Karakuridoji Ultimo, the collaboration between comics legend Stan Lee and Shaman King manga creator Hiroyuki Takei (see "Stan Lee Collaborating on Manga"), , will launch April 18th in a 32-page prologue story published in a special issue of Viz co-parent Shueisha's new Jump SQ. magazine, titled Jump SQ. II.  Lee, Jump SQ. editor Takanori Asada, and Shonen Jump (U.S.) EIC Marc Weidenbaum, will appear at a special event at New York Comic Con to announce new details of the trans-Pacific collaboration. 

 

In addition to Lee's POW! Entertainment and Shueisha, JEA and Dream Ranch (a Sony Music company) were involved in the development of Ultimo.

 

Ultimo is one of two mysterious floating figures who appear over Farmless City, stunning the citizens below.  The other is the apparently evil Vice, and a battle between the two ensues, causing destruction and devastation to fall on the city.  The Ultimo story tells the mystery of the two figures, their origin, and who they really are.

 

Viz will promote the new property through a Shonen Jump sweepstakes.  Fans can win admission to the special NYCC launch event and copies of Jump SQ. II signed by Hiroyuki Takei and Stan Lee.