Saiyuki

Author: Kazuya Minekura (Bus Gamer)
Japanese Title: Gensomaden Saiyuki
Episodes: 50 (+Movie)
Rating: 15+
Release Studio: ADV Films
Release Year: 2003
FYI: There are several series of Saiyuki. The order is as follows (by release): Gensomaden Saiyuki, Saiyuki: Requiem, Saiyuki Reload, Saiyuki Reload Gunlock, and Saiyuki Gaiden.
Main Voice Actors:

Genjyo Sanzo ~ David Matranga
Son Goku ~ Greg Ayres
Sha Gojyo ~ Illich Guardiola
Cho Hakkai ~ Braden Hunt
Kougaji ~ Vic Mignogna
Dokugakuji ~ Jason Miesse
Yaone ~ Shelly-Carlene Black
Lirin ~ Hilary Haag
Dr. Ni ~ Tommy Drake
Gyokumen Koushu ~ Kaytha Coker
Merciful Goddess ~ Karen Coffer
Homura ~ Jason Douglas
Zenon ~ John Swasey
Shien ~ Spike Spencer
Kouryuu ~ Kevin Corn
Hakuryu ~ Kelli Cousins

Okay, first a history lesson. Saiyuki is actually based on the original legend of Priest Sanzo and his journey west to bring back the sacred scriptures from India. The title of this legend is "Xi-You-Ji" which translates to "Journey to the West". The title is a play on words using kanji that sound like the original title but translate to "Journey to the Extreme". In the original title, Priest Sanzo travels with the monkey king, Son Goku; a kappa (or water sprite), Sha Gojyo; and a pig, Cho Hakkai. Saiyuki is an upgrade of the whole series. The four original characters are replaced with four bishonen. Sanzo is now a renegade priest who drinks, smokes, gambles, and over all that, carries a gun. Goku is still the monkey king but with a mind full of food and games and a "long-haired hippie demon" form (as Gojyo calls it). Gojyo is now perverted. Hakkai is now a troubled demon (no sign of being a pig). Our four heroes are as good-looking as ever. Sanzo is now sent west to stop the resurrection of a horrible demon. Hop a ride on their jeep. It's going to be a wild ride!

Now that the main plot is out of the way, where do I start? Saiyuki, Saiyuki, Saiyuki... I have to say it (as much as I hate to admit it): this is a girls show. I'm not saying guys won't like it, it's just that this show is really popular with the girls. (I bet you can tell why...)

Continuing... I have fallen in love with the show. The action is fast-paced and if our heroes aren't fighting the demons, they're fighting with each other. Most of this fighting is between Goku and Gojyo and I have to say, even though Ayres and Guardiola aren't recording together, they sure sound like they are. The voice acting in this show is amazing. All the characters have the right voices. (It's a shame that for Reload they changed the voice actors.) No one other than Matranga, Ayres, Guardiola, and Hunt can do Sanzo, Goku, Gojyo, and Hakkai any better. The opening and ending themes (both sets) are also a pretty sight. I personally love "Still Time" which is the opening for the second season. Also about the voice actors, Cousins does an amazing dragon sound for Hakuryu (Jeep).

I have a pet peeve with this show. Whenever Goku wants dim sum, he calls it a "meat bun". After eating dim sum for years, I'd rather hear "dim sum" or "cha-shu-bao" (since I'm used to that). Nothing's perfect, but at least this show's problem is small.

I'd recommend it to action fans. Unfortunately, the main romance is with Gojyo's perversion. There are a few others though. Anyway, the music fits the show, the voice actors are amazing, the actions great, an awesome show.

If you like the Anime, check out the manga!