Tales of the Night Watchman: Ghost Train review: Mass transit horror
By Alex Widen
Are Monsters More Dangerous Than Working Retail? Find out in This Public Transit Chiller!
Tales Of The Night Watchman: Ghost Train
Writer: Dave Kelly
Artist: Simon Fraser
Colorist: Gary Caldwell
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Although the first elements of modern comics developed in 18th century Japan, many historians agree that 1934’s Famous Funnies was the first “true” comic book in North America. Yet before that were syndicated comic strips that appeared in newspapers and magazines dating back to the late 19th century. 1895’s The Yellow Kid was considered one of the first, with dozens continuing ever since. It is with this tradition in mind that So What Press takes their signature creation, Tales Of The Night Watchman, back to comic strip roots with this latest supernatural caper!
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“Ghost Train” is featured in issues 64-67 of the Park Slope Reader, a quarterly magazine featured in Brooklyn, New York. Totaling fourteen pages, it features a simple yet effective story introducing the cast as well as the premise of the series, all while setting up their latest adventure! The narrator is Serena, a quirky homeless youth who works at Think Coffee and sleeps in a rooftop tent. Her boss and friend is Nora, a journalism major who is way overqualified for this gig. And their co-worker and roommate is Charlie, who moonlights as a ghostly detective, the Night Watchman!
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Which Is Scarier — The Undead or Late Night Train Service?
Charlie has somehow become bound to the spirit of a crime fighter from the early 20th century, who sporadically manifests when danger is afoot! While the Night Watchman has occasionally dabbled in combating street crime, it often leads to misunderstandings — such as how he met Serena. Yet random monster attacks like a mummy overturning cars on the street are far less ambiguous. One swift thwack with his magical staff is usually all it takes to save Brooklyn!
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Yet the true danger that lurks through Brooklyn’s underbelly isn’t the on the street, but in its subway tunnels! Anyone who lives and works in New York City, or any major metropolis, knows the frustration and horror that a mass transit system can bring. This time, however, the crisis is more than a track fire or a rodent of unusual size. A literal ghost train is pulling into stations and taking hapless (or unlucky) strap-hangers on a ride of no return! It’s worse than the R-train!
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Despite her best intentions of hanging out and avoiding all responsibility, Serena finds herself once again at the center of trouble. All she wanted to do is hang out at the edge of the train tracks and down local beers atop a hulk of an abandoned car. Unfortunately, a local “railbuff” named Pete shows up before she can even get buzzed, intent on starting a conversation and gawking at the trains. But the train which rolls past them proves to be scarier than anything else that night!
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There Are No Detours on the Ghost Train!
Pete identifies the ghost train as a “Malbone Train” shortly before becoming one of its latest captives. While Serena and Nora may not get the reference, Charlie does. Short for the “Malbone Street Wreck” or “Brighton Beach Line Accident,” it was a crash from November 1918 which proved to be the deadliest train accident in New York City (and one of the worst in America). A perfect storm of circumstances led to a deadly derailment and the deaths of at least 100 people!
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After a brief bit of exposition, the Night Watchman teleports the three of them to the subway track, where the ghost train is making its nightly run. Its ultimate destination is a tunnel under Empire Boulevard, where a demonic entity seeks to feast on its victims at the site of the original crash! The three climb aboard the train and deal with its spectral conductor, until Serena spots Pete among the gaggle of helpless riders. Nora knows a clue when she sees one, and the pair quickly deliver it in the nick of time to their mystical co-worker.
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Since the Night Watchman is a genuine old soul, he quickly figures out Pete’s vague reference and cuts the power to the cursed line. The tunnel demon is denied and the ghost train ceases to exist. It turns out that the signals and switches of the New York City Subway are literally so old, they’re prone to being haunted! That certainly explains all of the slowdowns during rush hour! Regardless, while Nora and the Night Watchman may have save Serena from the ghost train, nothing may be able to save her from Pete’s subway enthusiasm!
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A Premise with Endless Possibility!
Dave Kelly, writer and co-creator of the franchise (alongside artist Lara Antal), delivers what is easily a pitch-perfect presentation of what this series is about. In barely more than half the page length of a modern comic book, he introduces the cast, their premise, and delivers on a complete tale. As always, Kelly is inspired by the genuine history and atmosphere of Brooklyn, New York. The long history of the borough and its quirky inhabitants are always fodder for a new story!
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The premise is brilliant in its execution. Virtually anyone can sympathize with over-educated or quirky people working a thankless retail gig to pay their rent. Charlie, Nora, and Serena always play well with each other, and balance each other out. And Charlie’s status as the Night Watchman allows for no end of supernatural adventures or, in the case of the ghost train, a new look at old history. Nearly any story, from ghosts to mummies to mad scientists or canal golems, fit within it.
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A Local Brew of Brilliant Comics!
Simon Fraser provides art for this strip, and he is among one of the highest profile artists to grace the series. Best known for his work on 2000 A.D. and Kingsman, he brings a fast paced look of urban life and horror to this strip. His experience with anthologies makes him an ideal choice to be able to deliver on displaying a story in 2-4 page installments. Gary Caldwell’s colors add to the atmosphere, especially with the flashback and night sequences. Such dedication to a syndicated strip may remind major comic book buffs of Winsor McCay’s Little Nemo!
Image by So What? Press
Next. The Gowanus Golem Returns in Issue No. 7!. dark
Tales Of The Night Watchman is a rare gem. New issues, whether of the core series, one-shots, or strips like this, debut sporadically. Such is often the case with “indie” comics. Yet the premise is one which offers boundless opportunities and could (or should) be one elevator pitch away from gracing the small screen. Yet much like the borough of Brooklyn itself, it’s best appreciated without getting too large for itself, as the sort of production everyone can enjoy, but the locals really “get.” The final chapter debuts in Park Slope Reader No. 67, available via subscription or a local Park Slope shop nearby!