AJ Press, Gdansk
Jarski & Skwiot
softbound, 120pp
ISBN 9788372372062
AJ Press has followed up their impressive 2007 volume on the Akagi with this latest installment, Akagi vol. 2: Monograph 50. Following their familiar format, 120 pages of high quality line drawings, color renderings, period photos and dual Polish-English text make this volume a real treat IJN fans. An added bonus are two stunning, full color fold-out posters showcasing a beautifully color-rendered Akagi, along with 1:400 and 1:500 scaled views.
Picking up from the first volume, Monograph 50 starts with a history of the Akagi's participation in the Pearl Harbor operation, followed by subsequent engagements with American naval forces, finally describing her action against the Royal Navy in the Indian Ocean. These histories are supported by detailed text, along with numerous familiar photos and maps of the incidents, although reproduced to the very high standard we expect from AJ Press.
The final section of the book outlines the organization of the IJN air arm, along with a summary of the various aircraft serving aboard the Akagi during her career. A handful of color profiles add life to these aircraft, including the lesser-seen Aichi D1A2 and Yokosuka B4Y1.
Noticeably absent from this volume is any discussion of the Akagi's demise at the Battle of Midway. One must conclude there is a forthcoming third volume of the Akagi story that will detail her final battles. Until then, this volume will provide the IJN modeler an enthusiast with ample inspiration for the next project.