddha's uncle? He he he!

I will resolve the problem right away...

We've got a serious problem outside!

What’s going on? Get off your knees and tell us!

Your Majesties! Your Majesties!

We thought Sun Wu Kong was in the steamer. But he's outside, storming the gate!

He's outside? What about the others? Where are they?

Don't worry. They're still in the steamer. The monkey got out alone.

I knew How something did he like this manage would to escape? happen.

It doesn't matter. Clearly, we've been careless in dealing with him. We must do a more careful job of killing him this time.

WHAM BOOM

KRASH

Sorry, there was no doorbell! I seek the three kings! Right now!

K A R ONG

Hello, boys!

Let's play Cage the Monkey!

Game or no game, you won't escape! 154

Hey, over here! Come and get me!

Buddha!

REVEAL YOUR TRUE NATURE. NOW.

It's all over.

156

My brothers! What have you ...?

I don't believe it! My brothers were merely the steeds of God PuXian and Goddess of Wisdom. I’m on my own now.

But I refuse to give up!

G N O H S

YOU SILLY CREATURE. YOU POSE NO THREAT TO ME.

Ugh!

NOW COME WITH ME.

158

Release me! I am not going back.

YOU HAVE COMMITTED SO MANY SINS. RETURN WITH ME AND ATONE FOR THEM.

No! I won’t live like a beggar at your feet.

I'd rather suffer in the pit of the underworld!

PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD LOOKED UP TO YOU.

I DIDN'T ASK FOR THAT! LET THEM LOOK UP TO YOU!

159

RETURN TO MY GARDEN, AND CLEANSE YOUR MIND OF THESE THOUGHTS. IT IS THE ONLY WAY TO FIND ENLIGHTENMENT.

I don't care! I'm not looking for it!

You have no right to meddle with my life! Go back to your wretched garden and leave me alone!

… YOU KNOW FULL WELL THAT YOU WON'T ESCAPE PUNISHMENT FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE.

160

NOW WILL YOU COME WITH ME?

Thank you, Buddha. I will see I hope you in the very soon. West. UNTIL THEN, SUN WU KONG. NOW GO SAVE YOUR MASTER.

BY THE TIME WU KONG HAS RETURNED, WORD OF THE THREE KINGS' SURRENDER HAD ALREADY REACHED THE PALACE, AND EVERY LAST ONE OF THEIR MONSTERS HAD RUN AWAY. THE PLACE WAS COMPLETELY DESERTED.

161

Save us, merciful Buddha!

I thank you for your guidance and aide.

Hey, did you know that the owl monster was actually Buddha's Wu Kong! Stop uncle? talking nonsense.

Once, this was a thriving village, full of life...

Now, there is only death and rot.

We are born into life from death, and are borne away from life unto death. All else is vanity.

Master, I already told you it was just a silly dream.

No, Wu Kong.

That's not the point.

The point of the dream is to change the way we see things.

Well, I don't see the three of us dead and buried. So the dream lied!

163

Not really. You found a way to work with your brothers to prevent what I saw from coming true.

Ah, I see now.

The dream didn't change. We did!

That’s why we're still alive!

So, it's fair to say that I was able to conquer fate!

That's right! Once we started working together, I was able to help Wu Kong defeat the monsters!

What? You don't have to look at me like that.

Bajie, take some time to reflect on the virtues of modesty.

Why? I don't need to reflect. Someone like me doesn't need modesty to survive.

No, just an endless supply of dumplings.

Appendix

SYNOPSIS

BANDS OF BROTHERS

San Zang kneels at the foot of three open graves. Weeping uncontrollably, the priest ponders existence and the fleeting nature of the relationships formed over a lifetime. Sobbing, San Zang throws dirt over the bodies in the graves, bodies belonging to Sun Wu Kong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wu Jing. San Zang determines that continuing the journey without his disciples would be hopeless and decides to kill himself. But he cannot bring himself to do it. Just then, he hears the voice of the Goddess of Mercy, who beseeches him to carry on in the memory of his disciples. The priest does so, outrunning countless monsters and crossing miles and miles of hostile terrain. As he slowly makes his way across an endless desert, he is swallowed by a pool of quicksand. As he sinks to his death, he cries out for Wu Kong to save him.

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San Zang startles awake from his nightmare, calling out Wu Kong’s name. His disciples, still alive and by his side, have set up camp and were listening to the priest talk in his sleep. They tell him that the sleep-talk was gibberish and ask him to explain the dream, but San Zang refuses and goes back to sleep. The next day, the four travelers come upon a village that has been completely abandoned. They search high and low for any signs of life (or death) but to no avail. Wu Kong tries to alleviate the lifelessness of the place by playing a prank of Bajie, which infuriates the pig. San Zang tries to send both brothers to investigate further, but knowing he has angered Bajie, Wu Kong goes off on his own. Wu Kong arrives at a treacherous mountain pass where a patrolman tells him that everyone in the neighboring kingdom is on the lookout for bugs of any kind: it turns out, the three brother monsters who rule the kingdom have heard of San Zang and wish to feast on his flesh. They have asked their patrolman to keep an eye out for bugs because it is known that Wu Kong often transforms into them, and they fear he could sneak into their kingdom in disguise. Wu Kong kills the patrolman and enters the kingdom disguised as him. There he discovers that the villagers were all captured and killed

167

by the monsters who guard the kingdom, monsters that number in the thousands. Wu Kong frightens them away and reaches the throne room of the three kings. There, he is discovered by the youngest brother, the Golden Owl King. Wu Kong is thrown into a magic bottle whose interior catches fire whenever it hears someone speaking. Just as he is about to be incinerated, the monkey remembers that he has three magical hairs given to him by the Goddess of Mercy, who claimed they could save a life. The hairs turn into tools which Wu Kong uses to drill a hole in the bottle, releasing the fire and saving his life. Wu Kong returns to his master, who sends him to defeat the monster kings with the help of Bajie. The two brothers are met in battle by the Azure Lion King, the eldest of the three brothers. Wu Kong smashes him into the earth with the Miracle Staff, but the lion king emerges from the crater when Wu Kong’s back is turned and swallows him. Bajie flees in terror and tells his master that Wu Kong is dead. Fearing his dream has come true, San Zang is inconsolable with grief. Of course, Wu Kong tends to create more problems for his enemies once he’s been swallowed, and sure enough he is wreaking havoc inside the lion king’s stomach. He is on the verge of killing him when the king’s two brothers convince Wu Kong to exit his body in the

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name of a fair fight. The brothers go back on their word the second Wu Kong is out, though, so the monkey uses a magic string to tie a knot around the lion’s heart, causing him tremendous suffering. The lion surrenders, and Wu Kong tells his two brothers to not only allow San Zang to pass through the kingdom, but also to provide a carriage for the priest’s passage. Wu Kong returns to his master, who is weeping. When Wu Kong discovers that Bajie has wrongly declared him dead, he punches the pig, but grudgingly accepts San Zang’s suggestion that they forgive him for now. As the four make their way through the kingdom, they are met by the second brother, the Yellow-Tusked Elephant King. Wu Kong decides against fighting the monster, sending Bajie instead. Bajie is quickly captured, despite asking for Wu Kong’s help. San Zang angrily berates Wu Kong for not valuing his younger brother, or the fact that his master and brothers are not invincible like him. San Zang orders Wu Kong to rescue Bajie, which the monkey does. Wu Kong then confronts the elephant king and defeats him with Bajie’s help. At this point, the three monster kings bow to San Zang and accompany him on his passage through the kingdom. Once they reach the edge of the kingdom, however, they come to a menacing castle. The castle was once the

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home of the youngest brother, the Golden Owl King, who has led them here as part of an elaborate trap. Wu Kong and the owl king do battle, and the owl king succeeds in capturing the monkey and his friends. They are thrown into a gigantic steamer for the purposes of a feast. Wu Kong escapes the steamer and goes to the heavens for help. There he discovers that the Golden Owl King is a relative of Buddha himself. Wu Kong lures the owl king to the heavens, where Buddha subdues him. Buddha then reveals that the owl king’s two younger brothers, the lion and the elephant, are former steeds of two Buddhist deities. Wu Kong returns to the castle to free his master and brothers. San Zang is still haunted by the prospect of death and tells Wu Kong about the important role dreams play in shaping behavior. With this lesson hanging in the air, the four companions continue their journey to the West.

170

THEMES OF THE JOURNEY TO THE WEST

SIBLING RIVALRY: WU KONG AND BAJIE

When the journey to the West was still in its infancy, a young priest from the Tang Dynasty set out on a divine mission to recover the sacred Mahayana sutras from India and return with them in order to save humanity from the world’s ills. The Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, who gave the mission to San Zang, promised the priest that along the way he would meet and recruit a team of disciples to help him. The first one he encountered proved to be the most important asset to the mission: Sun Wu Kong--also known as the Handsome Monkey King and QiTianDaSheng, “The Emperor of Heaven”--a powerful being created when heaven and earth collided, whose ability to summon the power of the both worlds make him unprecedented and almost completely invulnerable. The second disciple to join the journey would

171

prove to be Wu Kong’s opposite in almost every way: Zhu Bajie, or “Pigsy,” whose selfish nature and voracious appetite know no bounds and have endangered the mission on more than one occasion. On the surface, it would seem obvious to the reader that Wu Kong is the more valuable disciple; despite his instinct toward confrontation and violence, Wu Kong has repeatedly used his miraculous power to detect danger when no one else can. He can travel great distances in the blink of an eye, and his stamina is greater than any other living being. Bajie, on the other hand, cannot take ten steps without complaining that he is hungry, and his attraction to women is so fierce that he has come very close to abandoning the journey to the West for the sake of marrying someone he meets along the way, even though he already has a wife. Worse still, Bajie is not nearly as good a fighter as Wu Kong. He attacks enemies impulsively and is constantly being taken captive by monsters and demons. This means that, when not berating Bajie for his slovenly ways, Wu Kong spends considerable amounts of time “saving Pigsy’s bacon.” It also means that the journey to the West has taken considerably longer than any of them had imagined. What, then, is Bajie’s contribution to the journey? Why is he along for the trip if he doesn’t appear to add

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anything to the team? The answer to that question shines a light on the theme of brotherhood in Journey to the West. Bajie is a capable fighter, as evidenced by the numerous monsters he has defeated along the way. He is nowhere near the ability of Sun Wu Kong, but then, nobody is. And it’s precisely because of his inferior abilities that Bajie is a valuable part of the journey. The success or failure of the journey to the West hinges entirely on Wu Kong’s ability to navigate the path to enlightenment. He has learned to temper his pride and resists the impulse to kill adversaries without consideration for the value of all life. The final step is one that requires Wu Kong to understand and exercise empathy. When Bajie succumbs to temptation or acts in a rash manner, Wu Kong is quick to belittle and mock him. When Bajie is kidnapped by the yellow lion king, Wu Kong does not appear interested in freeing him; the impulsive pig has once again got himself into trouble because he doesn’t have the talent or discipline of stone monkey. But as San Zang points out, Bajie’s shortcomings are not a reason for his brother to abandon him. Rather, they are a reason for his brother to take extra care of him. To reach enlightenment, Wu Kong must understand that while all beings are not created equal, we are

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bound to one another and have an obligation to understand one another, even and especially those of lesser ability. To save humanity, one must understand that there are many different kinds of people, some stronger and more intelligent than others. Each life is precious, but not necessarily the same. Wu Kong’s and Bajie’s paths to enlightenment take different directions and have different consequences. Bajie’s enlightenment depends on his being able to resist his greedy impulses. Failure to do so threatens Bajie’s life. Wu Kong’s enlightenment depends on his being able to understand the vast complexity of the world he’s trying to save. Failure to do so threatens the entire journey to the West.

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the golden Owl king

Vol. 01

Vol. 02

Vol. 03

Vol. 04

Vol. 05

Vol. 06

Vol. 07

Vol. 08

Vol. 09

Vol. 10

Vol. 11

Vol. 12

Vol. 13

Vol. 14

Vol. 15

Vol. 16

Vol. 17

Vol. 18

Vol. 19

Vol. 20

“…the most extensive, graphic adaptations of China’s…great classical novels….” – Publishers Weekly

All-Ages Adventures Action

A horrible premonition haunts San Zang as he and his disciples enter a land ruled by three brothers. Each of the three monster kings possesses a great strength and a great weakness, and they bear a striking resemblance to each of the three disciples. But can Wu Kong, Bajie, and Wu Jing heed the warning of their master’s dream? Or will this band of brothers unravel when the fate of the journey hangs in the balance?

Authorized by Tianjin Shenjie Comics, China

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