Percy Jackson meets Dragonball in the first book of this adorable, funny, and action-packed graphic novel series! Follow along as the legendary Monkey King tries to save the world from a mysterious new threat—and smashes his way through the world of ancient Greek mythology in the process!A long-forgotten evil has reemerged, determined to transform everyone—humans, beasts, and gods alike—into monsters. And there’s only one being who can stop it, or at least that’s what he thinks. Sun Wukong, aka the Monkey King, is said to be the mightiest of all beasts, and he’s made a deal with the gods. They will grant him his greatest wish and make him a god too. All he has to do is battle these monsters, defeat this evil, and basically save the world. What could possibly go wrong?
Wukong must first journey to Greece, where he’ll have to figure out how to escape the underworld alive, be a good pet-sitter for a three-headed dog, and ultimately find his way through a labyrinth. But when he comes face-to-face with the Minotaur, will he have what it takes to slay the monster . . . or will the Monkey King’s story end up a Greek tragedy?
Coming soon: Don't miss the second book in this series, The Battle of the Beasts!
A Kirkus Reviews Best of Middle Grade pick 2024★ “This humorous and heartfelt series opener is packed with exciting action scenes and a whole lot of monkey business unfolding in cute, colorful, and exaggerated illustrations that are reminiscent of manga. Lam seamlessly weaves together threads from Chinese and Greek mythology to great effect, throws in a cast of highly likable characters, and presents a compelling story focused on a quest for friendship, self-acceptance, and belonging. A thrilling, wholesome remix of a classic Chinese tale.” –
Kirkus
“Wukong is perceptive and kind, and he quickly realizes that there is almost never anything in the world as simple as pure good or evil. The artwork vibrates with action and humor. . . [but] nothing is too visually intimidating in this colorful, zippy graphic novel.”
–The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
“Lam intertwines lessons in employing critical thinking skills to understand others with fast-paced writing and appealing panel illustrations. With plenty of humor, adventure, and heart, this first book makes for a rousing read.” —
Horn Book
“A funny, inventive opener. Maple Lam weaves together elements from different world mythologies in clever, playful ways that will leave kids excited to join the Monkey King on his next adventure.”—
LitHub.com"Perfect for fans of mythology or those just learning these stories for the first time,
The Monkey King and the World of Myths is an extremely fun comic that makes the most of its clever premise."
—Good Comics for Kids"An action-packed and adorable blend of mythological worlds that highlights the power of understanding.
Monkey King and the World of Myths reminds us that, with the help of their friends, even outsiders will find where they belong. This compelling and truly unique blend of cultural histories will fill your heart and leave you with a big smile on your face."
—Andy Runton, Eisner-Award winning creator of the Owly Series "Maple Lam does not monkey around.
Monkey King is action-packed, heartfelt, and funny from start to finish!"
—James Burks, creator of the Agent 9 and Bird & Squirrel series "I had a blast following Sun Wukong on his hilarious adventures as he navigates world myths retold with a twist." —
Remy Lai, award-winning creator of Pie in the Sky "A fantastic retelling of an old classic tale from the East." —
Dan Santat, Caldecott Medalist and New York Times bestselling creator of The Aquanaut and After the Fall"A kinetic, bombastic, and wholly original cartoon take on classic mythology, exalting in the strength found in self-acceptance and the love of good friends."
—Shannon Watters, Eisner Award-winning and New York Times bestselling co-creator of the Lumberjanes series
“Young mythology lovers will adore this funny, action-packed, and playful spin on the classic tales. The illustrations are so cute and fun.”
—BookRiot
“Filled with cute artwork… A fun introduction to the Monkey King for a younger audience, with room for sequels. Recommended.”
–School Library Journal
