Gunpla 101

Deep Dive: References in ‘Gundam Build Divers’ Episode 17

Gunpla fans are rejoicing over Gundam Build Divers, a new Sunrise anime all about our favorite model kits. But it could be tricky to catch the more obscure Gundam references in the show… until now.

Welcome to Deep Dive, a new column from Gundam expert Tom Aznable that points out the more unexpected aspects of the Gundam multiverse that make it into the show. Nothing passes Tom’s eagle eye for spotting this stuff (we suspect Newtype abilities), but this column focuses specifically on rare sightings and deep cuts. Read on to see what you may have missed.

Episode 17: Joint Front

Oni Dom & Oni Zaku, SD Gundam Festival (anime)

These Oni Doms and Zakus may very well have a connection to the mysterious Crystal Phoenix that’s been watching the Build Divers; in the SD Sengokuden segment of the SD Gundam Festival anthology, they are conjured up by the Crystal Phoenix to test the Daishogun Gundams’ worthiness. These appear in red and blue, just like Douji and his older brother Ogre.

Dragon Baby, SD Gundam Gaiden (anime)

After Knight Gundam defeats his dark half Satan Gundam to save the Kingdom of Lacroa, he later resurrects as the infant Dragon Baby.

Gunpla Baseball, Gundam Build Fighters (anime)

This phase of the mission is inspired by the baseball weapon challenge from Gundam Build Fighters, in which the Star Build Strike Gundam must strike out (get it?) Thai Gunpla Builder Luang Dallara’s Abigorbine. This 0 Gundam has a similar cap to what the Build Strike wore, the bat is identical to what the Abigorbine used, and the Ball balls are the same as what the Build Strike pitched with. On top of all that, this 0 Gundam’s color scheme is likely a reference to the Yomiuri Giants’ baseball team uniform.

Norm-Gather, SD Gundam Festival (anime)

Norm-Gather is a Neue Ziel-like monster fought by the SD Gundam fusion Final Formula during the climax of the SD Command Senki segment of the SD Gundam Festival anthology. This instance appears in the colors of the shadow Gunpla that Douji and Yukki fight.