Genre
Graphic novel
Setting and Context
The novel alternates between an unnamed American suburb and a mythic dimension populated by deities.
Narrator and Point of View
The novel is narrated in Jin's first-person voice during sections in Jin's point of view; the narration is third-person during The Monkey King's and Danny's sections.
Tone and Mood
The tone is oscillates between being humorous and dramatic; the mood is sometimes fantastical, sometimes despairing, and often lonely.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Jin is the main protagonist, with the Monkey and Danny acting as protagonists in minor storylines. The primary antagonists are Timmy, Greg, Wei-Chen, and Chin-Kee..
Major Conflict
Jin's major conflict is his desire to reject his Chinese heritage and assimilate into white American culture in order to gain mainstream social acceptance.
Climax
The story reaches its climax when Jin transforms into Danny and battle Chin-Kee, who reveals himself to be the Monkey King.
Foreshadowing
Greg's concerned look when he sees Jin and Amelia enjoying their date foreshadows when Greg asks Jin not to ask her out again.
Understatement
Allusions
The story of the Monkey King is an allusion to the folk tale of Sun Wukong, who is a character in the Chinese novel Journey to the West.
