Toaru Kagaku No 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

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 !

Everything about it is on point, the creators care so much and that care reflects on both the show and viewers, proud to call it my favorite anime.

Had no idea about the index series so watched the first two seasons of railgun about ten years ago and now that I'm starting to rewatch correctly I can urge everyone with no hesitation to go ahead and give this show a try because it's super entertaining and unique imo

the best watch order the makers would want you to watch it in: a certain scientific railgun (s1)

a certain scientific railgun S (s2)

a certain magical index s1

a certain magical index s2

a certain magical index the movie

a certain scientific accelerator

a certain scientific railgun T (s3).

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.

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