VIZ Media has released artwork from ULTIMO, comic book pioneer Stan Lee’s foray into the uncharted Eastern waters of manga. As previously reported, the collaboration between the creator of many of Marvel`s most famous comic characters and Shaman King`s Hiroyuki Takei hit stands in Japan last Friday, as part of the new issue of Jump SQ.II. In a press conference that day, VIZ announced that an English language version printed in Shonen Jump magazine would not be far behind. Included below are two promotional images from ULTIMO, showcasing the Takei’s exciting artwork. Despite what I wrote previously, the first is not, in actuality, a squeegee kid made from soft-shelled crab, and is in reality an intriguing and dynamic looking character. The second proves that, beneath his grandfatherly exterior, Mr. Lee sports some bad-ass tattoos, concealed weaponry, and what appears to be quite a fetching corset. While a publication date for the highly anticipated English language version has not been announced, Shonen Jump editor Marc Weidenbaum promised a quick turnaround.

To read the original press release, click here.