Bulletproof Monk: Tales Of The BPM (2003) #1 - VERY FINE

The Concept: The origin of the Bulletproof Monk finally revealed!  This prequel to the best selling comic book series goes back to the beginning. By following the tales of two of the original spiritual warriors as illustrated by Dave Johnson and told through the eyes of the street kid, Kar, we learn about the history and mythos of the mysterious BPM hero.

The first story, illustrated by Michael Avon Oeming, takes place in ancient Tibet in the midst of a Mongolian-Tibetan feud over the rightful holder of the Dalai Lama title.  With the slaying of the current Dalai Lama, our hero takes on the Mongolian descendants of Genghis Kahn, in order to restore peace.  

The second story, illustrated by Tim Sale, takes place in WWII Tokyo, where the BPM must face down evil Japanese imperialists who are gearing up for world domination while torturing both Chinese and Americans GI's.