Saiyuki - Old Friends New Enemies (Vol. 2)
Saiyukiis one of several anime versions of "The Journey to the West,"  but it's a quirky, off-the-wall retelling the author of theoriginal Chinese  novelmight not recognize. These episodes begin exploring the pasts of the  main characters and their relation to the world of the story. The evil Gyukumen  Koushu wants to resurrect the demon-lord Gyumoah, but she needs the two sutras  Genjo Sanzo carries with him to accomplish it. Gyukumen sends Kougaiji,  Dokugakuji, and two female demons, Lirin and Yaone, to attack Genjo's crew and  capture the sutras. One of the sinister doctors serving Gyukumen sends a  crab-monster to interrupt the battle, causing the rival warriors to ally and gain respect  for each other. The mystical overtones, numerous anachronisms, and vaguely  Chinese settings recall the more light-heartedSoul Hunter. (Rated 15 and  older: violence, profanity, risqué humor, tobacco and alcohol use)--Charles Solomon