We now have the fourth set from Lifelike Decals for the A6M and this one includes 15 different markings for a variety of Zero types that covers aircraft used during the Pacific War. This includes the A6M2 Type 22, A6M3 Type 22, Type 32, and the A6M5 Type 52. I like that on this sheet, the subvariant of the Type 52 is noted as there were differences in armament depending on the subvariant.

So here is what is provided in the set. To follow along, the profile sheet is divided into upper and lower sections with 1-4 on the left and 5-8 of the right side of the upper section. 9-12 are on the lower left with 13-16 on the lower right.

Without further ado, here is what you have for options:

1. Type 21 of the Zuikaku Fighter Group at Rabaul in February 1942

2. Type 21 of Tainan Kokutai, Rabaul August 1942.

3. Type 21 of Tainan Kokutai at Laknai AB in June 1942

4. Type 21 of Kasumigaura Kokutai in 1944.

5. Type 21 of Iwakuni Kokutai in 1942.

6. Type 21 of Atsugi Kokutai in 1943.

7. Type 21 of Hiryu Fighter Group in December 1941.

8. Type 52 Hei of 721 Kokutai at Momitaka AB in March 1945.

9. Type 21 of 22nd Air Flotilla in Malaya during January 1942.

10. Type 21 of 3rd Kokutai at Kentari AB in February 1942.

11.  Type 22 of 201st Kokutai at Rabaul in March 1944.

12.  Type 21 of 203rd Kokutai at Chitose AB in summer 1944.

13.  Type 52hei of 203rd Kokutai at Ohmura AB in April 1945.

14.  Type 32 of 204th Kokutai at Rabaul in May 1943.

15.  Type 21 of 204th Kokutai at Rabaul in December 1943

16. Type 22 of 251st Kokutai at Rabaul in May of 1943.

As always, you are provided copious information on each subject as well as treatises on several interesting subjects related to the aircraft on the sheet. Most interesting is that on early Zero colors. As was stated by Firesign Theater, 'everything you know is wrong'. Lifelike provides a representation of early A6M grey that flies in the face of what has been considered the latest info for the last 20 years. I've reproduced that below. This is a repeat of what was provided in the last review, but I think you will all find it of interest.

Decals themselves are printed by Microscale so you know you have some of the highest quality out there. In addition to the unique markings, you get one of LifeLike's hinomaru sheets that was reviewed earlier.

Lifelike tries to find markings that have not been repeated before on other sheets or in kit decals. If you have a stash of A6Ms, and I know I do, this is a set for you.

Recommended kits are by Academy, Fine Molds, Platz, Hasegawa, Tamiya, and Eduard. Frankly, there are other A6Ms in this scale on which this set could be used as most if not all are dimensionally similar so if you have an old Otaki kit, then by all means use that one. Heck, you could even use the really ancient Aurora kit if you have one.

February 2026

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