Toaru Majutsu no Index: New Testament (also known as A Certain Magic: New Testament) is the sequel of Index light novels series written by Kamachi Kazuma. As a light novel, expect text and lots of text of not just based on conversations but also technical standards to convey its essence. This is New Testament focuses on how both the magic and science side go about with their plans with the story. Additionally, these plans involve our main characters. Armed with the Imagine Breaker, we meet Touma Kamijou, a normal boy who is thrown into a world of abnormality. As a main male protagonist, he also plays the role of a hero for his efforts in the prequel in the World War III arc. Of course, to say he did that all by himself would be an understatement. Characters such as Misaka Mikoto, Accelerator, and Shiage Hamazura also have their various roles. In this sequel known as Toaru Majutsu no Index: New Testament (NT), their roles extends to ways that will change the world forever.
But the world of NT is not so different from the prequel. For standards, there’s still Academy City where normal humans and espers reside. Then, there are other settings, some that you may be familiar with such as Hawaii, Tokyo, and the United States. Then, there are places that will strike out as peculiar such as the Baggage City, where a major event occurs caused by unrest. Nonetheless, NT exploits these settings to bring out one simple concept – diversity. And on a technical standard, there is also focus, as an emphasis on the story. As mentioend before, there is a dangerous new organization made up of powerful magicians seeking to change the world. In NT, the audience will learn more about their goals and ideologies from all angles.
At its best, NT works like a computer introducing many new characters and ideas that all connects to the story. Among some of these ideas spell out mysteries such as the origins of the Imagine Breaker, the near indestructible Windowless City, and truth regarding espers. And among these mysteries, there is the mysterious organization composed of powerful magicians known as Gremlin. While their goals are controversial, their purpose seems to suggest for the world to get a better understanding of itself. NT explores this organization against the world by characterizing their members and their personas. One particular member, the leader of Gremlin, is unique in many sense with her personality. And in one of the most dynamic volumes of the series, her fight with Touma constitutes beyond just the typical boxing or esper duel-abouts. It formulates a path going beyond the world of normalcy in incalculable ways.
Of course, conflicts doesn’t always end without solutions. Thanks to the efforts of the protagonists, problems do get resolved but not without some unlikely allies. Some of these new characters are introduced from various countries and backgrounds with their own ideologies. On the other hand, a few of them feels edgy and their actions can be predictable on some standards. Furthermore, it could be an overstatement to label them as “allies”. NT characterizes its characters by various backgrounds not by just through motivation but also with a multitude of purposes. These have reasoning and connects to the overall story effectively. The niche to some parts of the story sometimes become dissected by generics and unnecessary comedy. Still, it is tolerable and doesn’t get in the way of its ultimatum.
Similar to its previous predecessor, NT also has its darker dynamics. The dark side of the Academy City is explored upon with revisits to both past characters and newer ones. Espers are indeed to be both feared and respected. NT circumnavigate various human emotions relating to espers. Characters such as the level 5 Accelerator seek absolution after his actions in the infamous ‘Sisters Arc”. Then, there are dynamics focusing on people that opposes them. A theme of bigotry plays the role here involving characters that go against espers in arc specific stories. They are crafted by various ideologies that connects well to NT’s world.
There are 9 volumes of NT currently released and most of them are predominately focused on Gremlin’s goals. Yet, there also other volumes that explores the dynamics of supporting characters from different family origins. Eventually, their unorthodox roles connects together with NT’s main story that enlightens the path of a memorable journey.
Unfortunately, NT still has its generics surrounding our characters. Most of the main characters does not go any drastic personality change despite some of the events involved. Furthermore, the comedy moments often feels forced, repetitive, and on occasions even asinine. While some of the characters’ dynamics are fascinating, most of the main characters’ backgrounds still remains in unexplored territory. Characters such as Accelerator and Hamazura returns but has less focus on their background development. This is perhaps the result of a large story casting that orientates more on the story. Yet, on many opportunities, there should be occasions to explore their backgrounds but most of it is brushed off. Misaka Mikoto, Academy City’s ‘Railgun’, also suffers development in particular with her relationship with Touma. There’s a weakness in pacing and most of it is lost thanks to Touma’s actions.
Luckily, fans may come to appreciate some of the newer characters. While some of them lack originality in terms of character design, their persona may paint a memorable experience for readers. Their behavior reflects a clear and concise way of influencing others. Furthermore, their roles in the arcs in each volume let the readers get to know more. Most of them aren’t disposable either as the more prominent characters introduced in NT are characterized by strengths of their roles. I think fans can appreciate the way Kamichi writes his story to categorize them each differently and in his own way. On the other hand, some of those characteristics may come as cliche or unsatisfying depending on preferences.
As a light novel, there isn’t much artwork to write home about. Yet, the dialogues captures the many creative ways Kamichi describes his characters. It’s easy to picture what’s happening on most occasions with fitting imaginations because his descriptions often use similes and comparisons. I like the concept behind his way of describing the character vividly and to fine details. These include the clothes the characters wear, their powers, and personalities judged by actions. Some dialogues later on in the volumes really reflects emotions and the pains revolving the actions/results of the antagonists.
Overall, NT is something of a gift, ready to be opened by fans of Index. The LN is fairly long with each chapter detailing events in fine detail with clever dialogues. And because the series offers a diverse cast of characters, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with them individually. Whether esper or magician, there’s special about each character that gets themselves involved with NT’s story. Even as humans, they hold influence too. The back stab to some of these character might lack a bit of background dynamics. Some characters also can be categorized and be put on the generic hall of fame. But for it’s worth, NT is a series that not only expands the Index realm. It revolutionizes it.
