Saiyuki is a manga by Kazuya Minekura, based on the old Chinese legend Xi-You-Ji (Journey into the West), which was also the inspiration for Toriyama's Dragon Ball. Hence the appearance of both Son Goku and Gyumaoh (Ox King), though these are not to be confused with their DB counterparts.

I only bought the first TokyoPop issue to check it out, but I think I'll actually buy the others, too. The art is excellent - make that exquisite - the story and plot are good, the characters are interesting and humorous, and there's plenty of action. Plus there's a tiny dragon familiar that turns into a jeep. How cool is that?

Of course, only the 16+ BZPopulace will be able to read it, but I've had fun exploring Shangri-La with the four protagonists, and I'm coming along for the ride. Shotgun!


Well, that's that for today's third entry. Pictures from camp are still underway, but the report is still coming, I promise.