Commando #5693: Nightmare Express

by Daniel McGachey, Mike Dorey (cover_art), Bryn Houghton (cover_art)

At a mist-shrouded railway station, a quartet of mismatched troops are assembled, their recent actions marking them out as the ideal escort detail for a mysterious cargo. But as they hurtle through the night, curiosity, greed, and terror lead them in turn to enter the cargo compartment, each to discover the eerie train of events that led them to this fateful assignment. And as the journey detours through a series of nightmarish tales, can any of them hope to disembark before the night train reaches its final destination?

66 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2023

Reviews

[Andy Howells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel McGachey’s Nightmare Express, while set against the backdrop of World War II, leans more towards the horror genre than a traditional war narrative. However, the environment contributes a sinister layer as four unlikely protagonists converge at a fog-laden railway station to transport an enigmatic cargo.

It soon becomes evident that these characters are not the typical heroes one might expect in such tales; instead, they are driven by curiosity, greed, and fear, which ultimately compel them to enter the train’s cargo compartment. Each character in turn uncovers the unsettling series of events that have led them to this ominous task.

The narrative unfolds as a trilogy of stories that trace the protagonists' journeys to their present predicament, leaving readers to ponder whether any of them will manage to disembark before the night train reaches its ultimate destination.

I found the pacing of the story to be engaging, and Mike Dorey’s evocative illustrations enhanced the atmosphere. Even when the artistic style shifts to reflect a different era midway through one of the tales, the overall experience remains thoroughly enjoyable, prompting me to read from beginning to end in a single sitting.