Today’s Comic> Manga Classics: Journey To The West (Free Comic Book Day)

“I keep telling you I never heard of this ‘Carrot’ guy.”

Free Comic Book Day – Manga Classics: Journey To The West

Manga Classics, Inc (FCBD 2026)

AUTHOR: Wu Cheng’en

ADAPTATION: Char A

ENGLISH SCRIPT: Jim Zub

ARTISTS: Julien Choy, K.K. Kaka & Kit

COVER COLOR: Chamba

LETTERERS: Jeannie Lee & Shirley Chen

EDITOR: M. Chandler

After a quick introduction to Tang San-Zang and his disciples (the sand monk turned oni Sha Qu-Jing, the pig monk turned pigman Zhu Ba-Be, the water dragon turned horse Bai Long-Ma), and Tang’s quest for the Buddha, ourt ale begins. Our crew arrive in an area devoid of water and burning hot. The fourth disciple, the monkey king Sun Wu-Kong, learns that the nearby village blames a boy born the day three meteors arrived and the wells dried out, accusing him of being a “bad luck boy”. However, Wu-Kong realizes that a spell is blocking the well and with the help of Long-Ma clears the boy’s name and returns the water to the area. Their next stop will bring them to a mountain that eternally burns, but Wu-Kong overhears a children’s song that might offer a solution.

What they got right: The story focuses on Wu-Kong and he’s a good example of a hero, looking to solve the problem of this land and help a boy who doesn’t deserve his treatment, flashing back to his own history with the Buddah. The art is very nice and fluid, really showing off Wu-Kong’s fire dragon magic and Long-Ma’s water spirit form. This is of course based on the Chinese tale that inspired much of early Dragon Ball and Son Goku before all the space alien stuff but it stands out on its own. Wu-Kong could have just broken the seal and given everyone their water but he also wanted to clear Guang of being labeled “bad luck”. He’s clever, fun, and I really like him in this story.

What they got wrong: I have no complaints, though I don’t know why this was listed as an UDON comic in the announcement. There’s no evidence of their involvement in the credits or even ads for other UDON comics like in the Mega Man and Street Fighter offerings for this year.

What I think overall: A self contained story for Free Comic Book Day that also serves as a teaser for the full book. That’s how it should be done and now I want to read the full series. It might even be my favorite comic from this year’s haul thus far, though more reviews are coming.