{"product_id":"manga-classics-journey-to-the-west-the-beginning-paperback-paperback","title":"Manga Classics: Journey to the West - The Beginning (Paperback) - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eCheng'en Wu\u003c\/b\u003e (Author), \u003cb\u003eJim Zub\u003c\/b\u003e (Adapted by), \u003cb\u003eJulien Choy\u003c\/b\u003e (Artist)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe legend of Sun Wu Kong, the mythical Monkey King, begins here! \u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eOne of the most popular and beloved Chinese novels of all time, \u003ci\u003eJourney to the West\u003c\/i\u003e, is reinvented as a full color action-adventure Manga Classic(R) for all ages! \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eFollowing the Buddha's instructions, diligent monk Tang San-Zang and his four disciples set forth on a mission to retrieve important Buddhist scriptures from India. But the journey becomes far more than they ever could have imagined as they encounter mysterious magic, mighty monsters, strange spirits, and so much more!\u003ch3\u003eAuthor Biography\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Ruzhong, \u003cb\u003eWu Cheng'en\u003c\/b\u003e was a Chinese novelist, poet, and politician during the Ming Dynasty in the 1500s. He is widely considered to be the original author of the \u003ci\u003eJourney to the West \u003c\/i\u003enovel, although it was originally published anonymously in 1592. While he was known for some creative writing and poetry, fantasy fiction such as \u003ci\u003eJourney\u003c\/i\u003e was at the time considered \"vulgar\" and not true literature, unlike the classical works of previous dynasties. It wasn't until centuries later that textual analysis of works from that period was studied, along with reports from his hometown, suggesting that he might in fact be the original author. His use of local vernacular instead of classical Chinese, as well as the familiar \"defiant spirit\" of his other writings, has led most scholars to conclude that he is the most likely author of this legendary classic. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eJim Zub\u003c\/b\u003e is a writer, artist and art instructor based in Toronto, Canada. Over the past twenty years he's worked for a diverse array of publishing, movie and video game clients including Marvel, DC Comics, Disney, Capcom, Hasbro, Cartoon Network, and Bandai-Namco. He juggles his time between being a freelance comic writer and a professor teaching drawing and storytelling courses in Seneca College's award-winning Animation program. His current comic projects include Conan the Barbarian, the monthly adventures of Robert E. Howard's legendary sword \u0026amp; sorcery hero, Dungeons \u0026amp; Dragons, the official comic series of the world's most popular tabletop role-playing game, and Stone Star, a space-fantasy adventure set inside a roving gladiatorial arena. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eJulien Choy \u003c\/b\u003ehas been working in the comic, animation and video game industries for more two decades. His works include the comic version of SNK's \u003ci\u003eThe King of Fighters\u003c\/i\u003e, and Capcom's \u003ci\u003eStreet Fighter in Asia\u003c\/i\u003e. Julien is a multi-talented creator who has mastered a wide range of art styles.\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 256\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.7 x 8.2 x 5.7 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e October 27, 2026\u003c\/div\u003e\n            ","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67972378722394,"sku":"9781947808331","price":28.58,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/3359\/4458\/files\/DgMPHCm8CC9781947808331.webp?v=1793857852","url":"https:\/\/epic-panels-comics.com\/products\/manga-classics-journey-to-the-west-the-beginning-paperback-paperback","provider":"Epic Panels Comics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}