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About Sanzo and a Saiyuki Tidbit
Genjo Sanzo is one of the four major characters the Minekura Kazuya's manga & anime series, Gensomaden Saiyuki (loosely translated as "fantasy fairytale journey to the extremes"). It's based on the classic Chinese fable, 'The Journey to the West'. That's where the similarities end. She basically flipped the script-- and jammed packed Saiyuki full of satire, action, drama, angst and wicked sexy humor. If you've read any of Minekura's previous manga works, you'll agree. The anime version provides the same shenanigans.
Minekura's version of Sanzo is completely different from Tripikata, the pious, meek monk in the fable. Genjo Sanzo is an original. With amethyst droopy-eyes and a touch of "Minekura Masculine Beauty" aka MMB*, he is constantly propositioned by women, men and youkai (demons). He wears a black leather turtleneck and matching jeans under his priestly robe. One sexybadassmofo. Nyao.
He is also a brash contradicton to the Buddhist faith. The title of 'sanzo' ** is given to the highest rank of monks who have reached their divine status by enlightenment. But our Sanzo is ill-tempered and arrogant. His trademark "angsty scowl" intensifies when some poor smuck asks him for counsel, prayer or a Buddhist lecture. Not to mention, he chain smokes, gambles, drinks, swears and is way too trigger happy. The only vow he upholds is his chastity, because the man hates being touched.
Despite his snarky ways, Sanzo is a born leader who will fight for his friends... he'd rather bite his own tongue than admit it. He can nail an enemy (and friends) five ways: with his blessed Smith & Wesson, his fluid fighting skills, the Maten Scripture (which dispels darkness), his large paper fan (Goku & Gojyo have had that privilege) and even his caustic wit.
Why would an exhaled monk behave this way? The man has many, many issues. So does the rest of the Sanzo party O.o
If you would like know more, check the [treats] section. Stats, manga, artbook & DVD info. Other low-calorie stuff too.
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Why Sanzo... why... him?
Well, I have a thing for manga/anime men of the cloth who are walking contradictions. I like to call them 'saintly devils'. Sanzo and Trigun's Wolfwood (heh-heh-heh) are both quick witted, gun-packing, chain-smoking, swearin' biseinen on a mission from God! Hellsing's Iscariots [Anderson, Enrico & associates] are character gems as well...
Anyway... back to Sanzo-sama!
Sanzo is emotionally damaged, and like the rest of the Saiyuki crew, wears a mask to shield himself from those issues. He wants to keep people at a distance so he won't develop relationships... we can see that strategy failed. Sanzo, Goku, Hakkai & Gojyo have an interesting bond: each one is well acquainted with the pain of loss and silently want vindication. They don't know it, but that bond is the very reason why they were chosen for this journey.
I applaud Minekura Kazuya for creating these characters, and melting them into a classic tale with a funky modern twist. Both men & women can enjoy her unique works.
* Like the acronym? If you've read/seen any of her mangas or artbooks, you'll know that her artwork is beautiful. Her men are masculine AND beautiful at the same time.
** Just to clarify: 'Sanzo' is a title that is given to these exalted monks. His full title is Toua Genjo Sanzo Houshi the 31st. But they call him Sanzo instead of his first name, Genjo ^.^
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