Few games steal headlines in the wayBlack Myth: Wukongenraptured the gaming space at launch, with the Game Science product breaking several formidable records along the way. Drawing inspiration from one of the most famous characters in Chinese mythology – the Monkey King, Sun Wukong from the classic novelJourney to the West–Black Myth: Wukongbears some similarity toDragon Ball Z’s narrative.
On paper, these two adaptations couldn’t be more different; one is a highly intensive and expansive action RPG steeped in Chinese culture, and the other is a staple anime franchise that defined the shonen genre before the category’s popularity boom. However, their shared interests in the Monkey King’s myths bring them together, and this intersection forms the basis for comparison, no matter how far-fetched it may appear.
Black Myth: Wukong and Dragon Ball Z Are Strange Bedfellows
There are multiple lenses under which both franchises can be compared. For starters, of the two adaptations,Black Myth: Wukongstays much closer to the source material. The game portrays a more traditionaldepiction of the Monkey King set after the events ofJourney to the West, even allowing players to have a taste of his full might for the first few minutes of the game before stepping into the shoes of the Destined One – the relic of Sun Wukong’s mind and his next reincarnation. InDragon Ball Z, Goku (whose name is derived from Sun Wukong’s Japanese name, Son Goku) is more metaphorically based on the Monkey King. Instead of being a literal monkey, Goku is an alien from the Saiyan race, but he retains some of Wukong’s essential characteristics, including a strong moral compass and a carefree, adventurous nature.
Early iterations ofDragon Ballfeatured Goku’s iconic flying Nimbus and his Power Pole, which were integrated as a nod to Sun Wukong’s cloud-riding. WhileDragon Ball’s efforts can’t be sniffed at,Black Myth: Wukongrelates the tale of Sun Wukong at a deeper level, with Game Science including core abilities such as shape-shifting and summoning clones of himself. The Destined One’s journey, which starts as an attempt to gather all ofSun Wukong’s relicsto resurrect him, becomes one of enlightenment as players inadvertently learn the inner workings of the Chinese mythological figure.
Visual Designs And Setting Are Where Black Myth: Wukong and Dragon Ball Z’s Adaptations Differ Greatly
Regarding visual design,Dragon Ball ZandBlack Myth: Wukongtake very different approaches. InDragon Ball Z, Goku’s appearance retains scant direct connections to the Monkey King, other than in his early childhood andSuper Saiyan 4 transformation, which features him with a tail. Goku’s multiple forms and transformations are also a nod to Sun Wukong’s mastery of different forms, though with an anime twist, which includes hair color changes and glowing auras.
Besides these, perhaps the greatest clue toDragon Ball Z’s Wukong heritage lies inSaiyans having access to a Great Ape form, which they can transform into during the full moon. On the other hand,Black Myth: Wukongpresents a more direct interpretation of the Monkey King, focusing on comprehensive monkey-like features. The game’s art also leans into realism with a blend of intricately designed mythical landscapes that bring out the beauty of the legend. In contrast,Dragon Ball Zfavors bright backdrops that range from Earth’s cities and alien planets to deserts and deep space.
In narrative building,Dragon Ball Zis centered around martial arts and extraterrestrial threats, blending action and comedic elements into one of the most successful anime and manga in history.Black Myth: Wukongtakes a more spiritual approach, focusing on the heritage of the original legendary character and the mythology surrounding him. Despite their marked differences,Black Myth: WukongandDragon Ball Zshare some overlaps, a point underscored by some modders coming together to create amod where players can play as Goku instead of the original protagonist.
