20th Century Sun Wukong

Maetani Koremitsu’s 20th Century Sun Wukong represents a mid-century Japanese reinterpretation of the classic Chinese literary figure from Journey to the West. Produced during a period when Japanese manga was beginning to synthesize traditional folklore with burgeoning modern science fiction aesthetics, this volume reflects the era's fascination with space travel and futuristic technology. Koremitsu sought to transplant the legendary Monkey King into a contemporary, often cosmic, setting, utilizing the agile and rebellious nature of the character to navigate narratives of innovation and exploration.

The artistic style draws upon the energetic, clean-lined sensibilities common in post-war manga, emphasizing movement and exaggerated character expression. While the series did not achieve the global ubiquity of later genre-defining works, it is recognized by scholars of the medium for its role in bridging the gap between classical epic storytelling and the serialized manga format that would dominate the late 20th century. Its reception at the time was characterized by an appreciation for its adventurous tone, which provided younger readers with an accessible gateway to both historical mythology and speculative fiction.