A Certain Scientific Railgun

Misaka Mikoto (also known as Railgun and Bug Zapper) was a great character in the first series (A Certain Magical Index) and makes a strong lead in this parallel series. Many characters and events appear in both series, but this is from Mikoto's point of view. I do wish there was more exposition of her potential relationship with Toma and more interaction with Index.

A Certain Magical Index took place all over the world, but A Certain Scientific Railgun occurs entirely in Academy City. A fair effort has been made to keep events consistent between the two series. It was frustrating that Railgun's biggest contributions were made secret to everyone.

This series has plenty of "fan service" but it is not as obnoxious as it was in Magical Index. The blood and guts has also been scaled back about 90%. This series leaves out the religious fanaticism in Magical Index and focuses on science-fiction and personal relationships.

The animation and art design is quite good. The English voice actors are also very good. The pace is uneven at times. Some of the "slice of life" sections are too slow. The comedy elements are usually funny. There are plenty of strong action sequences. However, the overall plot is generally not as intense feeling as in Magical Index.

In summary, there are flaws, but plenty to like in this science-fiction series.

I would really like to give this show a perfect 10. There are a number of elements that make A Certain Scientific Railgun an excellent viewing experience. Everything from all that is Academy City, the characters and supporting cast, (English dub) voice acting, soundtrack/score, character design, animation and the lore are all fantastic. I really love the script & the way it's written, there are just so many lines and moments that stick with you. Similarly, I love the characters and the strong convictions they hold, they have such strong wills, it's impressive.

There *really* aren't a lot of things I can complain about when it comes to this show. With that being said, making your way through the series can get confusing.

First off, being someone that watched the other shows based in Academy City, there are episodic storylines that are revisited and almost copied completely. Second, season two almost takes the way of loosely rebooting. I'm not too sure why the show was written in this way. I understand wanting to explain Mikoto's hardships, because when we met her in A Certain Magical Index, it was almost at the climax of her complication. But with creating the sister series, was it not decided to do backstory initially? It feels a lot like backtracking, or like someone wrote an entire story and got a lot of pages mixed up.

All in all, even with the timeline choppiness, I would still recommend this show to anyone that was looking for a good anime. It checks a lot of boxes in terms of genre in my opinion, and it's a good time, genuinely. I'm looking forward to more Railgun.

Season 1 is a solid, well-made magic academy anime. Fan service right off the bat. Maybe that was a good decision. Skip the modeling episode (E13). Kuroka has other great (fight) scenes early on but underutilized thereafter; Misaka is pretty much center stage. Cheesy ending boss. 7.5/10

Season 2 is that much better. Darker, much darker. Blood and gore too. More intense and drawn-out battles. As Misaka becomes more exposed to Academy City's underworld, the baddies become stronger and she realizes she can't go it alone. 10032 is a scene-stealer every time she's on; was disappointed the Sisters didn't have a bigger role during the revolution. Kamijo fans will be delighted he fulfills his mission. 9.5/10

There was the potential for serious depth in this spin off series and it flirts with it in the first season, but in the end seems to shy away from taking it to the next level, because it's trying to maintain the upbeat tempo.

The first two seasons are overall enjoyable and worth watching but I'm undecided on the current third season. It seems weaker which is a shame as it deals with a "foe" and the associated powers that could go down a dark and thought provoking path

Its very good job design character! ! Very Very good story line ! Every scene of this animate best on large Screen ! Just finish watch its season 3 on 2/10/2020 , i wish they made it to season 4 !