With its remarkable plots, iconic characters, and epic battles, Dragon Ball has captivated viewers for decades. But many fans might not know that this $23 billion franchise owes much of its foundation to one of China’s legendary tales from the 16th century — Journey to the West. The primary reference to this old tale can be seen in Son Goku, the protagonist of Dragon Ball, who takes direct inspiration from Sun Wukong, the Monkey King.
Similarly, the recently released Journey to the West video game adaptation Black Myth: Wukong highlights the lasting appeal of Sun Wukong’s persona. Black Myth is bringing Wukong’s legacy into the present day with cutting-edge technology and compelling storytelling, much like Dragon Ball did with anime and manga.
Sun Wukong as the Origin of Dragon Ball‘s Goku
Journey to the West, a beloved Chinese tale, served as a major source of inspiration for Akira Toriyama. Written by Wu Cheng’en, the novel was first published in the 16th century, but its influence continues to this day as it is regarded as one of the most important and influential works of Chinese literature.
Son Goku, the main character of the Dragon Ball saga, is arguably the most obvious example of the influence of Journey to the West. Sun Wukong is an immortal, magical monkey born from a mystical stone on top of a mountain. He became almost unstoppable after obtaining a variety of magical abilities, including the ability to ride clouds, change his form, and be extremely skilled in fighting.
Similar to Wukong, Goku is first shown in his early adventures as a small child with exceptional power. By giving Goku the ability to change into the Great Ape in the presence of a full moon, Toriyama solidified the connection and made a clear reference to Sun Wukong’s animalistic lineage.
Not only do Goku and Sun Wukong have similar backgrounds, but they also use similar magical tools and abilities. Goku’s Power Pole (Nyoi-Bo), which can extend and retract at will, is one of the most prominent links. This is obviously a tribute to Wukong’s own magical staff, the Ruyi Jingu Bang, which was used by the Monkey King in several fights and had the ability to modify its size.
Another instance of Akira Toriyama’s attention to detail is Goku’s magical cloud known as the Flying Nimbus. This is a direct parallel to Sun Wukong’s ability to ride clouds; both characters travel great distances on magical vehicles that are only meant for pure-hearted individuals. Even the name Goku itself is derived from the Chinese character 悟空 (Wukong), signifying Toriyama’s intent to tie Goku’s character directly to the Monkey King.
Continuing the Legacy of Dragon Ball with Black Myth: Wukong
As Dragon Ball continues to thrive globally with its $23 billion revenue, Black Myth: Wukong has emerged as a fresh reminder of the Monkey King’s everlasting legacy. This action-RPG, developed by Chinese studio Game Science, has gained widespread attention for its stunning visuals and faithful adaptation of Journey to the West.
According to market research company VG Insights, the game has sold 8.4 million units on Steam in just two days, bringing in an estimated 405.2 million dollars in revenue. The game may be purchased as a one-time item for $59.99 for the standard version and $69.99 for the deluxe edition.
Featuring Sun Wukong as the protagonist, Black Myth vividly revives the old mythology for modern viewers. In many ways, Black Myth represents a return to the source, honoring the original myth in a way that aligns with the modern reinterpretations found in works like Dragon Ball.
Through Goku, Akira Toriyama created a global icon whose roots are firmly planted in Chinese mythology. On the other hand, Sun Wukong’s journey from myth to manga, and now to modern gaming, serves as a reminder that the stories of the past will always have a place in shaping the future.
Dragon Ball is currently available to read on Viz Media.
