Saiyuu Youenden

Daijiro Morohoshi reimagines the classic *Journey to the West*, shifting the spotlight onto the origins of Sun Wukong. Set within rural ancient China, the story follows a humble peasant boy whose peaceful town is utterly decimated by the ruthless power struggles of the ruling classes that are tearing the nation apart. Left entirely forsaken in the wake of this devastation, the young Wukong embarks on an epic journey that plunges him into extraordinary adventures, where he encounters a diverse array of allies and adversaries alike. Acclaimed for its brilliant narrative, the series won the prestigious Tezuka Osamu Cultural Grand Prize in 2000. Originally serialized across various magazines by Futabasha, Kodansha, and Ushio Shuppansha until 1997, the first part was ultimately compiled into sixteen volumes. In 2008, a continuation titled *Saiyuu Youenden Saiikihen* began publication in Kodansha’s *Morning*, later transferring to *Morning Two*. Kodansha subsequently released a ten-volume re-edition of the first installment in 2009 under the title *Saiyuu Youenden Taitouhen*.