In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, we’re kickin’ it with new kid at Gotham City High – Monkey Prince!
Starting on Monday, May 22nd, we’ll be swinging into the life of Marcus Sun — a completely (ab)normal boy who is about to find out that being the new kid in school is the least of his problems. Can this Batman-loathing teen truly be the one to save the world? Join Marcus, a.k.a Monkey Prince, and Shifu Pigsy through 5/22 - 5/29 and find out!
Remember, Monkey Prince #0-3 will be free to read for the duration of this book club, so head over to DCUI and get ready to get your read on!
Issues #0 - #1 Discussion Questions
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Darkseid seemed to give up the fight with Monkey King a little too easily — why do you think that is? Do you think he truly did see himself outnumbered by Monkey King’s hair clones, or that he had a bigger plan in mind?
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Following the battle with Darkseid, it’s implied Red Boy might’ve went down a dark path after his tragic loss. If such is the case, do you feel he’s justified at all? Who do you think he blames?
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What do you think became of the Monkey King after this experience? Furthermore, do you think he held onto any guilt from the events with Darkseid and Red Boy’s family?
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Do you think there is any hope for Marcus’s parents to “reform” themselves, considering their occupations?
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Marcus indirectly mentions that he wears shoes all the time, even inside his house, to avoid being barefoot. Do you think his apparent interest in expensive sneakers stems directly from his trauma?
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How do you feel about Mr. Zhu’s approach to Marcus’s fears? Was he right to tell him to “jump in”, or should he have taken a different approach?
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The first thing Marcus does in his “realized” form is take revenge on his bullies. Do you think this was the right path for him to take?
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How do you feel the accident with the Batarang will pan out, considering Marcus’s feelings about Batman? Furthermore, do you think Marcus stands a chance at becoming a hero — if such is the path he chooses — with “villain” parents and a deep-seeded hatred for Batman?
Issues #2 - #3 Discussion Questions
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Marcus says he prefers to live a life knowing fear because it helps keep him out of dangerous situations. Let’s say there really was a way out of being the Monkey Prince — do you feel he would’ve made the right choice by throwing the circlet away?
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Do you agree with Mr. Zhu that Marcus being petty makes him just as much of a bully as Riz?
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Say Monkey Prince didn’t have magical powers to preserve his head. How do you think Damian feels knowing that Batman might’ve accidentally decapitated someone? Do you think he’d get over it, or would that pose as a problem for him?
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The motif of this story is “embracing your fear”. If you were in Marcus’s shoes, are there any fears that you absolutely would not be able to cope with in order to become the Monkey Prince?
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Given his relation to Kaya, whom Marcus holds in warm regard, do you think Riz has any chance of redeeming himself in Marcus’s eyes? Similarly, do you think he’ll stop being such a bully after his experience with Damian?
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Why do you think the Penguin specifically sought out the powers he has in this story?
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Given everything he’s dealt with in the past week, what do you think ranks #1 of Marcus’s current fears?
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It’s the end of our Monkey Prince journey! What was your favorite piece of sage wisdom from Shifu Pigsy?
As always, a DC Community Book Club isn’t complete without some great digital perks!