After the excellent « Sci-Fi FAQ« , here is the new book by Lincoln Wright « MK.44 » dedicated to the models of the Maschinen Krieger universe (abbreviated as Ma.K) created by the Japanese artist Kow Yokoyama.

For those who do not know the Ma.K universe, I encourage you to discover it. I am not a specialist, but I really appreciate the visual aspect of the mechas, vehicles and figurines. The whole composes a very coherent universe which seems to me very inspired by war machines of the XXth century. In short, search a little on the web, you will find a lot of information about this little known universe.

A simple book ? Not only.

Let’s talk first about the book itself. It’s a beautiful object in large format (A4) with 128 pages in glossy paper that are filled with great photos and brief texts to explain the creative process and some layout techniques ! Important details, it is written entirely in English. It seems that it is the first book in the language of Shakespeare dedicated to Ma.K.

I’m a bit afraid to damage it over time by turning the pages over and over 😅. I hope it will resist to my incessant research.

Maschinen Krieger model kit and technics

For the content, Lincoln Wright proposes here to detail 4 times the same model (MaK 1/20 MK44 Ammoknights) treated in different ways. Some might cry « what a rip-off! But it’s always the same thing! », I will answer them « No! No! … and no! » Because with the 4 variations, we get 4 very different and interesting outcomes that have in common only the general form. We can appreciate all the work of transformation of Mr. Wright and the result is amazing. The photos of very good quality in large format or in thumbnails allow to see with precision the work in progress and they highlight the multiple details of the models. A small regret, there are photos and techniques already present in « Sci-Fi FAQ« . But despite the repetition is not serious as it concerns only a few photos in this huge album.

A nice bonus

Finally we will find at the end of the book a photos gallery of Max Watannabe’s realizations. We can see the same model of Ammoknights treated on several themes and admire the work of this other great artist. The « Taco (The Octopus) » of the last page is just incredible.

Conclusion

I can only advise you to read and buy this book. It has already inspired me a lot for my future creations as well for the technique as for the themes treated.