Deep Dive: References in ‘Gundam Build Divers RE:RISE’ Episode 21

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 21: To Fly Once More

Harofitter & Haroloader, Haropla (model kit line)

Finally, after appearing in the first Re:RISE OP and being teased by mecha designer Shinya Terashima back in April, Haropla actually appear in the show! On the left, the Harofitter feels like a new version of the Karel, a support mecha that Celestial Being’s Haros could use to do maintenance back in Gundam 00. The Haroloader’s design comes courtesy of veteran mechanical designer Kenji Teraoka, known for his more clunky, utilitarian designs like the Tieren or Gundam IBO’s version of the Mobile Worker.

HGUC RX-104FF Penelope (Gundam Hathaway) Parts

Par refers to the Gunpla parts being used to repair Cuadorn’s wing “leftover parts from a failed customization.” All the parts shown here come from one specific kit, the HGUC Penelope, primarily forming the mobile suit’s tail stabilizer. The Penelope is actually a combination of the Odysseus Gundam and its unique flight unit. Despite its large size and odd shape, the unit’s Minovsky craft system allows the Penelope to defy gravity in a way that ordinarily only a battleship like the White Base could. Assuming this carries over to Eldora, these parts should do Cuadorn some good.

Thanks to @ondivate on Twitter for pointing them out!

Sanada Yukimura Gundam (真田幸村頑駄無) (Dragon Form), SD Sengokuden: Bujin Kourin-hen (model kit line)

Despite the “SD Sengokuden” name, the vast majority of Gundams that appear in the samurai-flavored setting have little to do with the actual Warring States (aka “Sengoku”) period. This version of the Nu Gundam, however, comes from the Bujin Kourin-hen line, which takes more of a note from Sangokuden and bases its characters on legendary historical figures. This kit’s namesake is best known as the general on the losing side in the months-long Siege of Osaka, which saw the Tokugawa shogunate decisively defeat the Toyotomi clan in 1615.

Superiorlander, Gundlander (gashapon/card line)

The Superiorlander (based on the S Gundam of course) is the protagonist of Mafuu no Seiken-hen, the second story arc of the barbarian Gundlander SD setting. The Superiorlander can combine with his allies the Alexlander and Zephyrdlander to form the Phoenixlander, which has technically appeared in every episode of the second Re:RISE season via a single-frame cameo in the opening.

LINE Stickers

While LINE stickers have been alluded to in the show earlier, this is the first time a real one has been directly referenced! Specifically, this one. LINE is a popular Japanese messaging app, and one of its biggest selling points (for me at least) is its various anime-themed sticker packs. This Amuro sticker comes from the original Mobile Suit Gundam set.

Patrick Colasour (Gundam 00) dressed as Ramba Ral (Mobile Suit Gundam)

Patrick is once more in his Ramba Ral outfit! Last time he appeared with another cosplayer dressed as Ral’s partner Crowley Hamon, who’s nowhere to be seen here.