Saiyuki is based on an old Chinese legend about a Buddhist monk that traveled from China to India with three demon servants in tow to try to find the source of an evil power that was threatening his homeland.

Saiyuki the anime takes that basic story and turns it into a fun ride in a world where dragons turn into jeeps and Buddhist monks drink, smoke, gamble and blow demons away with special banishing guns.

I got interested in Saiyuki after seeing some pics and fanart of the various main characters; and being the fangirl that I am, I couldn't wait to get my paws on a copy of the anime so I could see those four bish with my own eyes. While the four main characters are certainly worthy of the title, Bishonen, there is a lot more going on in Saiyuki that just a bunch of pretty boys posing and preening.

There's lots of action, humor and character development to keep your attention, and make you feel and relate to Genjo Sanzo, Cho Hakkai, Sha Gojyo and Son Goku. Each of these poor guys has a far from peaceful background and would be a psychiatrist's dream here in the real world. From child abuse to watching a lover commit suicide, these guys have had it rough. But it is all of that pain that somehow binds the four of them together into an unlikely group of companions and yes, maybe even friends.

The main protagonists are of course the Youkai or demons who dog the party's steps as they try to reach the western lands. The Youkai prince, Kougaiji, has a lot riding on his shoulders as well and he ends up being a sympathetic enemy. Like Sanzo's companions, Kou's small group of followers also have painful pasts that still reach out to touch them.

Saiyuki has some of the best music that I've come across in an anime series. It's right up there with Weiss Kreuz, Gravitation and Hellsing in my book. The opening song for the first season, Still Time, rocks out on a foundation built from a sample Aerosmith's Eat the Rich. Right away you can tell that Saiyuki is gonna kick some major ass.

Now that Saiyuki is finally available in the U.S., I encourage whoever might be reading this to give it a try. I was hooked right from the start, even with my so-so Hong Kong subs. But the English dub is not bad at all -- in fact it is quite hilarious -- the constant in-fighting and insult throwing between the characters will have you rolling. Be warned however they've left in a lot of the swear words, so be prepared. There is also plenty of sexual innuendo, mostly centered around the group's obvious ladies man Sha Gojyo. Although the short scene at the beginning of Episode Two with Gojyo and Goku in the back of the jeep had me rolling on the floor and replaying it several times. Definitely adult humor.

Over all, Saiyuki is a pretty good series and I encourage you to at least give it a try. It's quite easy to get caught up with the characters, especially as the series goes on and more is revealed about their pasts. You'll laught and you might even feel a little sad at some of what happens.

Saiyuki is by far one of the most groundbreaking anime and manga in Japan today. Voted in the top ten in various polls (caharcter, manga, anime) it's takes a twisted look at the old Chinese Legend. A plot that keeps your attention, characters that you can relate to, and vivid fighting scenes makes it a must see! Not to mention the famous monkey king Son Goku is here, but not as you expect. ^.^* So check it out now! *grins* Hayaku ne!