Model Art Special No. 5 is a “must have” for those who want to build a IJN Type Zero Carrier Fighter. This is number 5 in the Air Model Special series and focuses on what most modelers and historians consider the classic IJN fighter aircraft of WWII. In 136 pages this publication covers the A6M1, A6M2a, A6M2b, 21^st Kokusho A6M2K and the Nakajima A6M2-N.

It should be noted that the text is in Japanese with virtually no English translation for those of us who are English-Only speakers and readers. But no matter, the quality of the images and the clever design of the photographs, tables, and charts is more than sufficient to get the message across successfully.

The book is rich in detail which is highly sought after by modelers. There are detail shots of built up interiors of the various kits on the market. Shots of kits in progress and completed models are not only outstanding in quality, but also very instructive when it comes to colors, paint schemes, and weathering. There are color charts, and that is always an important aspect of modeling when building WWII Japanese aircraft.

The book includes some articles featuring subjects other than A6M Zero kits. The Airfix Agusta Westland Merlin HC.3 appears to be a nice kit judging by the six pages dedicated to it. This article is followed by a look at the Revell 1/144^th Spaceship 2 & WhiteKinght 2 kit. This publication is highly recommended for the breadth of subject matter, the quality of the images, and the outstanding and inspirational modeling that one sees in those images. Finally, the publication comes to an end with a detailed look at the Italeri 1/48^th MH-60K-Converted. The walkaround shots of the interior of the chopper are a detailer’s delight and are supplemented with details shots of the exterior as well.

It’s difficult to find a single publication that serves as a high quality reference for the Zero, but this publication at just over $17 fills that need. This publication is money very well spent.

Thanks to ModelArt for making this publication available to IPMS for review.