The Empire Falls: Battle of Midway

by Steve White, Gary Erskine (Illustrator), Richard Elson (Illustrator)

One of the most important naval battles in history, Midway marked a crucial turning point in the war in the Pacific. With a fleet that had dominated this theater since the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese anticipated certain victory against the US forces. Outgunned and under strength, the US Navy nevertheless had superior intelligence that cracked the code well before the battle's onset: the Japanese ambush did not come as a surprise. From July 4-7, 1942, the US dealt a devastating blow to the Imperial Japanese Fleet, sinking four irreplaceable aircraft carriers, and clearing the way for the island-hopping US counterattack. Characterized by espionage, daring, luck, and extreme heroism on both sides, the story of Midway is vividly retold in compelling graphic novel format. This book also includes eight pages of authoritative information, placing the battle in its historical context, describing the key players, and its build-up and aftermath.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Comics, Japan, Graphic Novels

48 pages, Paperback

First published October 24, 2006

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name

Steve White is a British comic book writer, paleoartist, and occasional colourist who has mainly worked with 2000 AD.
(source: Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed look at this critical battle - the art is gritty and fits well with the narrative. This was such an important battle: it is amazing how may times this battle could have 'shifted' - and in so doing changed history. So few people take the time to learn about how close we came to being defeated in WW II.

[Jurij Fedorov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great one. An overview of the Battle of Midway step by step. When planes attack and ships defend. Japan tries to destroy the airbase at Midway, but Americans cracked their communication and know this is the plan. All initial strikes at the Japanese fleet fail even though they knew it would be there. Zeros are very nimble and fast easily shooting down the outdated American planes. But finally the Zeros need to land to refuel after decimating American planes. The Midway plan failed. Plus some are preparing to strike the American ships to make up for the errors. There is a short period of time where American bombers can hit the Japanese ships. While torpedos all failed the bombs land this time around when they can dive closer to the ships. And hence the Japanese army lost key pilots and ships while USA can replace its ships easily and train more pilots. Japan also lost thousands of men.

This is a huge disaster for Japan. If Americans didn't expect them they could likely bomb Midway and get away. But here, despite Americans failing a lot, they lost too much. They felt they could strike back to turn the battle, but for each hour they stayed they just kept losing. Americans had too many planes.

I would have liked more background info on tactics, plans, leadership structure, military men. We only see air battles. It's cool, but I didn't quite understand the details.

[wildct2003 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story told well with writing and visuals. Depressing with so much loss and destruction.

[Stephen Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Osprey's graphic history books are a great way to be introduced to American historical events. This book is no exception. Bravo!

Thank you for the loan Franklin Public Library!