A future Earth where deadly insectoid creatures have overrun almost all the world, leaving only Antarctica as a last refuge; populated by the descendants of gene-modified guards like 'Hackman' Gene and his pack, originally bred to defend the last of humanity, it is a harsh battleground where there are regular 'scraps' with the insectoids and a constant fight for life where the pack have to be 'tougher and tough'.

This is the setting of KINGDOM - THE PROMISED LAND, a graphic novel with script by Dan Abnett of such previous publications as Sinister Dexter and Black Light and art work by Richard Elson of e.g. Judge Dredd and Roadkill.

The graphics are first rate and you can almost hear Gene snarl 'Get Whet' before 'scrapping'. The story line takes him on new paths where he discovers unexpected things about himself and the descendants of the original humans.

The novel also has a section on the creative process with cover gallery and sketches of the creation of the characters.

For anyone who already enjoys graphic novels this is an excellent one to add to their reading list and for anyone thinking about trying them it would make a good first read.