WORLD WAR 3 #5

“Raid on Tokyo Part 5”

Writer & Artist: Motofumi Kobayashi

The Soviet invasion seems to be unstoppable. Their radar is superior, and they manage to knock out the Japanese radar. They have achieved air superiority. The Japanese are low on fuel and ammo. They are also demoralized as the media continue to push that this is a coup and the Soviets have been invited to help the Japanese. The only hope is the submarines knocking out an electronic warfare ship.

So, the first volume ends with the Japanese in a very grim position. Nothing seems to go right for the Japanese. This issue had an interesting supplement at the back talking about the history of the cold war and the actual Soviet invasion plans that are used in this series. I love this series and will wait for the Volume two which is supposed to come out some time in the future.

WORLD WAR 3 #4

“Raid on Tokyo Part 4”

Writer & Artist: Motofumi Kobayashi

The Soviets continue to consolidate their hold in Tokyo. The JSDF is still in disarray. Moral is low and ammo is also low. Yet they are getting organized. The navy is gathering submarines for an attack.

This issue was filled with various scenes of chaos. The Japanese are losing the fight so far. They are abandoned by their government and moral is rock bottom. Yet they are slowly pulling together. The submarines look very promising. I love how the writer conveys all this chaos. It seems authentic and there is a genuine excitement to see how the Japanese manage to fight back.

WORLD WAR 3 #3

“Raid on Tokyo Part 3”

Writer & Artist: Motofumi Kobayashi

The Soviets continue to consolidate their hold in Tokyo. The KGB is already getting a list together of prominent Japanese that need to be executed. The Japanese AirForce is low on fuel and the army still low on ammunition. The only good news is they managed to safely evacuate the emperor. The general staff have to evacuate. The Soviets start to use chemical weapons. They also massacre civilians that get in the way.

This issue things just keep going downhill for the Japanese Self Defense Force. Low on fuel and ammunition. Constantly retreating. The Soviets ruthlessly consolidate their hold. Another very realistic and exciting issue.

WORLD WAR 3 #2

“Raid on Tokyo Part 2”

Writer & Artist: Motofumi Kobayashi

The Soviets have landed unopposed. The government has declared the JSDF of staging a coup and have requested Soviet assistance. Assistance they are more than happy to provide. The army is running out of ammo and bureaucratic roadblocks hamper resupply. Luckily the Americans left their ammo at the bases when they left. Two airborne assaults are launched to capture parliament and government buildings. One by the Japanese and the other by the Soviets. The Soviets are successful. They continue to advance with little opposition.

This issue is looking grim for the JSDF. The government has turned on them. They are low on ammo and moral. A bright stop was the Americans left ammo at their abandoned bases. A fun and exciting series.

WORLD WAR 3 #1

“Raid on Tokyo”

Writer and Artist: Motofumi Kobayashi

It is an alternate timeline where the Soviet Union didn’t collapse. The new Japanese government has signed a friendship treaty with the Soviet Union. American forces withdraw from the country. Soon after the new government puts the Japanese Defense Force in lockdown. Prominent military leaders and officials disappear. The Soviet Pacific fleet is on the move. It soon becomes apparent that the new government has betrayed Japan. The JDF enact Directive Q and start extrajudicial action to protect Japan’s democracy. Only the Soviets have now invaded and look like they will successfully occupy Tokyo.

This new series seems to have rebooted the series. Now we have a government that has betrayed the country and sold it to the Soviets. Fortunately, the miliary isn’t going along with it. Yet Soviet Spetsnaz attacks have disrupted communications, and the military seems in disarray. This is starting to get really interesting, and I think will be the best of the series so far.

WORLD WAR 3 #5

“Battle Over Hokkaido Part 5”

Writer & Artist: Motofumi Kobayashi

The Japanese are finally on the offensive. They manage to hit the Soviet navy and even take out an aircraft carrier. There is heavy fighting and the Soviets revolt against the KGB which are executing soldiers. After some more heavy fighting the Soviets surrender. A ceasefire is called, and the UN will arrange for a transfer of prisoners. It is revealed at the end that Gorbachev is alive. He faked his death to expose those that were against his reforms. The Japanese also suspect that there is a conspiracy with the US. That they were able to wipe out their debt with Japan with this war.

The final issue comes to a conclusion. We find out Gorbachev is alive and just like the first series there is some nefarious collusion with the Soviets and America. I do love that bit of conspiracy. A very nineties thing and who is to say that the two governments wouldn’t work together for their own interests if the Soviet Union stuck around to 1994. Fortunately for us, the Soviets aren’t done with Japan and the next series will continue the battle.

WORLD WAR 3 #4

“Battle Over Hokkaido Part 4”

Writer & Artist: Motofumi Kobayashi

There is heavy fighting for control of Hokkaido. The Japanese are finally gaining the upper hand. Their navy hits the Soviet navy hard and disrupts the Soviet reinforcements. Air superiority is also being won by the Japanese. They start to encircle the Soviet defenders at Fukagawa City.

The story continues to interest me. It cuts between scenes from many different viewpoints. The art is very accurate in depicting the various weapons, ships and aircraft. It holds back nothing with prisoners being executed because the situation doesn’t allow for their handling. Soldiers overcoming their fear and pissing their pants. A fun look at an alternate history.

WORLD WAR 3 #3

“Battle Over Hokkaido Part 3”

Writer & Artist: Motofumi Kobayashi

The Soviets continue to advance. They capture the main city of Asahikawa in urban fighting. They execute a group of volunteer patriots as terrorists. Helicopter battles fill the sky. The Soviets also decide to invade China and initially have great success. The Japanese though start to make some headway in the battle.

Another fun issue of an alternate WWIII. Told from both perspectives of the Japanese and Soviets. They seem to be having great success in China. The Chinese soldiers are surrendering in mass. The Japanese still have a chance if they can retake the city of Asahikawa and isolate the Soviets.

WORLD WAR 3 #2

“Battle Over Hokkaido Part 2”

Writer & Artist: Motofumi Kobayashi

The Soviets are expanding their bridgehead on Hokkaido. They have gained air superiority and launched a gas attack against the JDF. Reports are coming that reinforcements have left Vladivostok. The Americans are deploying their air and naval assets elsewhere, so it looks like Japan is alone against the Soviet invasion. Various infantry and tanks of the Japanese Defense Force continue to ambush the advancing Soviets.

The second issue continues the invasion of Japan. The Americans have decided to commit their forces somewhere else, so the Japanese aren’t getting any help. Once again, the story is told from the perspective of various Japanese and Soviet soldiers both the enlisted to the commanders. The weapons are accurate, and the artwork is top notch.

WORLD WAR 3 #1

“Battle Over Hokkaido Part 1”

Writer & Artist: Motofumi Kobayashi

A military coup occurs in Moscow. Soon after the Warsaw Pact forces attack West Germany. The Soviets have also decided to invade Japan. An amphibious landing occurs on the northern island of Hokkaido. The Japanese Defense Forces are quickly overwhelmed. As this goes on, the Japanese military scrambles to mobilize and the government declares martial law.

This series continues the fictional alternate universe where the Soviet Union never collapsed and in 1995 decides to start a war. We get a very good look at the war from the Japanese side. It is told from a variety of viewpoints of both the Soviets and Japanese. From the submarines to the jet fighter air battles. The Spetsnaz attacks to the amphibious landing. Once again there is beautiful detail to the weapons used. It all looks very authentic.