Shizuku Ichigono’s latest manga, “Reincarnated Journey to the West: Son Goku Becomes the Heir to a Poor Noble Family in Another World,” made its debut on January 7th, published by Shonen Gahosha. This fresh take on the classic “Journey to the West” narrative introduces readers to a reimagined Son Goku, the legendary Monkey King, in an entirely new setting.
In this adaptation, Son Goku, renowned for his immense strength and mischievous nature, finds himself sealed away by Shakyamuni on Mount Gogyo due to his uncontrollable antics. Upon awakening, he discovers he’s been transported to the Gogyo Principality in a different world—a realm where magic reigns supreme. Embracing his new reality, Goku becomes the heir to an impoverished noble family and sets out to dominate this magical world using his unparalleled abilities.
“Journey to the West,” originally published in the 16th century, is one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels. It narrates the pilgrimage of the Buddhist monk Xuanzang, who travels to India to obtain sacred texts, accompanied by his three disciples: Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), and Sha Wujing (Sandy). The novel has inspired numerous adaptations across various media, including literature, theater, and animation.
Ichigono’s rendition stands out by placing Son Goku in an isekai (another world) context, a popular genre in contemporary manga and light novels. This genre typically features protagonists who are transported to, reborn, or trapped in a parallel universe, often leading to adventures that blend elements of fantasy and action.
The fusion of “Journey to the West” with isekai elements offers a fresh perspective on the traditional tale, appealing to both fans of the original story and newcomers seeking engaging fantasy narratives. By reimagining Son Goku’s character and challenges, Ichigono provides readers with a novel exploration of themes such as power, responsibility, and adaptation to new environments.
For enthusiasts interested in exploring similar adaptations, the “Saiyuki” manga series by Kazuya Minekura offers a modernized retelling of the “Journey to the West” saga, blending action and supernatural elements.
“Reincarnated Journey to the West: Son Goku Becomes the Heir to a Poor Noble Family in Another World” Volume 1 is now available in bookstores and online platforms. Readers can look forward to a captivating blend of classic mythology and modern storytelling, promising an exciting adventure in a world where magic and legend intertwine.
Source : natalie
