The original story - Journey to the West by Wu Cheng'en - is worth reading. There's some great comedy in it. Tripitaka (aka Hsuan Tsang) the monk on pilgrimage who Monkey and his chums accompany was a real historical person from the seventh century AD.
Lomelindi12Hooting at “Monkey” (the late 70s Japanese TV series) with my brother. It’s a tale of mythical creatures cast out from Heaven by Buddha who accompany a monk to India & have lots of adventures We used to watch it with Dad & loved it - especially Pigsy!