The canon slander is hilarious, the slander the fans throw on him…not so much. This man is sometimes over-hated and the more problematic characters like Macaque are just allowed to get away with everything. :/ Wukong is supposed to be a good guy with a morally grey past and trauma that influences his behaviors now. That’s the whole point of his character and SOME fans don’t understand good writing if it slapped them in the face and tap-danced on their grave.
I completely agree! Kind of annoys me that sometimes he's accused of the wrong things,when there's something that's more legit. One of the things that make me go 🤨 is the implication that he's legit malicious in sacrificing Mei when it's literally what Macaque did (yea I'm talking about that lego youtuber,but also some other fan sentiments).Like,yes,Wukong did a lot of wrongs (cause that's probably the entire point of him being adapted most of the times) but atleast get it right.
I mean Macaque was LITERALLY killed after being abandoned and betrayed by his best friend, his rage festering for CENTURIES then resurrected by an evil ice witch and tortured by her until he submit to her will sooo... he's not completely justified but most of his actions are understandable.
My undying love for him aside, Wukong is an amazing character! He’s very complex and well written! He does the flawed mentor trope perfectly! Quite frankly, there are waay more problematic characters who don’t get nearly as much hate as Wukong *cough* Macaque *cough* (I also love Macaque but he hasn’t even said he was sorry for the shit he’s done) Also a part of Sun Wukong’s character is that in most JTTW adaptations he’s kind of an asshole. LMK Wukong is arguably one of the ‘nicer’ iterations of Sun Wukong.
Don’t get me wrong I ain’t no hater but guys Macaque literally used MK for his powers and it’s possible he attacked Tripitaka in the JTTW (he did but haven’t gotten to that part yet)… AND HES ONE OF THE MOST LOVED CHARACTERS IN THE FANDOM?! AND HES BETTER THEN WUKONG!? come on now both of them are assholes and that’s why I love Wukong and Macaque as characters (I loved VERY flawed characters lol) Sorry for the long comment lol
@@AnIdotHyperfixator 🤣 You're good but i 100% agree, both of them were in self destruction especially in the JJTW, I've recently watched the gameplay along with a small explanation and both Wukong was very prideful and carefree back then but Macaque also grew hatred against Wukong when (if I'm correct sealed away/ broke into 6 fragments) and also grew hatred too and stuff, both of them grew out of it though in LMK which I'm glad to see and thank god, i prefer the three Monketesteers 🤣 (3 monkeys, Mk, Swk and Macaque) love them sm
I mean.... a lot of Wukong's slander is legit. He really was a problem in the past but that was the point of his growth. To be humbled and gain enlightenment.... in the ultimate fanfiction ever written to sell people on Buddhism lol
It's ironic how even during his amnesic self, Wukong even admited that he doesn't see himself as a mentor. Which was weird at first, because he was taugh by Patriarch Subodi and Tripitaka acted as mentor during his journey to the west. It seems that years of self-isolation did really took a toll on him, it didn't really help that his only company so far during his retirement was the little monkeys.
0:19 "The time YOU picked up a fight with *BUDDHA-"* Really Wukong didn't want to remember the time he lost :/ 7:35 *"My former brother was sent to destroy us and all we had built.."* Wukong clearly kneeled when the Monk (A.K.A Tang's past life guy) did put that collar in his head because he had no hope left after the first discussion that gave the rivalry to Macaque and Wukong. 11:00 Oh do shut, chicken, Macaque was like that because of his discussion with Wukong.
Wukong made a lot of mistakes. In the original Journey to the West, he got humbled and learned his lesson, while he still is naturally proud and mischievous, he became a better person. In Lego Monkie Kid, we don't really see the events that happened in his journey and he hadn't changed much or worse he changed in a worse way. It's hard to portray Wukong as a better person who learned from his mistakes in the series at the start because there'd be less conflict in the story itself. Since Journey to the West is its own story and this an adaption of the lore and characters rather than the book itself. I think the bigger issue with the show is how they kinda gloss over conflicts with teamwork or friendship and characters feel kinda static. Wukong feels very like the same character before he got punished by Buddha. His relationship with Macaque is telling enough of his flaws. He actually killed Macaque and Azure. Macaque was his best friend and didn't really want to rebel with him being the only one thought of the consequences. Wukong got angry because Macaque didn't want to risk being punished by the Jade emperor when he was imprisoned when it was Wukong's choice to do what he did. Wukong kept making choices for others on his own and didn't listen/ask when other people wanted.
I think this is one of the best takes out there 🤔 I legit wanna finish the book immediately so I can make an analysis like this. You've got a point in the relationship conflicts part.I was a bit disappointed that they hinted on something by showing Mei messing with Wukong's hair and Mei willing to help rebuilding Wukong's house,but we don't know what leads to that.Mei's character really feels neglected,it's comical that the last time they expanded on her life was S1.Scratch that,every other character that aren't MK feels neglected.I don't hate the MK lore,but it feels like the writers favors MK lore over the other characters that the others can't keep up and they ended up having to churn out "Claim to Flame" that feels very late and kinda out of place.
In terms of him being a mentor, I'm not really surprised he started out as terrible, for a couple reasons. First, he's never had to teach someone the way he teaches mk. Sun Wukong is a genius, and he grasps concepts incredibly quickly--he learnt immortality in around 10 years in jttw, when most others spent decades, of not hundreds of years. It's hard for people who can understand things so easily to teach others. Of course he was bad at explaining things. But he did try his best--in Macaque's introduction episode, he tried to explain that MK's (mortal!) body couldnt handle the amount of power he was attempting to use. I would like to point out that Wukong was already immortal or cultivating to immortality when he gained the majority of his powers. MK is mortal, with a mortal body, and Wukong had to seal away some of MK's powers so he could even do anything. Not to mention that even own Wukong's invincibility isnt foolproof. And then theres the game. In that episode, MK shows that Wukong did leave scrolls for him. He created an entire game for MK to play in order to teach him, knowing that mk would eventually go to his house in search of something to learn. Secondly, Sun Wukong is a monkey. I know, I know, its obvious, but it's actually pretty important. Monkeys are incredibly social creatures, and become unstable when not around others. And while Wukong did have his monkeys, he still spent around 500 years isolated on his island. The monkeys can't offer the same amount of social interaction, or physical touch someone else could. As a result, Wukong hides his insecurities and his own lack of faith in his abilities to be what MK needs him to be under the mask of what he thinks MK sees him as. Veering away from the topic of him being MK's mentor, I want to talk about the lack of trust that Wukong displays in others. It's not that he doesn't trust them--it's that he doesn't trust them that they won't get hurt. In jttw, wukong often has to deal with the threats by himself, with minimal help from the other pilgrims. And even before that, Wukong himself was the main reason the monkeys of Flower Fruit Mountain weren't attacked. He is, and always has been, a pillar of strength that others look to, and it's very rare that anyone can match him. So when Wukong thinks: they can't handle this...he has a reason to. He doesn't want others to get involved simply because he doesn't want them to get hurt. (I would like to say that Wukong did almost beat LBD by himself, and that it was only due to his own hesitation about killing the host that allowed LBD to possess him.) To that end, he keeps information from them. He tries to keep them ignorant, because that's how he tries to protect them. (I would also like to point out that he was keeping an eye on MK throughout the fight between him and DBK in the pilot, meaning that even then Wukong was trying to protect MK without him knowing.) It obviously doesn't work, but he has the best intentions. He knows how to work alone, and he has worked alone for centuries. It's unsurprising that he keeps to that pattern of behavior, even if he gets better at it in later seasons, such as season 4. And season 4....how do I even begin. We are shown how different Wukong is in the past from the modern day. In the past, he's confident to the point of arrogant. He craves approval. He's so assured in his own power that he doesn't even think he'd lose. He's very open with his emotions and his thoughts. Compare that to modern day. By the time MK is alive, he hides his emotions under a mask. He's confident but he isn't arrogant--and if he seems arrogant, well, that's another act he's putting on. Nothing makes it more obvious than when Macaque and MK find Wukong on the cliff when they went into the scroll. He looks tired. He looks defeated. The mask is off, the act is over, and all we have left is the real him. Someone who has tried and tried his best and has only ever seen his efforts fail time and time again. And I have to talk about his relationship to the people in the Brotherhood. With DBK it's obvious that they were friends, even if they weren't that close. With Peng and Yellowtusk, Wukong seemed to have a friendly relationship, but Peng is just....mean. Condescending. With Azure, it's unbalanced. Wukong looks to Azure for praise and assurance, getting openly delighted when Azure compliments him, while Azure looks at Wukong and sees a symbol. I'll return to Azure in a moment. With Macaque, it's a bit more complicated. It's obvious that Macaque was different than the Brotherhood. He displayed doubt in their plans, and only ever went along with it for Wukong's sake--because he loved Wukong. Platonically, romantically, it doesn't matter. The point is, he trusted Wukong. He visited Wukong when he got trapped with a peach to give him. And Wukong lashed out at him (which, understandable. Wukong was beaten and humiliated, trapped under a mountain and left behind to live there for, as far as he knew, the rest of time. I would also like to point out that monkeys require physical touch to remain mentally and emotionally stable, and that would be very difficult for Wukong in that position). But when Wukong lashed out and started yelling, Macaque was visibly surprised. He didn't expect it, and once Macaque was gone he regretted what he said. It's in his voice, in his face. He said he did it for them in the cave, and he says it again in the scroll. Wukong wanted recognition, yes, but he also wanted to keep those he cares about safe. Back to Azure. Personally, I don't think Azure ever truly saw Wukong as a person. To him, Wukong was a symbol. The perfect leader, the embodiment of what Azure thought a leader should be. With his overwhelming strength, kindness (not to be confused with gentleness--I don't think Wukong knew how to be gentle for the longest time), and his willingness to go along with Azure's plans, it makes sense. And then when Wukong fails, it breaks the foundation that Azure built his new life on. He feels betrayed, and doesn't stay with Wukong after he fails. It's implied that only Macaque visited him that one time (and canon in jttw, where the only visitors he had were the servants who force fed him molten copper and iron pellets iirc). The problem with Azure is that he gets so lost in his own goals that he loses sight of what's in front of him...much like Wukong. I would also like to point out that Macaque himself admits that all of them were on a path of self destruction, one that Wukong was saved from by Tang Sanzang. Their fates aren't surprising. Azure, Yellowtusk, and Peng drained the land of its resources and life in order to make their 'utopia'. And considering Wukong had the circlet on in the flashbacks, that means that the three of them attacked the pilgrims. The pilgrims did not seek out fights. They were reactionary. What happened to them was going to happen all along, because they stayed on the path of self destruction. Macaque himself died--even if it's left unclear on if Wukong himself killed Macaque or not. The phrasing in season five of "you just came back" implies that Wukong didn't know that Macaque died. Maybe they fought and Macaque managed to leave and then died. Who knows. LMK is inspired by jttw after all. And DBK...well, we know what happened to him. TDLR; Wukong's personality and mistakes are understandable if you look at them critically and take into account the source material. He is 1) a genius and thus finds it difficult to teach, 2) used to working alone/being the only person able to handle the threats we see in LMK, and 3) he is very old, and very tired of fighting and losing those he cares about. Wukong's entire character is based around protection in LMK, even if he tries to hide his protection.
THANK YOU FOR WRITING THIS! This is such an excellent analysis on Wukong! For the longest time,I can't even express how much I like Wukong as a character without simping or acting like he's the absolute best that has total moral high ground. If people asks me why I like him,I'll probably refer to this comment as one of the reasons.God,I just really like how he's written. Ok,gushing time is over.I like that you pointed out that both Wukong & Azure are blinded by their goals.They were not total good guys even if they were really fighting a tyrannical regime.Matter of fact,I think this is also the case with LBD (wanting a perfect world) & Nine-Headed Demon (want to be free from the authority but ended up putting others through his determined choice). I also like how you make a point about Wukong being a monkey.I think the fandom sometimes treats him like a monkey-looking guy and forgets he is an actual monkey,just a really smart and bipedal one.Also him being old,despite acting juvenile,is pretty important to his character. The part about his distrust & urge to protect others is probably the part that more people should realise,very important.When I read the novel,it was literally a lightbulb moment for me lol,everything that he does makes more sense now.I mean,it's kinda obvious just by watching the show,but the context that he's been in this situation for such a long time and added by the allusion that the pilgrims died in LMK makes it a lot better.(Also,it hits me emotionally on how he acted so boastful but ended up bursting into tears when he's finally being honest about his struggle).
wait hold, thats legitimately Jack De Sena as Monkie Kid’s VA I knew I recognized his voice, i watch the comedy channel he shares with his friend Chris. Thats super rad man (also he voices Sokka from Avatar, so it makes sense)
bruh ppl out here ‘rightfully slandered’ ‘justifiably slandered’ UNLESS YOU’RE OUT HERE CALLING FOR MACAQUE’S HEAD ON A PLATTER I DON’T WANNA HEAR SHIT!!!
These comments are unreal. This video is about Wukong being slandered in the show by from mostly people that are/were close to him. Where does this macaque vs wukong thing even come in here!!??
From my personal experience with the fandom? It's cause I tend to see Macaque's actions being defended and Wukong being accused of malicious.To simplify: What the characters saying are the facts,but what the fandom see is a twisted version of it.There's even a comment in this comment section about the slander from the show vs slander from the fandom. Wukong undeniably does a lot of stuff wrong,but he's not the bloodthirsty imp from the book anymore (a reminder cause some still see him that way outside of jokes).But I've seen him being framed as a character that would sacrifice others for the greater good,which is odd because that's what Macaque is doing in order to free himself & defeat LBD instead. To clarify,I'm a fan of almost every trickster characters out there,and I lowkey would watch/read a story about someone who sacrifices everyone to reach the greater good,but I just don't see that in Wukong's actions (he did come running when he saw Macaque forcing the ritual to start).Wukong isn't a malicious demon,but as you can see in the clips and the seasons onward,he's still so very flawed.He may not be going around killing people like it's Doom Eternal,but his arrogance is still there.He stayed silent in the train when asked about his plan and he's angry when Macaque questions his role as MK's shifu.Which is terrible for a guy that is shown to be not able to shoulder that many responsibilities or make a proper plan on the go because he doesn't realise how much he needs to open up & make proper friends.As blatant as Macaque's cool lone wolf -weeb- guy persona is,Wukong is also a lone wolf that doesn't want to share his burden or try to open up. Point is,the guy is very factually flawed,but it's annoying to see his actual flaws being mistaken to be another guys' flaws while the other guy gets away with doing wrongs.
@claudius3359 If that's what you see in the fandom and if it bothers you, then that's fine. But this particular video has nothing to do with it. No offense, but it seems some people here are offended by the criticisms against wukong (which are valid in this particular video). Nothing in the video says anything about macaque being a better person or vice versa. Some of y'all need to really chill. This ain't politics, this is LMK.
I see both sides of the argument in the comment section. For one, of course this video is just about highlighting Wukong slander, justified and funny! Yet the other side is that although Macaque isn't even the subject of the video he is still in it and adding to the slander. Like a pot calling the kettle black situation. Macaque slandering Wukong seems almost unfair since he is no better in terms of morals or actions. Infact the arguments are kinda equal on both sides since both characters have that morally grey disposition and they achieve redemption in the end. So I see the argument as kinda unnecessary, can we just agree that they both have issues and are both idiots 😅
i've never seen this show but it seems like the frustration is warrented based on this alone 😭😂 update: alr lol I went and watched it. Yeeaa kinda warranted. But we love him for it lol, hes doin his best fr 😭
They knew what they were doing. The book that this is based on, Journey To The West, was the inspiration for the original series of DragonBall particularly its protagonist Son Goku.
I was losing my mind trying to remeber who monkie king was va by and i finally realised it was goku and the tiger sounds identical to vegita which it prob is the same va but idk
@Justaguy-h4e it's not the same voice actor. Yes wukong is voiced by Sean schemmel (goku) that's correct but azure (the tiger) is voiced by Christopher Sabat who yes! Also voices in DragonBall!
That is his voice actor. Also, Monkey King is played by Sean Schemmel, and Demon Bull King is played by Steve Blum. They got some good talent for this show.
He wasn’t the best mentor and friend. But the villains need to be held accountable for their own actions fr. Not every horrible thing that transpired means Wukong forced their hand .🤨🤨🤨 Wukong was garbage most of the time but be for real.
The definition of 'slander' is a false accusation made to damage someone's reputation.
Sun Wukong has 4 volumes & 5 seasons on his criminal charge 💀
Basically said: "Your Honor, we have *concrete* evidence."
@@Unknownperson-eo6mkHaha yeah.Even better when you know JTTW's deities are very bureaucratic and there is a courtroom arc.
"THAT TIME YOU PICKED A FIGHT WITH BUDDHA-" is by far one of the funniest lines if you've read/know the lore of the books.
*Rightfully* the most slandered character in LMK 😌
The canon slander is hilarious, the slander the fans throw on him…not so much. This man is sometimes over-hated and the more problematic characters like Macaque are just allowed to get away with everything. :/
Wukong is supposed to be a good guy with a morally grey past and trauma that influences his behaviors now. That’s the whole point of his character and SOME fans don’t understand good writing if it slapped them in the face and tap-danced on their grave.
I completely agree!
Kind of annoys me that sometimes he's accused of the wrong things,when there's something that's more legit.
One of the things that make me go 🤨 is the implication that he's legit malicious in sacrificing Mei when it's literally what Macaque did (yea I'm talking about that lego youtuber,but also some other fan sentiments).Like,yes,Wukong did a lot of wrongs (cause that's probably the entire point of him being adapted most of the times) but atleast get it right.
I think Macaque acknowledges his terrible actions
I mean Macaque was LITERALLY killed after being abandoned and betrayed by his best friend, his rage festering for CENTURIES then resurrected by an evil ice witch and tortured by her until he submit to her will sooo... he's not completely justified but most of his actions are understandable.
My undying love for him aside, Wukong is an amazing character! He’s very complex and well written! He does the flawed mentor trope perfectly!
Quite frankly, there are waay more problematic characters who don’t get nearly as much hate as Wukong *cough* Macaque *cough* (I also love Macaque but he hasn’t even said he was sorry for the shit he’s done) Also a part of Sun Wukong’s character is that in most JTTW adaptations he’s kind of an asshole. LMK Wukong is arguably one of the ‘nicer’ iterations of Sun Wukong.
i feel like goku is nicer?
Don’t get me wrong I ain’t no hater but guys Macaque literally used MK for his powers and it’s possible he attacked Tripitaka in the JTTW (he did but haven’t gotten to that part yet)… AND HES ONE OF THE MOST LOVED CHARACTERS IN THE FANDOM?! AND HES BETTER THEN WUKONG!? come on now both of them are assholes and that’s why I love Wukong and Macaque as characters (I loved VERY flawed characters lol)
Sorry for the long comment lol
@@AnIdotHyperfixator 🤣 You're good but i 100% agree, both of them were in self destruction especially in the JJTW, I've recently watched the gameplay along with a small explanation and both Wukong was very prideful and carefree back then but Macaque also grew hatred against Wukong when (if I'm correct sealed away/ broke into 6 fragments) and also grew hatred too and stuff, both of them grew out of it though in LMK which I'm glad to see and thank god, i prefer the three Monketesteers 🤣 (3 monkeys, Mk, Swk and Macaque) love them sm
@@YuseiofMicah gameplay? Just wondering are you talking about Black myth Wukong (Sorry if this sounds rude)
@AnIdotHyperfixator yeah and the book too 😭 I'm sorry for the confusion
I LOVE how you ordered this based on character and then ended it with Wukong himself finally apologizing 😭
Thanks! I'm glad someone pointed it out :)
The villains try to justify their actions by saying that Wukong is worse when they’re literally killing others.
Wukong killed so much more people than all of them combined lol
I mean.... a lot of Wukong's slander is legit. He really was a problem in the past but that was the point of his growth. To be humbled and gain enlightenment.... in the ultimate fanfiction ever written to sell people on Buddhism lol
That's what I've been saying lol!
(As in Wukong being flawed being the entire point and...Buddhist fanfiction)
0:17 THE TIME YOU PICKED A FIGHT WITH BUD-
SHUT YOUR MOUTH!!
**POTATO CHIP SLAP**
SHUT YOUR MOUTH!
It's ironic how even during his amnesic self, Wukong even admited that he doesn't see himself as a mentor.
Which was weird at first, because he was taugh by Patriarch Subodi and Tripitaka acted as mentor during his journey to the west. It seems that years of self-isolation did really took a toll on him, it didn't really help that his only company so far during his retirement was the little monkeys.
Well,to be fair,both mentors kicked him out for his behavior-
@claudius3359
Subodi kicking him out was an understandable reason.
Tripitaka, in the other, was either out the monk's naivity or clash of ideals.
@@mariapazgonzalezlesmeI was joking,but..yeah,that's a good summary of it.
What being trapped under a mountain for years does to a mf
I ikr how they got the American VA for Dragon Super Goku to voice Wu-Kong, since Goku was based off of Wu-Kong
Also Z goku and end of original DB goku
It's the perfect pitch
Sean Schemmel did the inspiration and the perfect creation. (Sun Wukong & Goku)
so not only is Gokus voice actor here, we also have Vegetas! i have no words
It's appropriate Macaque makes up a very notable chunk of these clips
LMK Sun Wukong is like the fusion of Son Goku & Sataru Gojo, da goat
Same va, plus son goku is based off of sun wukong
Sooo son wu gokjo?
Satoru Gojo*
0:19
"The time YOU picked up a fight with *BUDDHA-"* Really Wukong didn't want to remember the time he lost :/
7:35
*"My former brother was sent to destroy us and all we had built.."*
Wukong clearly kneeled when the Monk (A.K.A Tang's past life guy) did put that collar in his head because he had no hope left after the first discussion that gave the rivalry to Macaque and Wukong.
11:00
Oh do shut, chicken, Macaque was like that because of his discussion with Wukong.
5:40 My Uncle whenever he sees anyone five shades darker than himself
AYO-
Sun Wukong's journey just feels like the most intense roller coaster ride 🎢🐒
Wukong made a lot of mistakes. In the original Journey to the West, he got humbled and learned his lesson, while he still is naturally proud and mischievous, he became a better person. In Lego Monkie Kid, we don't really see the events that happened in his journey and he hadn't changed much or worse he changed in a worse way. It's hard to portray Wukong as a better person who learned from his mistakes in the series at the start because there'd be less conflict in the story itself. Since Journey to the West is its own story and this an adaption of the lore and characters rather than the book itself. I think the bigger issue with the show is how they kinda gloss over conflicts with teamwork or friendship and characters feel kinda static. Wukong feels very like the same character before he got punished by Buddha. His relationship with Macaque is telling enough of his flaws. He actually killed Macaque and Azure. Macaque was his best friend and didn't really want to rebel with him being the only one thought of the consequences. Wukong got angry because Macaque didn't want to risk being punished by the Jade emperor when he was imprisoned when it was Wukong's choice to do what he did. Wukong kept making choices for others on his own and didn't listen/ask when other people wanted.
I think this is one of the best takes out there 🤔
I legit wanna finish the book immediately so I can make an analysis like this.
You've got a point in the relationship conflicts part.I was a bit disappointed that they hinted on something by showing Mei messing with Wukong's hair and Mei willing to help rebuilding Wukong's house,but we don't know what leads to that.Mei's character really feels neglected,it's comical that the last time they expanded on her life was S1.Scratch that,every other character that aren't MK feels neglected.I don't hate the MK lore,but it feels like the writers favors MK lore over the other characters that the others can't keep up and they ended up having to churn out "Claim to Flame" that feels very late and kinda out of place.
In terms of him being a mentor, I'm not really surprised he started out as terrible, for a couple reasons.
First, he's never had to teach someone the way he teaches mk. Sun Wukong is a genius, and he grasps concepts incredibly quickly--he learnt immortality in around 10 years in jttw, when most others spent decades, of not hundreds of years. It's hard for people who can understand things so easily to teach others. Of course he was bad at explaining things. But he did try his best--in Macaque's introduction episode, he tried to explain that MK's (mortal!) body couldnt handle the amount of power he was attempting to use. I would like to point out that Wukong was already immortal or cultivating to immortality when he gained the majority of his powers. MK is mortal, with a mortal body, and Wukong had to seal away some of MK's powers so he could even do anything. Not to mention that even own Wukong's invincibility isnt foolproof. And then theres the game. In that episode, MK shows that Wukong did leave scrolls for him. He created an entire game for MK to play in order to teach him, knowing that mk would eventually go to his house in search of something to learn.
Secondly, Sun Wukong is a monkey. I know, I know, its obvious, but it's actually pretty important. Monkeys are incredibly social creatures, and become unstable when not around others. And while Wukong did have his monkeys, he still spent around 500 years isolated on his island. The monkeys can't offer the same amount of social interaction, or physical touch someone else could. As a result, Wukong hides his insecurities and his own lack of faith in his abilities to be what MK needs him to be under the mask of what he thinks MK sees him as.
Veering away from the topic of him being MK's mentor, I want to talk about the lack of trust that Wukong displays in others. It's not that he doesn't trust them--it's that he doesn't trust them that they won't get hurt. In jttw, wukong often has to deal with the threats by himself, with minimal help from the other pilgrims. And even before that, Wukong himself was the main reason the monkeys of Flower Fruit Mountain weren't attacked. He is, and always has been, a pillar of strength that others look to, and it's very rare that anyone can match him. So when Wukong thinks: they can't handle this...he has a reason to. He doesn't want others to get involved simply because he doesn't want them to get hurt. (I would like to say that Wukong did almost beat LBD by himself, and that it was only due to his own hesitation about killing the host that allowed LBD to possess him.) To that end, he keeps information from them. He tries to keep them ignorant, because that's how he tries to protect them. (I would also like to point out that he was keeping an eye on MK throughout the fight between him and DBK in the pilot, meaning that even then Wukong was trying to protect MK without him knowing.) It obviously doesn't work, but he has the best intentions. He knows how to work alone, and he has worked alone for centuries. It's unsurprising that he keeps to that pattern of behavior, even if he gets better at it in later seasons, such as season 4.
And season 4....how do I even begin. We are shown how different Wukong is in the past from the modern day. In the past, he's confident to the point of arrogant. He craves approval. He's so assured in his own power that he doesn't even think he'd lose. He's very open with his emotions and his thoughts. Compare that to modern day. By the time MK is alive, he hides his emotions under a mask. He's confident but he isn't arrogant--and if he seems arrogant, well, that's another act he's putting on. Nothing makes it more obvious than when Macaque and MK find Wukong on the cliff when they went into the scroll. He looks tired. He looks defeated. The mask is off, the act is over, and all we have left is the real him. Someone who has tried and tried his best and has only ever seen his efforts fail time and time again.
And I have to talk about his relationship to the people in the Brotherhood. With DBK it's obvious that they were friends, even if they weren't that close. With Peng and Yellowtusk, Wukong seemed to have a friendly relationship, but Peng is just....mean. Condescending. With Azure, it's unbalanced. Wukong looks to Azure for praise and assurance, getting openly delighted when Azure compliments him, while Azure looks at Wukong and sees a symbol. I'll return to Azure in a moment.
With Macaque, it's a bit more complicated. It's obvious that Macaque was different than the Brotherhood. He displayed doubt in their plans, and only ever went along with it for Wukong's sake--because he loved Wukong. Platonically, romantically, it doesn't matter. The point is, he trusted Wukong. He visited Wukong when he got trapped with a peach to give him. And Wukong lashed out at him (which, understandable. Wukong was beaten and humiliated, trapped under a mountain and left behind to live there for, as far as he knew, the rest of time. I would also like to point out that monkeys require physical touch to remain mentally and emotionally stable, and that would be very difficult for Wukong in that position). But when Wukong lashed out and started yelling, Macaque was visibly surprised. He didn't expect it, and once Macaque was gone he regretted what he said. It's in his voice, in his face. He said he did it for them in the cave, and he says it again in the scroll. Wukong wanted recognition, yes, but he also wanted to keep those he cares about safe.
Back to Azure. Personally, I don't think Azure ever truly saw Wukong as a person. To him, Wukong was a symbol. The perfect leader, the embodiment of what Azure thought a leader should be. With his overwhelming strength, kindness (not to be confused with gentleness--I don't think Wukong knew how to be gentle for the longest time), and his willingness to go along with Azure's plans, it makes sense. And then when Wukong fails, it breaks the foundation that Azure built his new life on. He feels betrayed, and doesn't stay with Wukong after he fails. It's implied that only Macaque visited him that one time (and canon in jttw, where the only visitors he had were the servants who force fed him molten copper and iron pellets iirc). The problem with Azure is that he gets so lost in his own goals that he loses sight of what's in front of him...much like Wukong. I would also like to point out that Macaque himself admits that all of them were on a path of self destruction, one that Wukong was saved from by Tang Sanzang. Their fates aren't surprising. Azure, Yellowtusk, and Peng drained the land of its resources and life in order to make their 'utopia'. And considering Wukong had the circlet on in the flashbacks, that means that the three of them attacked the pilgrims. The pilgrims did not seek out fights. They were reactionary. What happened to them was going to happen all along, because they stayed on the path of self destruction. Macaque himself died--even if it's left unclear on if Wukong himself killed Macaque or not. The phrasing in season five of "you just came back" implies that Wukong didn't know that Macaque died. Maybe they fought and Macaque managed to leave and then died. Who knows. LMK is inspired by jttw after all. And DBK...well, we know what happened to him.
TDLR; Wukong's personality and mistakes are understandable if you look at them critically and take into account the source material. He is 1) a genius and thus finds it difficult to teach, 2) used to working alone/being the only person able to handle the threats we see in LMK, and 3) he is very old, and very tired of fighting and losing those he cares about. Wukong's entire character is based around protection in LMK, even if he tries to hide his protection.
THANK YOU FOR WRITING THIS!
This is such an excellent analysis on Wukong!
For the longest time,I can't even express how much I like Wukong as a character without simping or acting like he's the absolute best that has total moral high ground.
If people asks me why I like him,I'll probably refer to this comment as one of the reasons.God,I just really like how he's written.
Ok,gushing time is over.I like that you pointed out that both Wukong & Azure are blinded by their goals.They were not total good guys even if they were really fighting a tyrannical regime.Matter of fact,I think this is also the case with LBD (wanting a perfect world) & Nine-Headed Demon (want to be free from the authority but ended up putting others through his determined choice).
I also like how you make a point about Wukong being a monkey.I think the fandom sometimes treats him like a monkey-looking guy and forgets he is an actual monkey,just a really smart and bipedal one.Also him being old,despite acting juvenile,is pretty important to his character.
The part about his distrust & urge to protect others is probably the part that more people should realise,very important.When I read the novel,it was literally a lightbulb moment for me lol,everything that he does makes more sense now.I mean,it's kinda obvious just by watching the show,but the context that he's been in this situation for such a long time and added by the allusion that the pilgrims died in LMK makes it a lot better.(Also,it hits me emotionally on how he acted so boastful but ended up bursting into tears when he's finally being honest about his struggle).
Well i guess that Sean will never escape from his role😂😂😂. 2:56 also I noticed that wears Gokus gi just with long sleves😂
Narutos ninja outfit
Hold on what is this? Why does a lego show looks so epic ?
lego monkie kid 🐒
animated by the same studio that did rottmnt
Goku: well I was going to say making regrettable life choices . But yeah thanks for laying out😒
wait hold, thats legitimately Jack De Sena as Monkie Kid’s VA
I knew I recognized his voice, i watch the comedy channel he shares with his friend Chris. Thats super rad man (also he voices Sokka from Avatar, so it makes sense)
HE SOUNDS LIKE GOKUUUU I CANT.
I just realized son goku has the same voice actor as son goku (son goku is litterally son wukong but in Japanese)
i do love how his VA is goku for wukong XD just works XD
Bro wukong is voiced by goku.......yes
JUSTIFIED slander
So i just had to check and i love the fact that Sun Wukong is voiced by Goku. WHO IS BASED ON HIM!!!!
bruh ppl out here ‘rightfully slandered’ ‘justifiably slandered’ UNLESS YOU’RE OUT HERE CALLING FOR MACAQUE’S HEAD ON A PLATTER I DON’T WANNA HEAR SHIT!!!
We can say that Wukong deserves the slander and still believe Mac deserves js as much slander yk
@@saysikeern202 problem is that people dont slander mac enough
My favorite character is Tang. You think I DON'T want Macaque's head on a platter? He needs jail time!
@yourlocalmoron4832 Yh I don't see it much outside my friend group 😂
Aye aye calm down guys- ✋😂
I just wish he would apologize to Mei about not telling her about the Sahmadi fire.
Same! It's what makes me wonder if there's something that should've been shown before that photo of Mei messing with Wukong
Season 1 animation you will always be famous to me 😍
These comments are unreal.
This video is about Wukong being slandered in the show by from mostly people that are/were close to him.
Where does this macaque vs wukong thing even come in here!!??
From my personal experience with the fandom? It's cause I tend to see Macaque's actions being defended and Wukong being accused of malicious.To simplify: What the characters saying are the facts,but what the fandom see is a twisted version of it.There's even a comment in this comment section about the slander from the show vs slander from the fandom.
Wukong undeniably does a lot of stuff wrong,but he's not the bloodthirsty imp from the book anymore (a reminder cause some still see him that way outside of jokes).But I've seen him being framed as a character that would sacrifice others for the greater good,which is odd because that's what Macaque is doing in order to free himself & defeat LBD instead.
To clarify,I'm a fan of almost every trickster characters out there,and I lowkey would watch/read a story about someone who sacrifices everyone to reach the greater good,but I just don't see that in Wukong's actions (he did come running when he saw Macaque forcing the ritual to start).Wukong isn't a malicious demon,but as you can see in the clips and the seasons onward,he's still so very flawed.He may not be going around killing people like it's Doom Eternal,but his arrogance is still there.He stayed silent in the train when asked about his plan and he's angry when Macaque questions his role as MK's shifu.Which is terrible for a guy that is shown to be not able to shoulder that many responsibilities or make a proper plan on the go because he doesn't realise how much he needs to open up & make proper friends.As blatant as Macaque's cool lone wolf -weeb- guy persona is,Wukong is also a lone wolf that doesn't want to share his burden or try to open up.
Point is,the guy is very factually flawed,but it's annoying to see his actual flaws being mistaken to be another guys' flaws while the other guy gets away with doing wrongs.
@claudius3359
If that's what you see in the fandom and if it bothers you, then that's fine.
But this particular video has nothing to do with it. No offense, but it seems some people here are offended by the criticisms against wukong (which are valid in this particular video).
Nothing in the video says anything about macaque being a better person or vice versa.
Some of y'all need to really chill. This ain't politics, this is LMK.
@@igbunujed-sodje179Eh,fair point.Just putting it out there.Plus,it's just my speculation & my own view.Idk how exactly the others are seeing it.
I see both sides of the argument in the comment section. For one, of course this video is just about highlighting Wukong slander, justified and funny! Yet the other side is that although Macaque isn't even the subject of the video he is still in it and adding to the slander. Like a pot calling the kettle black situation. Macaque slandering Wukong seems almost unfair since he is no better in terms of morals or actions. Infact the arguments are kinda equal on both sides since both characters have that morally grey disposition and they achieve redemption in the end. So I see the argument as kinda unnecessary, can we just agree that they both have issues and are both idiots 😅
@@AllenBreadlyI for one,agree! Their character ARCs are written nicely and they're both the idiots 😂
Monkey king is selfish and careless, but he does care
I know absolutely nothing about what this is but the fact that son wukong is voiced by fucking goku is hilarious
Yo, I think we got Vegeta in there too
i've never seen this show but it seems like the frustration is warrented based on this alone 😭😂
update: alr lol I went and watched it. Yeeaa kinda warranted. But we love him for it lol, hes doin his best fr 😭
I was not expecting the character writing in this show to be so damn complex lol like gaddamn. and the animation in the first 4 seasons 😧
@jadedfire4351 glad you watched it 🎉😄 hope this video didn't spoil TOO much haha
Lartin Muther King
He sounds like Goku
same VA
They knew what they were doing. The book that this is based on, Journey To The West, was the inspiration for the original series of DragonBall particularly its protagonist Son Goku.
I was losing my mind trying to remeber who monkie king was va by and i finally realised it was goku and the tiger sounds identical to vegita which it prob is the same va but idk
@Justaguy-h4e it's not the same voice actor. Yes wukong is voiced by Sean schemmel (goku) that's correct but azure (the tiger) is voiced by Christopher Sabat who yes! Also voices in DragonBall!
Is that son Goku's voice re
Same va
@@GlaziolaNacht Didn't he pass away and got a new VA Saab Alejandro??
@@YuseiofMicah no, that was Macaque's previous voice actor (Billy Kametz), you're mixing them up a bit-
@@virignek9879 ooh thanks for clarifying 🤣🔆
Yes
Why does this show look so good? Also does MK kinda sound like Sokka to anyone else?
That is his voice actor. Also, Monkey King is played by Sean Schemmel, and Demon Bull King is played by Steve Blum. They got some good talent for this show.
Because he is
damm i gotta qatch it
Not my monkey king
I can't not hear Goku. It's impossible.
Its KAKAROT!!
IDK WHAT THE F TO COMMENT 😭🙏🏽 Anyway, Wukong is so silly :3
Can someone please tell me what this is on? Like Netflix or something?
peacock gang
@@BloxJit wha??
@@Kinger_0n_Dru9s its on the streaming service called peacock
@@Kinger_0n_Dru9sThey mean you can find the series on Peacock.
@@Kinger_0n_Dru9s the entire show is available on UA-cam
Can he beat black myth wukong?
can he beat goku?
doesnt matter if he can beat him, they should make out
@@mr.calcium8740HELP WHAT
He wasn’t the best mentor and friend.
But the villains need to be held accountable for their own actions fr. Not every horrible thing that transpired means Wukong forced their hand
.🤨🤨🤨
Wukong was garbage most of the time but be for real.
why do i hear goku.
Sean Schemmael voices Wukong in the English dub
I love his character but he is a terrible teacher
Hence why he said he is not cut out to one 😂
Goku