Not so Subtle Reference

Due to a sudden strike of interest, I watched a couple of episodes of InuYasha. The story of monster fighting and nice animation, however, was not the most interesting to me. The most striking feature of this wildly popular series is its resemblance to the Chinese Novel of Journey to the West.

Characters:

InuYasha is almost a reincarnation of the Monkey King, in personality, behavior and life. Both of them are rebellious, highly impulsive, totally acting on instinct. Do not like rules, violent. At the same time, they are the most capable fighters of their respective groups, and always need some help to get the jobs done. In life story, Monkey King was buried under a mountain initially, InuYasha was stuck on a tree by an arrow, there were then saved by the person they are supposed to protect. Monkey King by Tang Seng, and InuYasha by Kagome. Then they both acted violently towards their saviors, only to by reined in by a special item only their saviors can control. Monkey King by the head band, and InuYasha by the necklace. Also their favorite weapons can change size. Monkey King's stick is tucked nicely away in his ear, only when he fights, he makes it big. InuYasha's sword is small usually, but becomes big when fighting. And these weapons can only by used by them.

Kagome is Tang Seng, obviously. Weak and sensitive, but is the powerful backbone of the group. Tang Seng is seeking the ultimate knowledge, and Kagome the powerful Jewel. Also they are both the reincarnation of some powerful beings in the past. Tang See a budda, and Kagome Kikyo.

ZhuBajie is separated into two characters loosely. Lustful part becomes Miroku, and the timid part becomes Sippo.

Sha Seng is Sanpo, industrious, and good fighter, but harbors some sadness from the past inside.

Xiao Bai Long is Kiara loosely...

Most importantly, in both series, the ensembles fight YaGuai (YoKai) to achieve certain goals.