Saiyuki Reload

(Tokyopop, 2005-2006)
™ and © 2002 Kazuya Minekura
graphic novel; read right to left; b&w

In round two with their contract with God, the four are bound for the mythic city of Shangri-La. As before, going West is easier said than done, since demonic “youkai” still abound. Moreover, past foes reappear; these include the resurrected youkai prince Kougaiji and his faithful bodyguard Dokugakuji and alchemist Yaone, who send Goku and his pals the anti-priest Sanzo, roguish Gojyo, and chi master Hakkai literally up the creek.

In flashback come tales from the era before the quartet ever united, including backstory on Sanzo’s: teacher, old villain, keystone experience that changed his personality, and first encounter with the monkey boy Goku. Last but not least is a humorous celebration marking the first year of the party’s travels together.

This series rebounds into action-adventure terrain from the philosophical meandering of earlier volumes. With her work also adapted into an anime by Geneon, Minekura rewards her loyal readers with her expected concoction of fisticuffs, flippancy, and fable-twisting.

— Oliver Chin

From the Publisher:

The fearsome foursome continue their journey west towards Shangri-La, encountering new challenges and new adventures along the way. Their legend precedes them, but not always in the way one might expect. The Minus Wave that apparently drove all the youkai in the land mad looks like it might have missed one, as Sanzo, Gojyo, Hakkai and Goku meet a lone guardian and the band of children he cares for. Fear and misunderstanding run throughout this particular leg of the journey, including between the members of the Sanzo group!

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Notes

Writer

Artist

#1

August, 2005
Cover Price: $9.99
1 copy available for $8.00

Kazuya Minekura