Mecha Analysis: Gundam Build Fighters Try Episode 3

Previously on Mecha Analysis
Gundam G no Reconguista Episode 4
Gundam Build Fighters Try Episode 2

Today on Mecha Analysis, we look at episode 3 of Gundam Build Fighters Try.
Something to keep in mind when looking at the Gunpla: Returning from Gundam Build Fighters, the ones responsible for mechanical design of Gundam Build Fighters Try are as follows,

• Kunio Okawara: THE Gundam designer, designing the original RX-78-2, and Zaku II along with many designs through the years. He's had his hand in Zeta, ZZ, 0080, F90, F91, 0083, Victory, G Gundam, 08th, Wing, X, Turn A, SEED, 00, Unicorn, and many other non-Gundam anime. Holy crap this list is long.
• Not much is said about Junichi Akutsu, Junya Ishigaki, and Kenji Teraoka.
• Kanetake Ebikawa, though has been working as a mechanical designer since the late 90s with anime like Blue Submarine No.6 and Full Metal Panic!, did not start designing for the Gundam franchise until 2007 with Mobile Suit Gundam 00. Other notable works include Gunpla Builders Beginning G, Gundam AGE, and Euerka Seven: AO.

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Episode 3
I was not expecting much from this episode. I was happy to see the antagonist was not going to be Miyaga again, but the fact that Gyanko is Susumu's sister lead me to believe the antagonist would be another comedic side character that would serve no purpose later in the series. I don't think I am far off from that prediction, but the episode was still entertaining.

Gouf R35

We finally get to see Mr. Ral in action again!
Just kidding...

...someday, Ral-san. Someday...

We do, however, learn that the R35 stands for Ral, 35 Years Old in reference to his age 7 years ago (probably when he built it). Either way, the blue giant was a badass in Gundam Build Fighters, and he still remains a badass here in Try. Let's hope the writers don't keep him on the sidelines until the end of the series. That would be painful.

Team Try-hards

At this point, the three protagonists are an official team - Try Fighters! Unless something changes (hint hint), I will review the three mobile suits, Build Burning, Lightning, and Cardigan, in a single section.

The Powered GM Cardigan has not shown anything more than what its shown in the past two episodes. Does this mean the GM's features have been exhausted? So far Fumina shows great team coordination with Yuuma and Sekai, even though Sekai is a total scrub.

Lightning Gundam is (obviously) still sniping. We see his pin-point accuracy and the respect everyone has for him as the winner of the Gunpla Grand Prix. I wonder when we will see how he will compensate for close-quarters combat later on.

One more thing to mention,

The Engrish is strong with this one.

We are reminded that Sekai is a master at close-quarters combat time and time again. This time with ranged weapon practice.

If I were to get a Build Burning Gundam kit (HG or MG), I would have to get it a Beam Spray gun. This is by far my favorite scene of the Build Burning so far.

One interesting fact we get from Yuuma as he talks to Sekai about Build Burning Gundam: "It's an improved version of the machine that Mr. Iori Sei used in the 11th World Tournament." Hopefully there will be an explanation about this (preferably from 20 year old Sei Iroi himself).

Attack(s) of the week: Soten Guren-Ken (Shoryuken!), Zenpu Tatsumaki-Geri (Tatsumaki Senpukyaku!), and Seiken-Zuki (a flying Gadoken? Is this Street Fighter Week?)

Team Song Dynasty Vase

What kind of name is Song Dynasty Vase? I thought the Ming Dynasty was when the arts truly flourished in Ancient China (then again, I wouldn't know). Nevertheless, this St. Odessa school team is lead by Susumu's sister, Kaoruko Sazaki, aka Gyanko.
After doing a little digging, and a little help from redditor leon004567, I found the team name is another Gyan reference (as to be expected). The pilot of the Gyan in Mobile Suit Gundam, M'Quve, collects various relics of the past, specifically ceramic vases. One of his prized possessions happen to be a vase from the Song Dynasty. The vase is so iconic that Bandai and Noritake produced a replica vase to be sold on the P-Bandai site for 41,040 JPY (roughly 410 USD).

This meta is killing me!
Nevertheless, this St. Odessa school team is lead by Susumu's sister, Kaoruko Sasaki, better known as Gyanko.

Gyanko's mobile suit is based on the R-Jarja, a Gyan-based mobile suit from Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ.

Like her brother's Gyan Gya Gyan and Gyan Vulcan, the R-GyaGya is equipped with two Missile Shields. The R-Gyagya is also equipped with a twin beam saber (with a fancy hand guard) which seems to be the main mode of attack for this mobile suit. I wonder if we will see this mobile suit later on in the show.

I must say, this suit design is very appealing. I like the fact that it is a R-Jarja with a Gyan aesthetic. With its December release, I do not know if I would get it immediately, but I might start thinking about some custom builds. Furthermore, I wonder if this means the R-Jarja will see a HGUC release in the near future (like the November release of HGUC Crossbone X-1 based on the HGBF Crossbone Maoh). Only time will tell...

 

Gyanko's posse is comprised of a Shining Rising Gundam (thanks for the correction, redditor jrgolden42) and Nobell Gundam. Each suit is similarly customized, equipped with a heat naginata,

...and a folding beam bow that doubles as a shield.

Unimpressive cannon fodder is unimpressive, though I do like Nobell's hair. Some day I'll figure out how to do a Mako's hair for the Fight Club Custom Nobell...

Cameo(s) of the Week

Like episode 2, there was no major cameo overload. Here it is, the only cameo that matters this week,

Beargguy and Mirai. 

Done: ANALYSIS OVER.

This is Gundariumsmith singing out.