STATUS

I think you pretty much have to torrent it. the name of the series is just Monkey, but for some reason a lot of people seem to call it Monkey Magic. maybe those terrible dishonest sorts who host torrents might also call it Monkey Magic, presumably while ripping all 52 episodes from DVD! I certainly wouldn't know for sure.

and yeah, it's incredibly charming. it was obviously made on the thinnest of shoestring budgets, but the actors all show great talent -- both the original Japanese cast and the English voice actors. it's firmly in the fog-machines-and-rubber-monsters camp of special effects, but honestly? I love that kind of thing. and it doesn't keep them from doing all kinds of ridiculous stuff.

(I identify strongly with Sakai's character. irrepressible natures, tendency to infuriate authority, etc.)

good luck with your search! I haven't a clue where you'd start, though -- I am always oh-so-careful to keep my tendency for piracy at bay.