Rian Hughes new novel, “The Black Locomotive”, out in August

By John Freeman on June 22, 2021

London is built from concrete, steel and the creative urge.

Old technology gives way to the new. Progress is inevitable – but is it more fragile than its inhabitants realise?

That’s the premise behind designer, artist and author Rian Hughes latest novel, The Black Locomotive, out in August from Picador.

In his latest tale, a strange anomaly is uncovered in the new top-secret Crossrail extension being built under Buckingham Palace. It is an archeological puzzle, one that may transform our understanding of history – and the origins of London itself.

And if our modern world falls, we may have to turn to the technology of the past in order to save our future….

Graphic designer, illustrator and comics artist Rian Hughes, author of the novel, XX, is noted for his work on 2000AD, where he illustrated “Robo-Hunter”, “Tales from Beyond Science”, “Really and Truly” and, for Revolver, “Dan Dare”.

Since leaving comics illustration, he’s become a successful advertising artist, graphic designer and font designer, re-designing Spider-Man, Fantastic Four and X-Men logos for Marvel, and Batman, Incorporated, Batgirl, The Atom, Metal Men and Batman and Robin for DC Comics among many others.

Rian runs his own company, Device, with clients including Virgin Airways, Penguin Books, DC Comics, Eurostar, the BBC and a range of magazines and newspapers.

• The Black Locomotive by Rian Hughes debuts 5th August 2021 | ISBN 9781529074420 | Pre-order from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

• XX by Rian Hughes is available now (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)

• Rian Hughes Official web site: www.devicefonts.co.uk

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.