Determinants of the Monkey King’s Character Design in Contemporary Chinese Animation

Abstract

The Monkey King, one of the most emblematic figures in Chinese mythology and literature, has played a vital role in shaping Chinese popular culture and visual storytelling for centuries. Since his first animated appearance in the early 20th century, this legendary character has been continuously reinvented to reflect the cultural, aesthetic, and technological transformations of each era. This study investigates the key determinants of the Monkey King’s character design in contemporary Chinese animation, focusing on how cultural heritage, aesthetic innovation, and technological advancement shape his visual representation. As a central figure in Chinese mythology and literature, the Monkey King has been continuously reinterpreted to resonate with evolving audience expectations and media forms. Drawing on a qualitative content analysis of selected animated works from 1941 to 2025, the research examines determinants including artistic style, cultural symbolism, and media technology. The findings indicate that the integration of traditional cultural motifs with modern digital design techniques has been crucial in maintaining both authenticity and audience appeal. This study provides insights into the interplay between cultural continuity and creative innovation, contributing to broader discussions on character design methodology in contemporary animation.