Benjamin Read

Benjamin Read is a British author and comic book writer best known for his work in fantasy, adventure, and supernatural storytelling, particularly for younger readers and fans of imaginative fiction. He gained recognition for creating The Midnight Hour, a popular series co-created with illustrator Laura Trinder, which follows a secret world of magic, mystery, and hidden adventures that exist alongside everyday life. The series includes The Midnight Hour, The Midnight Hour: Fight or Flight, and The Midnight Hour: What Lies Beneath, all known for their fast-paced plots, magical settings, and strong emotional themes. Beyond this series, Read has also contributed to other creative projects in comics and graphic novels, often blending humour, suspense, and fantasy elements. His storytelling style is marked by accessible language, engaging characters, and a cinematic feel that makes his books appealing to middle-grade and young teen readers. Through The Midnight Hour and his wider body of work, Benjamin Read has built a reputation for crafting imaginative worlds that combine adventure with heartfelt coming-of-age storytelling.

Benjamin Read is also known for co-writing several well-regarded series across fantasy, horror, and adventure genres. His notable works include The Haunting of Tram Car 015, a richly atmospheric supernatural story adapted from a novella universe, as well as I, Pirate and The Outlaw Prince, both of which showcase his talent for action-driven storytelling set in imaginative historical and fantasy worlds. In addition to these titles, he has contributed to various shared comic universes and anthology series, collaborating with other creators to build diverse and engaging narratives. Across his work, Read’s writing style is strongly character-driven and often blends fantasy adventure with supernatural and horror elements, while also exploring historical or alternate-world settings. His stories are known for combining exciting plots with emotional depth, making his work appealing to readers who enjoy immersive worlds and well-developed characters.

Benjamin Read tells stories, whether they are novels, comics, or films. He wrote the multi-award nominated graphic novel series, Porcelain, and a host of other comics including Briar, Butterfly Gate, True Grit, and Super 8. He is one of the founder members of the Improper Books comics studio, and is fuelled by tea. He is currently working on the next book of The Midnight Hour series, and developing a number of his projects for TV and film.