MONKEY KING #1 VARIANT 

Stanley Artgerm Lau created this digital painting of the Monkey King in the 20th century. The Monkey King, or Sun Wukong, is a powerful and rebellious figure from Chinese mythology, known for his strength, agility, and shape-shifting abilities. Note the gesture: he's pointing to his head, a challenge to authority that echoes across centuries, like Hermes tricking the gods. The mischievous glint in his eyes hints at chaos barely contained, as if he might spring from the canvas at any moment. This trickster archetype, full of vitality and cunning, taps into a primal part of our collective psyche. His red mask, reminiscent of theatrical traditions, highlights the performative aspect of rebellion. This image is a vibrant testament to the enduring power of symbols, a reminder that myths are never truly past; they merely transform.