Part 1:
This long-running animated series is based on Minekura Kazuya's popular manga
adaptation of the landmark Chinese novel Journey to the West. Little remains of
the original story of a monk traveling to India to obtain the Buddhist sutras,
attended by three supernatural beings. A secret effort to raise the demon-lord
Gyumoah has caused demons to attack humans in Shangri-La. Sanjo Genjo is
dispatched to prevent this resurrection. He takes three obstreperous half-demons
as servant-companions: tough-talking, chain-smoking Sha Goyjo; Cho Hakkai, whose
pet dragon turns into a jeep; and eternally hungry Son Goku. (Dragon Ball is
also loosely based on Journey.) The oddball quartet travels from place to place,
fighting demons and helping people.
Once, demons and man lived together in harmony. But when a band of rogue
demonic forces sought to resurrect a diabolical monster, dark spiritual energy
began to cover the land-and the demons decided mankind was no longer friend, but
food. Now, it's up to a renegade priest, a monkey king, a lecherous water
sprite, and a sympathetic demon to stop the resurrection and return harmony to
the dangerous land.
Enter the world of Saiyuki! A unique universe of beauty and betrayal, where
sacred scrolls battle enchanted weaponry and where dragons can transform into
jeeps. A land of magic and menace, where four reluctant heroes are just as
concerned about having a good time, a stiff drink, and a beautiful woman as they
are about saving the world...
Part 2:
Genjyo Sanzo and his squabbling friends seem no closer to their destination
of India at the start of the second Saiyuki series than they did at the end of
the 50th episode of the first series--and a third series (Gunlock) aired in
Japan in 2004. Sanzo, Goku, Gojyo, and Hakkai wander along, fighting demons
wherever they go. The "Sanzo Party" members expect to be attacked by demons who
want to resurrect their evil lord Gyumoah and who need the precious Maten
Scripture to accomplish the rite. Now local demons are attacking them too.
Except for a few battle scenes, the animation is largely restricted to mouth
flaps and camera moves over still artwork. At the end of episode 1, a little
girl sums up the characters' continuing appeal: "They may be crude and
shady--but they're cool!"
The legendary Sanzo group continues on the path to saving the world from the
revival of Gyumaoh and his demons. As they travel, Goku, Gojyo, Hakkai and Sanzo
use their tremendous powers to restore peace to Shangri-la. However, there are
many who wish for the victory of the dark side . . .
Please Note that this set has Japanese & English Audio! It has optional
English and Chinese Subtitles!
