GUNDAM 00 DIVER ARC
The Gundam 00 Diver Arc is the high-performance evolution of Riku Mikami’s first Gunpla, combining the classic aesthetics of the 00 Gundam with advanced technology like the GN Burst system. Debuting in the 10th-anniversary series Gundam Build Metaverse, it represents the pilot's journey from a novice Diver to a legendary veteran of Gunpla Battle Nexus Online.
Cronologia
Biografia
The Gundam 00 Diver Arc is a custom-built Mobile Suit piloted by Riku Mikami, the protagonist of the Gundam Build Divers series.
It is a machine born from passion and growth; while it is based on the GN-0000 00 Gundam, it has been heavily modified to reflect Riku's personal style, featuring a blue and white color scheme inspired by sports uniforms.
Originally entering the virtual world of Gunpla Battle Nexus Online (GBN) as a novice, Riku designed the machine to be a versatile balanced unit. In its 'Arc' form, the machine serves as Riku's 'return to roots.' It was created specifically for the 10th anniversary of the Gundam Build franchise, appearing in the Metaverse. This version maintains the silhouette of his original machine but integrates high-level building techniques and advanced technology that Riku acquired throughout his career as a legendary Diver, making it one of the most capable units in the digital G-Universe.
Storia
The story of the 00 Diver Arc begins with Riku Mikami's first steps into GBN, where he chose the 00 Gundam as a base because it 'looked strong.' Despite initial criticism regarding his lack of building skills from veterans like Shahryar, Riku's intuition allowed him to push the machine's mobility to levels rivaling the legendary 00 Raiser.
After progressing through several other iterations—including the 00 Diver Ace and the Destiny-fused 00 Sky—Riku eventually returned to the 00 Diver design for the Gundam Build Metaverse events.
This 'Arc' iteration uses light-absorbing resin technology and incorporates lessons learned from his adventures on Eldora, representing the pinnacle of his development as both a builder and a pilot.
Evoluzione
The machine's design evolution is a roadmap of Riku's growth. It started as the basic Gundam 00 Diver, which struggled with the high output of the Trans-Am system.
It then evolved into the 00 Diver Ace with enhanced thrusters to stabilize its power. Following its destruction, it was rebuilt into the Gundam 00 Sky, a hybrid unit that moved away from the pure 00 Gundam lineage.
After further refinement into the 00 Sky Moebius, Riku finally came full circle with the 00 Diver Arc. This final form sheds the complex hybridizations of the Sky era to return to a perfected version of the original Diver aesthetic, now powered by the 'GN Burst' technology.
Da Collezione
For collectors, the 00 Diver line is centered around the High Grade (HG) 1/144 scale kits produced by Bandai.
The standard HGBD 00 Diver (2018) is the common entry point, but the 'Grails' of this line include limited editions like the 'Golden Dive Sparkle' and the 'Dive Into Dimension Clear' versions.
The 00 Diver Arc received its own dedicated HG release alongside the Metaverse series in 2023, featuring light-absorbing materials. Looking forward, the opening of the Chicago Gundam Base in late 2026 is set to release an exclusive 'Painting Model' of the Arc variant. Furthermore, the 2026 launch of the 'Gundam Assemble' tabletop game will feature a highly sought-after 5cm strategic miniature of the 00 Diver Arc.
Riku originally added extra antennae and enhanced sensors simply because he thought they looked 'strong' rather than for functional reasons.
