DF Interview: Adam Glass & Bernard Chang deliver a high-stakes standalone horror story in the ‘Blood Train’ one-shot

By Byron Brewer

After backpacking through Asia, a group of friends climb aboard the Siberian Express to start their journey home. Little do they know, they’ve bought a one-way ticket to hell, as one of them has been infected with a bio-weapon that will turn them into a monster that will slaughter everyone on the train. And the bio-weapon will start World War Three if it reaches its destination in Europe. Now, these friends must make a difficult choice: kill someone they love to save the world or die trying.

New York Times bestselling comic book writer and television showrunner Adam Glass (Suicide Squad, Supernatural) is partnering with iconic comic book artist Bernard Chang (Batman Beyond, X-Men) to come aboard horror one-shot comic Blood Train. I managed to catch the caboose and sat down with scribe and illustrator to discuss the thriller.

Byron Brewer: Adam, before we take a deep dive into Bernard and your coming book Blood Train, what can you tell readers about the newly-launched Ninth Circle line at Image Comics?

Adam Glass: Ninth Circle was created for several reasons, primarily based on my experiences working with independent companies and my belief that I could address shortcomings I observed as a writer involved in comics and Hollywood.

1. Build a strong brand, specifically in the horror genre, which I loved as a child. I enjoyed reading Eerie Comics, Tomb of Terror, Gore Shriek, and more.

2. Focus on quality over quantity. Each book is double-sized and tells a complete story from beginning to end.

3. Ensure fair compensation for writers and artists.

4. Provide artists with a genuine stake in the project.

5. Establish a solid business model rather than rely on superficial tactics, which will allow us to publish books that fans can trust.

6. Involve real Hollywood professionals from the start to increase the chances of our books reaching industry decision-makers.

We have successfully accomplished all of these goals.

Byron: Is this high-stakes horror story something that you have had in mind for awhile on the Glass back burner, or is it a new tale which just took shape? What was your inspiration for Blood Train?

Adam Glass: I've always been a fan of horror, and I still remember how reading Tales from the Crypt as a kid scared the bejesus out of me. While I enjoy stories about heroes in tights and capes like any other fan, I wanted to create a space dedicated purely to horror.

The idea for Blood Train has an interesting origin. When the writers of Supernatural would gather in the writer's room, we would joke about writing a script titled "Blood Train," with the only concept being vampires on a train. Although we had yet to actually write it at that time, I always thought it would be a great idea to pursue it someday. Eventually, along with fellow Supernatural writer and showrunner Andrew Dabb, we developed the story, and I took on the task of writing it.

Byron: Bernard, how did you bring your amazing art to Blood Train?

Bernard Chang: Adam and I have had a good friendship since our tenure on Teen Titans, so over the years since, we’ve had quite a few conversations over some good whiskey and cigars about what we might be able to work on together again. When Adam brought up this story he’s been wanting to tell for some time about a siblings relationship and that pivotal point we all turn a corner in our 20s, I was hooked. It took some time to wrap my head around who these characters were and how to visually differentiate them from another, like our own friends in how everyone has their unique quirks, and so I took parts from my own close friends and infused them in our Blood Train cast.

Byron: Introduce us to our protagonists, a group of friends who board the Siberian Express (presumably the titular Blood Train) en route to a European destination following their backpacking excursion through Asia.

Adam Glass: Imagine returning from a paradise vacation. You’re young, with your whole life ahead of you, but you feel anxious about what awaits you in the real world. On top of that, you have secrets—secrets that will ripple through your life and impact your social circle. Little do you know, your destiny will change forever, and you and your friends are in grave danger. At the center of this turmoil are a brother and sister trying to navigate their relationship while also striving to prevent a global catastrophe that could lead to World War Three.

Byron: Bernard, how did you use your artist’s tool box to set the mood for this particular book, to establish characters as well as present the horror?

Bernard Chang: What I love most about comics is the ability to set tempo and pacing in the storytelling, and horror is key on crescendo and forte. Every page is laid out with the intent to build and establish a rhythm. It can be quite a challenge as we don’t have the ability to use sound and music, nor can we control how fast or slow a reader is on a page or sequence, but that is the magic and beauty of comic books. Comics is not just about it drawing pretty pictures, that’s the easy part. The challenge is to tell a story that is memorable and emotional.

Byron: Adam, we already know going into the one-shot that one of our gathered travelers has been somehow infected with a terrifying toxin that will cause that person to morph into a creature which could slaughter everyone aboard and may do more horrific harm should the train reach its destination. However that knowledge is learned by our group, will they know which of them is carrying the bio-weapon?

Adam Glass: They do not. Like life, it's a complete dice roll as to who gets infected and how.

Byron: What can you tell us of the horror one of our backpackers may become?

Adam Glass: I remember David Cronenberg's The Fly and American Werewolf in London. Both movies did a great job of showing the transformation to a monster and how scary and painful it is. That was my inspiration for Blood Train. What happens is horrible. And now their friends have no choice but to kill them or be killed.

Byron: Bernard, was there a character in our little group you really enjoyed rendering? Was there a locale or set piece that was quite the challenge to depict, or one you put a lot of work into because it was a favorite creation?

Bernard Chang: Diego was a blast to draw, and his final scene I had a ton of fun depicting. Each character goes through a visual change as the story progresses, and that’s to symbolize their transformation in the face of danger. Amy’s transformation into the monster is staggered, each time we see her in monster form, there is a metamorphosis, almost like a caterpillar turning into this deadly crazed butterfly. The one character who stays entirely the same in the whole story is Ryan, and that is more a metaphor to his own character arc.

The train itself was quite difficult. I’ve taken a few bullet trains before, in Europe and Asia, and they’re quite uneventful. But here, the train is another character in the story, and each car has its own styling and color mood.

Byron: Adam, without spoilers, can you give readers any hints as to who or what is behind the creation or use of this bio-weapon – something that results in a monster that may murder hundreds and potentially somehow start World War Three?

Adam Glass: That's the beauty of this story. Was it a government agency? If so, which faction? A rogue agent? Freedom fighters? A biotech company? A mad scientist? Or all of the above? Who would unleash this onto the world and why?

Byron: Talk about the awesome art of Bernard Chang.

Adam Glass: The comic book industry can often feel transactional, but occasionally, you encounter someone you genuinely respect and admire. Through the process of working together, they can become a friend and even feel like a brother. When it came time to create Blood Train, there was only one artist I wanted to collaborate with, and that was Bernard. His passion for his craft and his storytelling is always inspiring.

Byron: Bernard, what can you tell readers about your collaboration on Blood Train with Adam Glass?

Bernard Chang: At the heart of comics is the collaborative effort. I’ve always loved how Adam pours himself and his creative passion into his characters and anchors them in real world personal challenges. He truly understands human dynamics and weaves them into these masterpieces. I wonder if Adam’s next project will be a K-drama? When I’m reading the script, I’m hearing his love of the craft in the characters and scenes. Life is short, and so my mantra is to always surround yourself with people you love and admire. In an alternate dimension, I think I would be brothers with Adam. I just know in our youth that he still wouldn’t beat me in a 3-point shooting contest though.

Byron: Bernard and Adam, what other of your upcoming projects, inside or outside comics, can you tell readers about?

Adam Glass: I always strive to keep myself occupied; driven by the multitude of stories I feel compelled to tell. I'm co-writing a horror movie with a friend that's starting to attract some attention. I've also sold a few pilots that I’m currently working on. It's a true blessing to be able to make a living doing what I love.

Bernard Chang: I’m a lucky guy in life. Work is bountiful and rewarding. I have a few comics projects slated to debut in 2025, as well as efforts into new ventures. Fingers crossed. You can also watch me drawing (almost) every Tuesday on Twitch. The important thing is I hope to continue to grow and improve as an artist and storyteller. Words can’t describe how honored and thankful I am to be living out my childhood dreams.

Dynamic Forces would like to thank Adam Glass and Bernard Chang for taking time out of their busy schedules to answer our questions. The Blood Train one-shot from Ninth Circle and Image Comics is slated to be on sale January 29!

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