I liked this even better than the first version. Pictures fit well and really made the point. Especially the Hazel one, at least for me - of course the ones with Sanzo fending of 'admirers' in harsher ways are more dramatic, but I think they are sort of a part of that basic makeup of Saiyuki. Sort of a foundation. But the Hazel one is maybe less crucial to the plot (and probably Sanzo's character), but since there are less immediate distractors at that moment it clearly illustrates the point of the essay.

I also loved how you've showed the growing intimacy, friendship (Sanzo, don't shoot) and just simple connection between the four. I'm not up to the new series, but I really liked the picture you chose for comparison. They seem, well, an unit.