One Punch Man illustrator Yusuke Murata took to his Twitter to reveal a new anime project. This one is named Zaiyuki. And we bet our buttocks that it is inspired from Journey to The West, or at least has certain elements to it.
- The world of One Punch Man has been nothing short of astonishing. Despite having a deterred Season 2 that did not appease quite many fans, One Punch Man Season 3 is at an all-time hype. Thanks to Studio Mappa being involved in it.
- This is all endowed by the news that the original author of One Punch Man, ONE is also working on his new project: Versus. Could Yusuke Murata’s Zaiyuki Anime also be an attempt to do something similar as ONE?
Is it going to be an anime original?
アイキャッチ（途中）。こんなアニメ作ってます。近日公開。お楽しみにー pic.twitter.com/huusBUi8Ve
— 村田雄介 (@NEBU_KURO) February 23, 2023
Zaiyuki is going to be an anime original. Meaning that it won’t have a manga or light novel source. Although it isn’t unusual for anime originals to end up inspiring Manga adaptations. Despite it being the other way around almost 99% of the time.
What is Zaiyuki Anime going to be about?
From what we can gather, Zaiyuki follows the story of Kappa. He is a feeble boy who becomes embroiled in a thief’s scheme to steal treasure and matures as he travels. The anime will transport viewers on a journey to the western region.
Given that Murata hinted at the start of Hell’s magic journey, it’s probable that the characters will employ magic. The creator also posted a cryptic message about the forthcoming anime, stating:
“In the record of wealth, in the record of guilt, in the record of courage.”
Is Zaiyuki possibly inspired by Journey to The West?
Much of what we can gather from Yusuke Murata’s Twitter feed about this anime is just like the Kappa in this new story – feeble. But we do see that there is going to be a certain Journey To The West inspiration vibe into it. Although Murata has not stated this explicitly.
What is Journey to The West all about?
- Attributed to Wu Cheng’en, Journey to the West is a Chinese novel that was published in the 16th century, during the Ming dynasty. It is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional Classic Chinese Novels.
- It has been acclaimed as perhaps the most beloved literary masterpiece in East Asia. The book provides a comprehensive narrative of the fabled journey undertaken by Xuanzang, a Buddhist monk of the Tang dynasty, who voyaged to the “Western Regions”.
Dragonball is one of the first famous Japanese works inspired by this novel
- If you do not know, Dragon Ball – one of the most renowned works in the Animanga community was inspired by this literary work. And the entire Saiyan-jin being monkeys has a lot to do with such said inspiration
- Akira Toriyama has shared multiple times that his inspiration for Son Goku came from the Monkey King character. The Monkey King is a relevant character throughout the Journey To The West literary works.
As it happens to be – we see a similar character in Yusuke Murata’s Zaiyuki Anime teaser.
- We see a monkey-like ape character with a big red pole in his hand. Similar to the Red Pole that Goku uses. And as Yusuke said so himself that the entire story will have a whole journeying to the western region element to it.
Zaiyuki Anime by Yusuke Murata: The new Village Studio?
Amazing, Murata-sensei your are god! pic.twitter.com/VIkDCPltJz
— Mariya Kuzmina (@Must_Yuri_Punch) February 23, 2023
The new studio behind the work of Zaiyuki Anime seems to be new.
- If you are curious, Village Studio is a hatchling. The only thing that they have produced so far is a One Punch Man special episode. Titled Go! Saitama.
- The short follows Saitama after he discovers a 1-yen (about US$0.01) sale for high-grade hot-pot meat — but the sale ends at 5:00 p.m. that day.
As it stands, this hints that Village Studio will likely be overseen by Yusuke Murata’s own compiled team of artists. Although this is our best speculation at this moment.
What are your expectations from this new work by the One Punch Man co-creator? Let us know down below.
SOURCES: Sportskeeda, MAL, LARB
Also Read:One Punch Man Chapter 178: Saitama vs Tatsumaki: Is it happening?
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