Take the X Train

Take the X Train: A Hidden Gem of 80s Anime Cool

If you’re scrolling through your friend’s anime recs and stumble upon Take the X Train, you might do a double-take. “Wait, that title sounds familiar…” Yeah, it’s a nod to Duke Ellington’s jazz classic “Take the A Train”—and trust me, this 1987 OVA from Madhouse (directed by Rintaro, the guy behind Space Pirate Captain Harlock) swings just as hard as that song. But here’s the catch: it’s basically a secret handshake among anime fans. Most people haven’t heard of it, and if they have, they’re probably arguing online about where to find a copy that doesn’t look like it was recorded off a 90s TV.

Let’s start with the basics: Toru Nishihara is your average dude. He’s got a girlfriend who’s hot-and-cold, a job working for a train-obsessed weirdo, and zero clue his life is about to go off the rails (pun very intended). One day, he crosses paths with the X Train—a ghostly locomotive that tears through tracks like a freight train possessed, leaving destruction in its wake. And guess what? Toru’s somehow tied to it. When he blabs about the encounter to his friends, a sketchy government agency snatches him up, convinced he’s got ESP. Next thing he knows, he’s forced to battle this spectral train with powers he didn’t even know he had.

Now, let’s talk style. This OVA is oozing with 80s cool. The character designs are sharp and full of personality—Toru’s messy hair and “just trying to get by” vibe feels relatable, while the X Train itself is equal parts eerie and awesome. Madhouse’s animation is smooth, with that retro hand-drawn charm you don’t see much these days. And the music? It’s a jazz-fueled bop that fits the vibe perfectly—like if Ellington scored an anime about a ghost train.

But here’s the real tea: Take the X Train is criminally underrated. Fans on MyAnimeList are losing their minds over how hard it is to find. One user rants, “The only copy I’ve ever seen was a low-quality digital transfer!” Another chimes in, “Orphan Fansubs did a version, but there’s no official English release.” Even the Japanese VHS/Beta copies are like unicorns—good luck finding one on eBay. It’s the kind of hidden gem you have to hunt for, which only makes it cooler.

So, is it worth the effort? Absolutely. The story’s a wild mix of mystery, drama, and supernatural chaos. Toru’s journey from regular guy to accidental hero is fun to watch, and the X Train itself is a total scene-stealer. Plus, the ending? Let’s just say it’s not what you’d expect—no spoilers, but it’ll make you think.

If you’re into 80s anime, weird supernatural stories, or just want to flex on your friends with a obscure rec, Take the X Train is a must-watch. Just be prepared to do some digging to find it. And when you do? You’ll join the ranks of fans who know: this ghost train is worth the ride.

P.S. Pro tip: Hit up the Orphan Fansubs site if you want to watch it—they’re the real MVPs. And if you ever find a high-quality copy? Hoard it. That thing’s gonna be a collector’s item one day.

Final Verdict: 8/10. Cool, weird, and way too underrated. Choo-choo, all aboard the X Train hype train. 🚂✨