'In Combat - Painting Mechas' by Ammo of MIG Review

I have been a Mecha Geek for decades, ever since, as a spotty teen, I saw the cartoon, Robotech ( a.k.a. Super Dimension Fortress Macross in Japan). It spoke to me in the same way that modern military armor and aircraft did. It is then ironic that, in this book by Mig, it is demonstrated that you can use almost all of the same pallete of techniques and products to finish Mecha.

The book itself is a soft cover with 91 pages of beautiful, glossy photos, 71 pages of which, are dedicated to 4 full step by step builds. Comprehensive and detailed; one even includes a full build description covering the conversion of the original kit. Most of the mecha are from an anime series called “Mobile Suit Gundam”. The models are originally designed to be brightly colored and easily identifiable as to type and faction. Giving them the “Mig Treatment” brings to life something that before, looked quite whimsical.

The last 20 pages comprise a gallery of two artists that, if you collect Japanese model magazines, you will surely recognize. One is a Japanese artist who goes by the handle Oishi and the other is a gent named Luca Zampriolo. Oishi has a fondness for the Gundam mecha creating many improvements and scratchbuilt items. I particularly like the Zaku II in a snowy forest. Mr Zampriolo seems to be a master of the full scratchbuild, focusing on very industrial looking mecha and the weathering it would engender. All in all, very inspiring stuff.

Modellers of all stripes would get something from this. The enigmatic “Salt Technique” is covered in detail in one of the step by steps. But if you are like me and love a giant, butt kicking robot kit to spend a rainy afternoon on, then this is a reference to have.

Ammo of MIG - In Combat Painting Mechas