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Kill Train
Kill Train is an absurd, dystopian, battle for survival, told in real time, that takes us on a journey through one woman’s subconscious, uncovering the wounds of her past and her strength to survive…
To control the population explosion that nearly crippled the city, New York has instituted Kill Train, a randomized, extermination program where designated subway trains are picked at random, and all the passengers are slaughtered by the end of the line. In this not-so-distant future, we meet Vanessa, a struggling single mom in the midst of a nervous breakdown, who discovers that she, herself, is on a Kill Train. Now, for once in her life and with everything to prove, Vanessa decides she's not going down without a fight.
To control the population explosion that nearly crippled the city, New York has instituted Kill Train, a randomized, extermination program where designated subway trains are picked at random, and all the passengers are slaughtered by the end of the line. In this not-so-distant future, we meet Vanessa, a struggling single mom in the midst of a nervous breakdown, who discovers that she, herself, is on a Kill Train. Now, for once in her life and with everything to prove, Vanessa decides she's not going down without a fight.
120 pages, Paperback
Published August 5, 2025
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 6, 2025
This was one of the best graphic novels I've read this year.
Review posted to X @AdamReadsComics for MadCave Studios.
Review posted to X @AdamReadsComics for MadCave Studios.
August 17, 2025
In an overpopulated world where subway rides are randomly selected to be murdered, A woman with mental health issues ends up in one such ride.
The heroine, Vanessa, has an anxious, insecure, vibe for most of the start. Things take a turn when she starts hallucinating the murders on the train as the people that annoy/trouble her and she kills her way through them. I dislike revenge/cathartic killing series, so pretty early on in the "hook" I figured this wasn't for me. There's some mother-daughter bonding that was cute, but not enough to keep my interest up through it.
The heroine, Vanessa, has an anxious, insecure, vibe for most of the start. Things take a turn when she starts hallucinating the murders on the train as the people that annoy/trouble her and she kills her way through them. I dislike revenge/cathartic killing series, so pretty early on in the "hook" I figured this wasn't for me. There's some mother-daughter bonding that was cute, but not enough to keep my interest up through it.
October 29, 2025
This one is a 3.5 for me.
I maintain my assertion that a lot of these Mad Cave graphic novels feel like a pitch for a movie.
However, I will admit I'd definitely like to see this one sometime. It falls somewhere between two of John Carpenter classics - "Assault on Precinct 13" and "Escape from New York", with the twist being the story is set on a subway train that's been slated to be exterminated to...what else?...reduce the surplus population.
As a story, it works well enough. The emphasis on a single mother's deteriorating mental state definitely adds to the overall concept, and helps sell what would have been a eye-rolling twist later on. All and all, its a solid read.
The only downside is that some of the characters are underwritten and the world itself never quite feels as memorable as other near-future dystopian thrillers.
Still, though, it's a fun book with a nice twist that I'd definitely check out sometime.
I maintain my assertion that a lot of these Mad Cave graphic novels feel like a pitch for a movie.
However, I will admit I'd definitely like to see this one sometime. It falls somewhere between two of John Carpenter classics - "Assault on Precinct 13" and "Escape from New York", with the twist being the story is set on a subway train that's been slated to be exterminated to...what else?...reduce the surplus population.
As a story, it works well enough. The emphasis on a single mother's deteriorating mental state definitely adds to the overall concept, and helps sell what would have been a eye-rolling twist later on. All and all, its a solid read.
The only downside is that some of the characters are underwritten and the world itself never quite feels as memorable as other near-future dystopian thrillers.
Still, though, it's a fun book with a nice twist that I'd definitely check out sometime.
August 20, 2025
i remember picking this up while it was still releasing and the concept was what really struck out with me. I love dystopian nightmares and this one seemed like a fun run! But barely 2 issues in, for me, it loses the appeal of being grossly set in the real world once (SPOILER: kinda) the main character goes through her psychotic break. On paper, the concept sounds cool but when it's laid out in front of you, it makes for a jarring read. I would've preferred some sort of messy fight scene. Or maybe a geniune personal stake.
Also the last two issues lost me. I liked the way it ended but there was so, so much more that could've been done with the plot.
And what happened to her character design at the end??? I didn't get this book whatsoever.
5 stars for potential but it just wasn't for me.
I'm not sure who the target audience is supposed to be.
Also the last two issues lost me. I liked the way it ended but there was so, so much more that could've been done with the plot.
And what happened to her character design at the end??? I didn't get this book whatsoever.
5 stars for potential but it just wasn't for me.
I'm not sure who the target audience is supposed to be.
August 26, 2025
The setup of this book felt a little forced. A random train load of people routinely killed to control population numbers? Even in the most dystopian cities I doubt folks would go for it. Suspending disbelief, however, this book is beautiful. It's about struggle, growth, and a truly phenomenal mental breakdown. When you're low, you can always fall further. When things are bad, they can always get worse. But when you're fighting your way through a Kill Train, keep fighting.
Ultimately a story of healing and triumph, I highly recommend this book.
Ultimately a story of healing and triumph, I highly recommend this book.
August 31, 2025
Had a blast with this one. Serious Maniac of New York vibes, so if you liked that one, check this one out. Really satisfied with how this one wrapped up too. All around a joy to read.
September 21, 2025
bloody and fun dystopian near-future sci-fi. I dug it.
November 14, 2025
Pretty good. There were times where the story didn't flow as smoothly as it could, but definitely worth a read.
December 8, 2025
All style. What substance there was, was a thorough cliche. Short read but boring.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews