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Karakuridôji Ultimo #1
ULTIMO, Vol. 1
Pure Vice vs. Pure Virtue. Can one win without corrupting the other?!
Reads R to L (Japanese Style). Pure Vice vs. Pure Virtue. Can one win without corrupting the other?!
Kurenai Doji: With girl and money troubles, life is hard enough for hgh school student Yamato, but then he stumbles upon Ultimo, a peculiar-looking puppet. Things only get stranger when Ultimo awakens and his archenemy Vice shows up. Will this be the battle that finally decides good versus evil, or is this just the beginning of a fantastic adventure?
Reads R to L (Japanese Style). Pure Vice vs. Pure Virtue. Can one win without corrupting the other?!
Kurenai Doji: With girl and money troubles, life is hard enough for hgh school student Yamato, but then he stumbles upon Ultimo, a peculiar-looking puppet. Things only get stranger when Ultimo awakens and his archenemy Vice shows up. Will this be the battle that finally decides good versus evil, or is this just the beginning of a fantastic adventure?
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
10 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Stan Lee
7,563 books2,342 followersStan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber) was an American writer, editor, creator of comic book superheroes, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics.
With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.
With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 11, 2018
It's really good, and after reading it, I want to read the next one!
February 25, 2024
3.5. While I like the concept the execution while not bad is neither a smash out of the park either.
Story-wise I love the concept. I love when stories have “ideas” duking it out like the living version of good versus the living version of evil. I like the interpretation of good as this selfless “good is what your intentions and outcomes are” way. However the outcome is a bit more mixed as it can feel a bit too over-the-top and feel like they’re just talking platitudes. Pacing-wise there are also constant character intros that feel a bit dry and repetitive with such a large and growing cast from the get go.
Art-wise Ultimo is pretty nice. Hiroyuki Takei has a snappy and visually eye-catching style with cartoon-y character designs that ooze emotion, and fight scenes that linger on cool poses and snappy outcomes. The Karukuri themselves look super cool with lithe bodies, diamond-y bits, and chonky AF hands. Though the fight scenes can get bogged down with most attacks seeming to boil down to turning their hand into an animal-themed cool thing, calling it something with a super long name, and doing a basic swipe or action which is a bit of a disappointment. That and when they go super mecha mode like did in chapter one which makes it hard to tell what’s happening. It also seems to be going more and more into that mecha direction with the final chapter in volume 1 which is sad cuz I prefer it when they're more human-like. Hiroyuki also has some fun paneling being unafraid to do some nice shots. While the super expressive character designs are fun they can sometimes be a bit much like K who I get is meant to look pitiable but Jesus is his design so anger-inducing especially with his actions.
Honestly, the standout parts are any moment with Rune. Idk. Rune as a voice of reason goes hard and he gets a good amount of character instead of being just the reactionary voice of reason as we get some vibes about his strong relationship with Yamato.
Story-wise I love the concept. I love when stories have “ideas” duking it out like the living version of good versus the living version of evil. I like the interpretation of good as this selfless “good is what your intentions and outcomes are” way. However the outcome is a bit more mixed as it can feel a bit too over-the-top and feel like they’re just talking platitudes. Pacing-wise there are also constant character intros that feel a bit dry and repetitive with such a large and growing cast from the get go.
Art-wise Ultimo is pretty nice. Hiroyuki Takei has a snappy and visually eye-catching style with cartoon-y character designs that ooze emotion, and fight scenes that linger on cool poses and snappy outcomes. The Karukuri themselves look super cool with lithe bodies, diamond-y bits, and chonky AF hands. Though the fight scenes can get bogged down with most attacks seeming to boil down to turning their hand into an animal-themed cool thing, calling it something with a super long name, and doing a basic swipe or action which is a bit of a disappointment. That and when they go super mecha mode like did in chapter one which makes it hard to tell what’s happening. It also seems to be going more and more into that mecha direction with the final chapter in volume 1 which is sad cuz I prefer it when they're more human-like. Hiroyuki also has some fun paneling being unafraid to do some nice shots. While the super expressive character designs are fun they can sometimes be a bit much like K who I get is meant to look pitiable but Jesus is his design so anger-inducing especially with his actions.
Honestly, the standout parts are any moment with Rune. Idk. Rune as a voice of reason goes hard and he gets a good amount of character instead of being just the reactionary voice of reason as we get some vibes about his strong relationship with Yamato.
July 2, 2014
I was surprised at how good this manga was! The story is complex yet not overwhelming and the characters are all very dynamic! I enjoyed how well the pages flowed and the artwork is brilliant! I was a little confused by Ultimo being called a boy in the manga, in fact all of the characters like Ultimo were referred to as boy's but Ultimo looks more like a girl to me. Also, the women in this manga are drawn so that they look wayyy younger than they actually are, that was a bit strange. However, it was one of my favorite manga that I have read and I cannot wait to read the next one.
November 17, 2014
Didn't like it except for the art. Even though the story and art were done by Hiroyuki Takei, I hated the concept. It just screams, "Cliche!" I don't know if it's because it was written to satisfy Stan Lee's original concept or Stan Lee's want to enter the Japanese market (outside of the manga versions of X-Men, Spider-man, and Wolverine). Even Stu Levy's Princess Ai collaboration with Ai Yazawa and Misaho Kujiradou had a definite brand and didn't put every single manga cliche in one volume.
May 10, 2017
If someone would've told me Stan Lee made a manga series, I wouldn't believe them.
If someone told me I would ENJOY a manga series by Stan Lee, I wouldn't believe them.
I picked this up not knowing it was a Stan Lee creation until I opened the cover (Because I mean - Stan Lee puts a cameo in EVERYTHING, come on).
This was insanely enjoyable. Good vs Evil, Stan Lee anime style. It got me hooked and I couldn't put it down. Definitely going to read more of this series.
*In case my above comments are confusing, I'm actually a huge Stan Lee fan. I just wasn't expecting him to be involved in a manga series of all things.
If someone told me I would ENJOY a manga series by Stan Lee, I wouldn't believe them.
I picked this up not knowing it was a Stan Lee creation until I opened the cover (Because I mean - Stan Lee puts a cameo in EVERYTHING, come on).
This was insanely enjoyable. Good vs Evil, Stan Lee anime style. It got me hooked and I couldn't put it down. Definitely going to read more of this series.
*In case my above comments are confusing, I'm actually a huge Stan Lee fan. I just wasn't expecting him to be involved in a manga series of all things.
February 19, 2018
This book was fun to read. This book took no time to read I read it in under 2 hours. My favorite part is when Ultimo fights vice and wins. My favorite person is Ultimo. If I had time I would like to read the rest of the series 2-10. They are interesting and have pictures for people who cant read without them. They pretty much are long comic books. I would recommend this book to others because its fun and entertaining. Stan Lee is an amazing writer and I would like to read more of his books. I picked this book because it's short easy to read and o love to read comic books.
August 17, 2025
I'm not quite sure what I was expecting with this one but Stan Lee not just being the man behind the concept but also featuring was neat lol
I feel the hero is a bit of a whiny punk at this time but hopefully he will grow out of that, becoming as noble in part as Ultimo who I am quite fond of this early in the story.
I feel the hero is a bit of a whiny punk at this time but hopefully he will grow out of that, becoming as noble in part as Ultimo who I am quite fond of this early in the story.
January 17, 2019
The story is about the past, present, and future Two doji mechanical boys, one is good and one evil.
To find out who is better, good or evil they will have to fight to determine which side is more powerful than the other.
To find out who is better, good or evil they will have to fight to determine which side is more powerful than the other.
April 7, 2020
Borrowed from a friend, interesting read intrested to see where the story goes.
August 9, 2022
Came for the Stan Lee and stayed for the Stan Lee.
It's not blowing my mind but I am intrigued enough to continue the series at some point.
It's not blowing my mind but I am intrigued enough to continue the series at some point.
September 8, 2016
Reseña de Micaela Desprès para el blog de La Revistería Comics:
http://larevisteriacomics.blogspot.co...
Y un día, Stan Lee decidió probar con el manga. El coautor y padre de varias criaturas como Spiderman, Hulk, X-men, Iron Man, entre miles de otras pensó que esa prolífica industria proveniente de Japón podía ser un buen terreno para probar sus ideas. Porque a los 88 años, Stanley Martin Lieber continúa en la carrera y no parece siquiera pensar en jubilarse. Así que, con la colaboración en los dibujos del maestro Hiroyuki Takei, autor nada menos que de Shaman King, Stan Lee es ahora -también- un mangaka.
El camino de Karakuri Douji Ultimo (tal su nombre original japonés) arranca en 2008 como un piloto, al estilo de cualquier manga, titulado "Karakuri Dôji Ultimo Chapter: 0" y publicado en una edición especial de la Jump Square, llamada Jump SQ II (Second). Este episodio inicial contaba con 32 páginas y su historia se ubicaba en el Japón feudal, donde el profesor Dunstan crea dos marionetas con aspecto humano, que representan al bien -Ultimo- y al mal -Vice, con las cuales el científico maldice a la humanidad. La pelea entre ambas entidades absolutas será infinita. Stan Lee comentaba en ese entonces que lo que quería era crear una obra que pudiera gustar por igual a los amantes del manga y a los amantes de los comics más clásicos. Algo bastante complicado, si se lo piensa en frío. Así que con un concepto bien de shonen, y con el aporte técnico y asesoramiento de Hiroyuki Takei, ayudante del gran Nobuhiro Watsuki y uno de los autores más importantes de la actualidad, Stan Lee pudo llevar a la práctica su obra.
Recién un año después de la salida del piloto, en 2009, la obra empezó a serializarse en la revista Jump Square de Shueisha, donde continúa publicándose, con 6 tomos recopilados ya. La trama de la serie regular arranca en el siglo XII japonés. En las afueras de Kioto, la banda liderada por Yamato hace las veces de Robin Hood, asaltando a ricos. En uno de esos días se topan con un anciano, el profesor Dunstan (dibujado a imagen y semejanza del propio Stan Lee), a quien intentan robarle dos cajas enormes que contienen a dos muñecos autómatas. Yamato comete el error de activarlos. Dunstan les explicará que uno de ellos representa al mal abosluto -Vice-, mientras que el otro es el bien -Ultimo-. Ahora, le pelea entre ambos se extenderá hasta que uno de los dos salga victorioso. En un salto temporal, yendo a la actualidad, la historia parece repetirse y volvemos a encontrarnos con Yamato, un estudiante de secundaria. Vice y Ultimo reanudan la batalla final. Con la filosofía del ying y el yang, cada personaje debate sobre qué es el bien y qué es el mal, y si de verdad existen como absolutos. Entre medio de las clásicas peleas de un manga shonen, claro está.
http://larevisteriacomics.blogspot.co...
Y un día, Stan Lee decidió probar con el manga. El coautor y padre de varias criaturas como Spiderman, Hulk, X-men, Iron Man, entre miles de otras pensó que esa prolífica industria proveniente de Japón podía ser un buen terreno para probar sus ideas. Porque a los 88 años, Stanley Martin Lieber continúa en la carrera y no parece siquiera pensar en jubilarse. Así que, con la colaboración en los dibujos del maestro Hiroyuki Takei, autor nada menos que de Shaman King, Stan Lee es ahora -también- un mangaka.
El camino de Karakuri Douji Ultimo (tal su nombre original japonés) arranca en 2008 como un piloto, al estilo de cualquier manga, titulado "Karakuri Dôji Ultimo Chapter: 0" y publicado en una edición especial de la Jump Square, llamada Jump SQ II (Second). Este episodio inicial contaba con 32 páginas y su historia se ubicaba en el Japón feudal, donde el profesor Dunstan crea dos marionetas con aspecto humano, que representan al bien -Ultimo- y al mal -Vice, con las cuales el científico maldice a la humanidad. La pelea entre ambas entidades absolutas será infinita. Stan Lee comentaba en ese entonces que lo que quería era crear una obra que pudiera gustar por igual a los amantes del manga y a los amantes de los comics más clásicos. Algo bastante complicado, si se lo piensa en frío. Así que con un concepto bien de shonen, y con el aporte técnico y asesoramiento de Hiroyuki Takei, ayudante del gran Nobuhiro Watsuki y uno de los autores más importantes de la actualidad, Stan Lee pudo llevar a la práctica su obra.
Recién un año después de la salida del piloto, en 2009, la obra empezó a serializarse en la revista Jump Square de Shueisha, donde continúa publicándose, con 6 tomos recopilados ya. La trama de la serie regular arranca en el siglo XII japonés. En las afueras de Kioto, la banda liderada por Yamato hace las veces de Robin Hood, asaltando a ricos. En uno de esos días se topan con un anciano, el profesor Dunstan (dibujado a imagen y semejanza del propio Stan Lee), a quien intentan robarle dos cajas enormes que contienen a dos muñecos autómatas. Yamato comete el error de activarlos. Dunstan les explicará que uno de ellos representa al mal abosluto -Vice-, mientras que el otro es el bien -Ultimo-. Ahora, le pelea entre ambos se extenderá hasta que uno de los dos salga victorioso. En un salto temporal, yendo a la actualidad, la historia parece repetirse y volvemos a encontrarnos con Yamato, un estudiante de secundaria. Vice y Ultimo reanudan la batalla final. Con la filosofía del ying y el yang, cada personaje debate sobre qué es el bien y qué es el mal, y si de verdad existen como absolutos. Entre medio de las clásicas peleas de un manga shonen, claro está.
November 27, 2014
Which is stronger, good or evil?
That is the essence of why Ultimo and Vice, two mechanical puppets or Karakuri Doji, were created in ancient Japan. When they are awaked at the same time they to the death to see which trait, good or evil, is truly the strongest. Agari Yamato and his gang of bandits made this very mistake. Now skip ahead to 21st century Japan, high school student Agari Yamato is in serious need of a present for, his crush, Sayama’s birthday. In a thrift store, he comes across Ultimo, who awakens, greeting Yamato as his master. This starts a series of events, which may cause history to repeat itself.
The concept of this book since it dealing one of the biggest philosophical questions in history of good versus evil. It was interesting to see a reincarnation component, and for the story to flip easily back and forth between the past and present to see what both Yamatos’ are like and the real history of the battle between Ultimo and Vice. While this is a little bit of a different section of the graphic novel genre for Stan Lee, Hiroyuki Takei is able to integrate and introduce Lee’s style to manga.
That is the essence of why Ultimo and Vice, two mechanical puppets or Karakuri Doji, were created in ancient Japan. When they are awaked at the same time they to the death to see which trait, good or evil, is truly the strongest. Agari Yamato and his gang of bandits made this very mistake. Now skip ahead to 21st century Japan, high school student Agari Yamato is in serious need of a present for, his crush, Sayama’s birthday. In a thrift store, he comes across Ultimo, who awakens, greeting Yamato as his master. This starts a series of events, which may cause history to repeat itself.
The concept of this book since it dealing one of the biggest philosophical questions in history of good versus evil. It was interesting to see a reincarnation component, and for the story to flip easily back and forth between the past and present to see what both Yamatos’ are like and the real history of the battle between Ultimo and Vice. While this is a little bit of a different section of the graphic novel genre for Stan Lee, Hiroyuki Takei is able to integrate and introduce Lee’s style to manga.
May 31, 2014
Qué cosa rara este Lee. Hace más de 40 años escribió unos comics (en su mayoría geniales) que hicieron historia. Hace una década más o menos, hacía colaboraciones esporádicas y bastante pedorrotas. Y en los últimos años, se metió en el místico e inentendible -desde una cabeza estadounidense estándar- mundo del manga. Y el resultado se deja leer, si uno no se pone demasiado pretencioso y se deja llevar por la acción trepidante y la moral de los personajes que paradojicamente parece una mezcla de maniqueísmo con budismo. Eso sí, se nota que por más "idea original" de Stan Lee que haya, el guion, el ritmo narrativo y toda la bola que hace al manga en sí, es obra de Takei, que deja su marca japonesa en cada página y cada capítulo. En resumen, una linda fusión de oriente y occidente que da ganas de leer, aunque sea para ver en qué momento se vuelve cualquiera.
August 9, 2016
Comicing giants Stan Lee, ruler of Marvel Studios, and Hiroyuki Takei ,author and artist of Shaman King, etc., have joined forces to create a one-of-a-kind fusion of east and west. As Lee co-writes the story of the young man, Yamato, Takei's artistic style brings the characters to life and fills each page with action.
As for the story itself, Ultimo was an interesting read. The first book has set the reader off to a good, steady, pace as we learn about this mysterious boy named Ultimo. It's a wonderful read for those looking for action but with all the normal manga quirks, aka; boy has crush on girl, robots destroying buildings, a strange yet compelling back story, the whole shebang.
Though I have not yet had a chance to continue this series, I do hope to obtain the next copy as soon as possible. Happy Reading!
As for the story itself, Ultimo was an interesting read. The first book has set the reader off to a good, steady, pace as we learn about this mysterious boy named Ultimo. It's a wonderful read for those looking for action but with all the normal manga quirks, aka; boy has crush on girl, robots destroying buildings, a strange yet compelling back story, the whole shebang.
Though I have not yet had a chance to continue this series, I do hope to obtain the next copy as soon as possible. Happy Reading!
December 26, 2014
1,5
Siendo poco amigo del manga y más del cómic americano, sentí atracción por esta obra con argumento de Stan Lee, padre de muchos de los héroes que admiro.
Ultimo no está del todo mal en cuanto a idea base, mezclando cosillas de la cultura japonesa y demás...pero resulta que de Stan Lee tiene la firma y nada más y la verdad no me acabó de convencer.
El rollo Mechas tampoco es de mi estilo por lo que quitando un par de personajes salvables, decidí posponer la lectura de esta obra a otra época en la que me apeteciese mas... Y van a pasar dos años y no he pasado del 2o tomo.
En su favor decir que se lee en una hora el tomo... Cosa buena para no perder el tiempo pero mala si te has gastado 8 euros en él.
Siendo poco amigo del manga y más del cómic americano, sentí atracción por esta obra con argumento de Stan Lee, padre de muchos de los héroes que admiro.
Ultimo no está del todo mal en cuanto a idea base, mezclando cosillas de la cultura japonesa y demás...pero resulta que de Stan Lee tiene la firma y nada más y la verdad no me acabó de convencer.
El rollo Mechas tampoco es de mi estilo por lo que quitando un par de personajes salvables, decidí posponer la lectura de esta obra a otra época en la que me apeteciese mas... Y van a pasar dos años y no he pasado del 2o tomo.
En su favor decir que se lee en una hora el tomo... Cosa buena para no perder el tiempo pero mala si te has gastado 8 euros en él.
April 24, 2013
This was an interesting read I picked up while hosting the after-school adventure. I originally picked it up because it was written in part by Stan Lee and we had just finished watching part of his show "Superhumans" in class. Yamato, the reincarnation of the man who woke up the "puppets," Ultimo and Vice, finds Ultimo in a antiques store. Ultimo and Vice fight, as the question "Who would win in a fight between ultimate good and evil?" is asked. Yamato doesn't believe all this is true until after Vice tears a bus in half looking for him. It's an interesting story, but I'm not sure I will continue with the manga.
June 26, 2016
This was pretty good. I liked the storyline, the fact that it takes place in several different time periods, and some of the concepts were pretty awesome. The guy creating two souls that are an ultimate good and ultimate evil just to see who would win was a neat twist. That being said, the MC's crush was a bit annoying, as was the awkward "sleeping beauty" scene. Both felt unnecessary. But overall the story was fun and the artwork was solid. I'd read the second volume.
February 17, 2011
This book reads from right to left. It's lucky I've had a lot of practise at doing that!
This book ended more suddenly than I thought it would. I still enjoyed it very much, and the art was great too! Ulti is so cute :)
I'm looking forward to getting the next volume, it came out last august.
*Update* What?! Rune is a boy!!!??? That's so unexpected... he looks so much like a girl. Wow...
This book ended more suddenly than I thought it would. I still enjoyed it very much, and the art was great too! Ulti is so cute :)
I'm looking forward to getting the next volume, it came out last august.
*Update* What?! Rune is a boy!!!??? That's so unexpected... he looks so much like a girl. Wow...
June 4, 2012
San lee is such a visionary. This was a really cool concept for a book...what happens if the embodiment of true evil and the embodiment of true good fight? Who would win? I also really like the use of settings, flashbacks, and ancestral memory as story conventions. All this plus awkward teenage love, and you've got a fun read.
April 3, 2010
The art was alright. As for the storyline, a few things made more sense since I read the bit in Shonen Jump. Going from that, a few things were changed. I wouldn't mind reading the second one when it comes out in August!
May 20, 2010
This book is about good doji and bad doji fight. Dunstan, the maker of dojis want to see which is stronger, good or evil. The strongest good doji is Ultimo. The strongest evil doji is Vice. The two will be fighting each other.
June 1, 2016
First manga written by Stan Lee, this is part of a 12 book series. In the first book, we are introduced to characters and learn (in a nutshell) that this is a story of good vs evil. Which side will win in this manga series?
October 26, 2010
More violent than I anticipated and a little strange. Kind of reminded me a little of Zatch Bell with the whole destined doll war coming up.
October 13, 2024
Stan Lee's take on manga is slight but entertaining.
Nothing earth shattering but a fun time waster.
Nothing earth shattering but a fun time waster.
August 13, 2016
One of my friends let me borrow this back in 2011. I didn't know if I'd like it, going in, but it was pretty good!
Read
November 21, 2014This was a really good manga i really enjoyed it i think you should read it
May 31, 2018
Edición española incluida en el pack promocional que aúna Ultimo, tomos 1 al 5.
August 10, 2015
A great collaboration piece that is worth taking the time to read. The art is amazing, the plot is enticing, and the development between characters is lovely in my opinion.
April 24, 2016
Cool concept
Simply put if you liked Zach bell you'll enjoy this. Not overly serious but it's not a comedy either. Looking forward to the next volume.
Simply put if you liked Zach bell you'll enjoy this. Not overly serious but it's not a comedy either. Looking forward to the next volume.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews