Monkey King Comics: The More, The Merrier!

A few days ago, a good friend asked me, “There are other Monkey King-inspired books out there. Are you worried that will hinder your book’s sales?”

Monkey King and the World of Myths: The Monster and the Maze. (Book 1). Now available where books are sold!

There were concerns in her eyes. She was sincerely asking and truly worried.

To be honest, I wasn’t worried at all.

In fact, it’s the opposite. I’m excited!

I hope the story of Monkey King can help readers generate more interest in world mythologies. I hope when I refer to Monkey King, it is as if I am referring to Hercules, or Thor, or Osiris. Everyone would be like, oh, I know who he is!

There is something beautiful about mythologies and folklores. They touch the core of our collective humanity. They are a part of a specific culture, and yet their stories transcend cultures.

“Myths are clues to the spiritual potentialities of the human life.”

~Joseph Campbell

There are so many great books out there about the Monkey King, or they are inspired by the Monkey King. We each tell the story in our unique ways.

I hope readers will get to know the story. Perhaps make a spin-off or a remake to the original tale, just as I did.

Here are some of my favorite Monkey King stories:

Picture Books

(This is a classic created by picture book legend Ed Young. Too bad it is out of print today. But I’m sure you can find a copy in your local library.)

Graphic Novels for the Young

Graphic Novels for Slightly Older Readers

And My Favorite Manga Inspired by the Monkey King Story

I grew up reading so many variations of the story, and I loved all of them. Reading a monkey story didn’t stop me from reading another. It’s the opposite! Once I read one version of the story, I wanted to know how another author would make his/her spin on it! It made me want to learn. More please!

Some of the Monkey-King-inspired manga and comics I read when I was a kid.

I hope you will find the joy in reading all these wonderful Monkey King stories.

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On a side note, if you happen to be in Los Angeles this weekend, check out the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books! I will be signing there on Sunday!

April 21st, 2024 (Sunday), 10:30am-11:00am
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore, Booth #368
USC Campus
Los Angeles, CA 90007

Come say hello! Also, if you purchase Monkey King and The World of Myths at the booth there, I can autograph the book, and you get a high-quality sticker as a gift!

My very talented friends, Benson Shum and Naz Kutub, will also be signing there! Check out their wonderful books as well!

Hope to see you there!

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Have you read Monkey King or Monkey King-inspired stories? I would LOVE to know! Please share in the comments below.