Cartridge Monkey

Monkey vs dog for cartoon success

Monday 16 October, 2006

In the animal world, it's often a case of dog eat dog, or as one Chinese man is hoping, monkey eat dog.

Tang Zeming, from Zhuhai City in southern China, is attempting to challenge the success of the world's best-loved beagle, Snoopy, with a new, monkey character.

Wukong, or the Monkey King as he is also known, is the hero of Xiyouji. Mr Tang, a businessman, has registered the brand Wukong in numerous countries worldwide after he bought the rights to 60s cartoon movie Da Nao Tian Gong (Uproar in Heaven).

"Wukong can change into the 72 greatest figures in Chinese history; dressed in the flags of 72 countries, represent China and communicate with the world," says Zhu Lian, chief executive of the company backing Mr Tang's project, according to the Malaysia Star.

"We plan to invest 50 million yuan (£3.37 million) to promote the Wukong image in the next five years, and expect the market to reach ten billion yuan (£677 million) in the fifth year."

It is hoped that by tying the monkey and his image in with the learning of Chinese, Wukong will become a global institution in the same way as Snoopy.

Mr Tang is cooperating with the companies that made Barbie and Garfield for the international market, according to the newspaper.

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Monkey vs dog for cartoon success

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