April 7, 2026

Rail Slave/Hokuto Force has left us

In Memory of Dylan (Rail Slave)

2006 – 2026 · Rail Slave / Hokuto Force · Graphician

Dylan Aka Rail Slave (2006 – 2026) was a gifted pixel artist and graphician who left an indelible mark on the Commodore 64 demoscene during his brief but prolific career. Based in Wales, he became known for his distinctive visual style and dedication to the craft, contributing artwork to numerous demos and productions across multiple respected groups.

Starting his scene journey in 2016, Rail Slave quickly established himself as a member of Hokuto Force, where he found his creative home and produced some of his most memorable work. His artistic talents were also recognized by EXclusive ON and later Puddle, where he continued to push the boundaries of C64 graphics. Despite his young age, he demonstrated a mature understanding of pixel art aesthetics and the technical constraints of the platform.

His portfolio spanned an impressive range of works, from striking game graphics in titles like Galencia:KS and Eight Feet Under to standalone art pieces with evocative names like Panspermia, Sundowning, and The Tunnel of the Constellation Orion. His work in the Blackbook series showcased his versatility and consistent output over the years.

Rail Slave’s passing in March 2026 at just 20 years old was a profound loss to the scene community. He died peacefully after battling cancer, surrounded by his family. His artistic legacy lives on through his contributions to the C64 scene, inspiring a new generation of pixel artists who continue to reference his distinctive style and approach to digital art.

“ Got a message from Rail Slave’s dad on discord. He passed away on Thursday morning at 02:48 am from cancer. He died peacefully with his family by his side. RIP.

Key Milestones

  • 2016: Joined Hokuto Force and began active scene participation
  • 2017-2026: Member of EXclusive ON, expanding his artistic reach
  • 2018: Created graphics for multiple game projects including Galencia:KS and Eight Feet Under
  • 2019: Became member of Puddle, further diversifying his creative output
  • 2021-2022: Peak productivity period with numerous Blackbook releases and standalone artworks
  • 2025: Also used the handle “HEIR” for select releases

Notable Works & Releases

Gunishment graphics
Gunishment
2022 · Graphics

Striking standalone artwork showcasing Rail Slave’s signature pixel art style and attention to detail.

Blackbook series graphics
Blackbook Series
2021-2022 · Graphics Collection

A prolific series of artwork releases including Blackbook #2, #13, #24, and others, demonstrating consistent creative output.

Eight Feet Under game graphics
Eight Feet Under
2018 · Game Graphics

In Memory of Dylan

A personal tribute by E$G/Hokuto Force

A simple goodbye and a wish to rest in peace would have sufficed. However, I want to share a few thoughts and memories of the humble and brilliant Dylan, the boy from Wales.

In November 2016, I asked him if he would like to join HF, and he accepted with both humility and great enthusiasm. “I am still learning this art, but what I can bring is just completely originality/weirdness.” And we truly found that to be true in nearly all of his works.

A special thank you goes to Ptoing, who was and is a mentor to him and many other graphicians. Over the years, personal and health issues arose that weakened him, but they never stripped him of his desire to create pictures. In his works, there is always a narrative, a meaning, and colors that are never accidental but deeply researched—if you look closely, there is so much more. His style evolved over time, yet he never considered himself “special.”

I followed the work-in-progress that led to a beautiful, mystical picture for the BCC party, which started from a simple plastic figurine of Saint Clare. He was aware that his “deadline” had already passed at Christmas and every day since was a gift—heavy days where even breathing was an effort and a pain. Yet, despite everything, he accepted his condition, believing in miracles and remaining practical:

“I feel I have a bit more time so I’m going to be productive. I think as long as I have idea, pixels to create then I still have a purpose… I need to stay excited with life.”

Through my tears, this is how I want to remember him.

I had asked him who could notify me when the time came, because I wanted other sceners to know and remember him for the good person he was. As it turned out, it wasn’t even necessary; the embrace, the respect, and the final farewells arrived in great numbers.

The scene can be both good and bad; it can make us forget respect for people and our art, it can make us competitive, rude, or cold. But in other moments, we all sit together and remember with love that boy from Wales, who gave us so much.

We are losing a friend, but his art will remain forever. Thank you, everyone.

— E$G / Hokuto Force

Rest in Peace
Dylan

Flower tribute

Rail Slave / Hokuto Force · Forever in Our Memories