Deep Dive: References in ‘Gundam Build Divers RE:RISE’ Episode 14

Gundam Build Divers is back with a sequel series, Gundam Build Divers Re:RISE, that is just as referential as its predecessor. It would take a keen eye and bottomless Gundam knowledge in order to catch the more obscure references it makes to every corner of the Gundam multiverse. Fortunately, we have Gundam expert Tom Aznable to help.

Welcome back to Deep Dive, Tom Aznable’s reader-favorite column all about catching the more esoteric 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 14: Run, Freddie!

“It’s the same!” Mobile Suit Gundam, (anime)

Fair warning: this may seem like a stretch, but considering Re:RISE is returning with a partial prologue/clip show episode light on references and cameos, I’m going to count it.

When Freddie first enters the temple he would eventually use to summon the Build Divers, his first words are “It’s the same!” More specifically, his original line in Japanese is “Onaji da!” These also happen to be the first words that original Gundam pilot Amuro Ray says after he enters the RX-78-2 Gundam for the first time. Amuro’s line has previously been translated into English as “Exactly the same” or “Just like the manual,” but I think, as the first line of this new season, there’s a decent chance this is actually a sneaky little nod to that moment.

Phoenixlander & Rex Buster, Gundlander (gashapon/card line)

In previous Gundam Build series it wasn’t uncommon for SD Gundam cameos to be hidden in flash and impact frames. Well, it’s been a while, but it looks like they’re finally back!

Hidden in the OP right before Par’s new Exvalkylander fires its Avalanche Rex Buster,

this literal 1 frame blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo is a two-for-one of Gundlander references. For that one instant it becomes the Phoenixlander, a powerful Monstro Slayer combiner based on the Full Armor ZZ Gundam. Taking the place of the Avalanche Rex Buster is its original legendary namesake: the Rex Buster. This divine superweapon only appears when the five legendary “stars” prophesied to appear in the realm of Gundland are gathered together.

RX-78-2 Gundam’s Weapon Loadout, Mobile Suit Gundam (anime)

The final shot of Re:RISE season 2’s opening shows off the new Core Gundam II’s full range of equipment arranged around it. On closer inspection though, this arsenal also includes all of the RX-78-2 Gundam’s weaponry from the original TV series. Behind the Core Gundam II you can see the classic beam rifle, hyper bazooka, shield, beam javelin, super napalm, Gundam hammer, and hyper hammer. In the foreground, the second pair of beam sabers to the right completes the set. It’ll be interesting to see if Hiroto actually makes use of these at any point.