Saiyuki Gaiden is the story of what occured 500 years ago, as can be surmised from it's tag line, which translates roughly to: "this is the story of how it all began."
Goku as he was 500 years ago. Although still a spunky child, this Goku is much more vulnerable and sweet. He develops a fierce attachment to Konzen and calls Kenren and Tenpou "Ken niichan" and "Ten chan." He tends to be a bit petulant, but he is also very lonely and hungry for affection. He is extremely dissapointed when his best friend, Nataku, is ordered to keep away from him. All in all, Gaiden's Goku is a true child, innocent and vulnerable were Gensomaden Saiyuki's is a bit bratty and much more confident. We like this version of Goku better, because of both his personality and his character design.
Sanzo's previous existence. He is Kanzeon Bosatsu's nephew and became Goku's protector on her orders. Although much more dedicated to his job than Sanzo, Konzen still has a pretty bad temper and seems unable to truly smile. Although Goku is very much attached to him, Konzen sees taking care of the "stupid monkey" as a burden he'd rather delegate to Tenpou and Kenren. Because he has extremely long yellow hair Kanzeon mockingly suggests that Konzen will become the "sun" in Goku's life.
Hakkai's previous existence. A member of the Seihougun (Western Army), Tenpou is known as Tenkai's greatest military tactician. As placid, polite, and cheerful as Hakkai, but with a serious, almost lethal streak that surfaces much more often than his future incarnation's. He is old friends with Konzen and is thus entrusted with Goku by default. He quickly becomes attached to the boy, though, seeing in the child an innocent happiness he wishes to protect. He often acts as the voice of reason and compassion, slowly pushing Konzen towards a more active part in Goku's life.
Gojyo's previous existence. Captain (taishou) of the Seihougun. Because of his unpredictable personality the upper departments of the military have grown to dislike him, but Goku likes him well enough to call him "Ken niichan (big brother Ken)." From what we've seen of Gaiden (the instalments that ran from August 2000 and onward), Kenren doesn't seem to share Gojyo's intense annoyance at Goku, although he does share his future self's dislike of Konzen (Sanzo). Kenren is laid-back, carefree, and a bit crude but worries for his friends, especially Tenpou and Goku.
Goku's friend and Ritouten's son named Nataku. He is cruelly adviced to keep away from Goku because the young boy has been branded a killer. Although Nataku seems to bear little love for his father he still complies with his orders, which hurts Goku.
Nataku's father named Rituouten. He is an oily, cruel man who is accustomed to having his way. Nobody seems to like or trust him much, yet despite of this he still holds his place and power in Tenkai. However, we don't know much about him yet.
The Compassionate Buddha, Kanzeon Bosatsu plays a role similar to that of Gensomaden Saiyuki. Since the story is set in the heavenly realms this time around, though, her role is much more direct. Whereas she acts like the Fates in Saiyuki in Gaiden she is portrayed almost like the head of a large corporation, keeping her eye on the developing desitny of her favourite worker: Konzen Douji.
No comments:
Post a Comment