It’s been a pretty long wait – Some 12 years after the release of his first “Monkey King” manga, Japanese illustrator/manga artist Katsuya Terada is finally back with volume 2.
“Monkey King” (Saiyukiden Daienou) is a loose retelling of the Chinese classic novel “Journey to the West”, where Sun Wukong the Monkey Deity protects the monk Tripitaka as he makes his way to India in search of enlightenment. The journey is perilous, fraught with danger on every turn as powerful demons seek to capture Tripitaka, for his flesh, once consumed, grants immortality.
Here in Terada’s hands we have epic battles between the Monkey King and the demons decked out in lush and beautiful illustrations, complete with ripping muscles and grotesque creatures. Bondage is also a recurring theme in the pictures, something we’ve come to expect from Terada’s artwork. ( I’ve taken the liberty of censoring some pictures so the post remains largely PG. )
Every page and panel is an impressive work of art, though I do wish the publishers had released book in a slightly bigger format so that we can enjoy the intricate details even more. For folks who who can’t get enough of Terada’s artwork, I highly recommend “Zenbu”, “Rakugaking” and “VIVA IL CICLISSIMO!”.
(ab0ve) Cover for volume 1, you can get a copy of it here. I’ll try to post a review of the book later on.
Monkey King 2 – Katsuya Terada Graphic Novel Book details :
– Dimensions – 8.3 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
– Softcover, 152 pages
– Color, in Japanese language
Buy From Amazon.com | Buy From Amazon Japan
Buy From Amazon.com | Buy From Amazon CA | Buy From Amazon UK
You might also be interested in these Katsuya Terada art books –
Katsuya Terada’s Monkey King Manga Book Review
Dragon Girl And Monkey King – Katsuya Terada Art Book Review
Katsuya Terada – Rakuda Ga Warau Graphic Novel Book Review
Rakuga King – Katsuya Terada Sketches Art Book Review
Katsuya Terada : Jyugoyamonogatari Art Book Review
August 30th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Just curious on if you have read “The Ape” by Milo Manara and Silverio Pisu as well?
August 31st, 2010 at 12:46 am
This is so so cool! I couldn’t think of a better word. This is one of the main reason I continue to check your blog, you always tend to put out the best art and information about people I wouldn’t normally hear about.
August 31st, 2010 at 4:35 am
Very impressive artwork. The game ENSLAVED: ODYSSEY TO THE WEST is also based off of Journey to the West, although with a sci-fi twist (robots instead of demons etc.). It’s made by the visionary art masters at NINJA THEORY (creators of the art opus HEAVENLY SWORD…
August 31st, 2010 at 5:01 am
Wow, that’s a very good book. I am impressed by the art. And the quality looks tight. Good post man. I will be looking forward for that. Very original.
September 1st, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Tobias Lind – I’ve not, but now you’ve piqued my interest, I’m going to check that out. :]
j.smalls – Thank you ! I’m happy to share great artwork as such with like-minded folks like you guys. More coming up !
FAUNA – Haven’t of Enslaved, but I’m going to go check it out now ! Thanks for the heads up !
Fabrice – Cheers, glad you liked it !
October 5th, 2010 at 3:08 am
Oh wow. I was just looking up info about the first one to post on a forum and I find this saying the second volume is out in Japan. I have the first one’s English edition. I wonder when or even if this one will be out from Dark Horse.
November 19th, 2010 at 11:28 am
[Katsuya Terada] The Monkey King es una obra maestra y no he podido continuar ya que me quede en el primer tomo T_T
December 8th, 2010 at 5:23 am
Parabéns…muito legal o seu trabalho!
April 15th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
it looks like dota wars..but it is really great.the colors and details are amazing.
April 21st, 2011 at 7:41 pm
I am really into the graphics some of those would make some really cool tattoos. I am meanly into girly tattoos but these are just awesome
June 1st, 2011 at 5:01 am
FINALLY! I’ve been waiting for word on the second volume of this. I had pretty much given up on it ever seeing the light of day. Now comes the task of waiting for someone to publish it in the states.