The Chronicles of Shar-Pei: (1 The Chronicles of Shar-Pei)

The Earth as we know it no longer exists. Gone are the sweeping cities of steel, stone and glass. The ever swelling popula- tion is but a fading memory. The planet has been plunged headlong into a new and deadly dark age. A victim of failed experiments in viral warfare and genetic engineering. They called themselves the Overlords, an international organization of the greatest scientific minds, brought together to prevent civilization from plunging further into depravity. They would become the masters of this new and savage place, answering only to the authority of one they deemed fit to lead them. He was, the Godhead and His word was Law. The Godhead was the oldest, most powerful and revered of all the Overlords. It was his vision that nurtured the idea of a new world, a veritable Eden, a better place than what has come to pass. Through the science of genetic manipulation, a cure for the dreaded plague that had ravaged the planet was discovered, and with the same science, new life was designed, created and set loose upon the new Earth. The place once considered to be dying was gradually becoming alive again. New and wonderful forms of life began to populate the land. All was right with the world... Until the coming of Dusk.

About the Author :
As a comic book writer, Tom's work includes Stupid, Stupid Rat Tails, a prequel miniseries to international hit Bone. Sniegoski has also written the Bone: Quest for the Spark novels. Sniegoski collaborated with Bone creator Jeff Smith on the prequel, making him the only writer Smith has ever asked to work on those characters. Sniegoski and Christopher Golden also wrote the graphic novel BPRD: Hollow Earth, a spinoff from Hellboy. Mark Masztal is an award-winning illustrator and designer. He started in comics in 1989 at Caliber Press publishing Swords of Shar-Pei, Guns of Shar-Pei and Gutter Rat with writer Thomas E. Sniegoski. He was later published by Dark Moon Comics, LEGO and Crusade Entertainment. By day he is a packaging graphic designer and by night, he is a free-lance designer creating illustrations for advertising, and packaging books for publication.

Review :
"It was a dark and stormy night. Strange creatures - half human/half animal, move about silently in the shadows. On the ground, a book lies open. You step nervously forward - is it a message, a warning? No - it's an invitation. This book asks you to enter a world of genetically engineered warriors and fighters. A world where the just and honorable, seek to protect the masses from the cruel and powerful. So chose. If you are wise, you will join these heroes as they journey through this bleak, dystopian landscape. Don't worry and don't hesitate - if things go sideways rest assured that there is an ally by your side, and that Shar-Pei will always have your back." - Jim Lawson (BOX CITY WALLOPS, TMNT, PALEO: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION) "Certainly, there is great interior dialog, voiceover narration, and character development by Tom Sniegoski that keeps things moving along, but it wasn't until a second reading that I let myself slow down and take a good look at Mark Masztal's work: his deft set-ups for those inevitable sword fights, pushing the limits of tight viewpoint, and the violence, that lyrical, explosive violence that we ninja fans love so much, its energy barely contained to the page, and all in the service of this war dog's exceptional life." - Steve Murphy (THE PUMA BLUES, TMNT, UMBRA) "In this fabulous showcase of their early work together, Sniegoski and Masztal masterfully craft a wild, apocalyptic world of honorable warriors, steampunk contraptions, and a society of animal people Dr. Moreau could only dream of. Masztal's art is elegant and brutal, and Sniegoski's trademarks--his humor, his ability to weave a love of dogs into very human stories, and his talent for creating brooding heroes and ominous villains--are all on full display. If you missed these stories the first time around, or if you just want to relive the adventure, treat yourself to The Chronicles of Shar-Pei!" - Christopher Golden (New York Times bestselling author of ARARAT and THE PANDORA ROOM)