Deep Dive: References in ‘Gundam Build Divers RE:RISE’ Episode 5

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 05: Now Spread Your Wings

Patrick Colasour (Gundam 00) dressed as Lalah Sune (Mobile Suit Gundam)

This marks the second time Patrick has shown up in Re:RISE in costume, and I’m guessing it won’t be the last. Here the Immortal Colasour cosplays as the Newtype Lalah Sune, perhaps the most important figure in the lives of Amuro Ray and Char Aznable. Incidentally, the Beargguy themed blimp he appears on was previously seen back in the first season of Build Divers.

Gundlander

The Valkylander has finally revealed its true form, and it is outright confirmed in dialogue that is indeed based on SD Gundam’s Gundlander setting. While it didn’t catch on in the way the RPG-inspired SD Gundam Gaiden or samurai-themed SD Sengokuden did, Gundlander’s unique look nonetheless earned it its share of fans, with Par evidently among them. Gundlander takes place in the realm of Gundland, which draws more from the ancient fantasy world of Conan the Barbarian than it does Dragon Quest. The Valkylander’s design features several hallmarks of Gundlander’s Monstro Slayer (as opposed to Mobile Suit) aesthetic: large, ridged horns, a ropy mane of cables for “hair,” and the suggestion of bestial faces on its armor and shield. The “face” on a Monstro Slayer’s chest is particularly important: it’s actually a specialized organ called “Dagon’s Jaw,” which grants the MS an extremely long life by drawing in energy from the atmosphere. Since Valkylander’s is covered up, I’m going to guess it doesn’t have that functionality, but who knows?

04th Team, Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team (anime)

First the 08th Team, now this? The resistance seems to be patterning themselves after the Kojima Battalion from The 08th MS Team. The 04th was another MS team besides the 08th that was assigned RX-79[G] Gundam Ground Types.