Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index

Add to My List

Add to Favorites

Alternative Titles

Synonyms: A Certain Magical Index: New Testament

Japanese: 新約とある魔術の禁書目録

Information

Type: Light Novel

Volumes: 23

Chapters: 178

Status: Finished

Published: Mar 10, 2011 to Jul 10, 2019

Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Magic, Sci-Fi, Super Power, Supernatural

Authors: Kamachi, Kazuma (Story), Haimura, Kiyotaka (Art)

Serialization: None

Statistics

Score: 8.69¹ (scored by 3,226 users)

¹ indicates a weighted score.

Ranked: #46²

² based on the top manga page. Please note that 'R18+' titles are excluded.

Popularity: #1111

Members: 10,857

Favorites: 929

8.69

Ranked #46Popularity #1111Members 10,857

Light NovelKamachi, Kazuma (Story), Haimura, Kiyotaka (Art)

Add to List

Volumes: /23

Chapters: /178

* Your list is public by default.

Edit
Synopsis

Having lasted merely two weeks, World War III has come to an end. Both Accelerator and Hamazura Shiage have returned home to the people they cherish most after overcoming their individual conflicts. The world is at peace and Academy City continues on as normal while the magicians focus their efforts on repairing the damage they took from the war.

Among this tranquility, however, someone is missing. Someone who used his right hand to save a young girl while changing the tides of war along the way: the "Imagine Breaker," Touma Kamijou. However, the disappearance of the self-proclaimed ordinary high school student has not affected the majority of the world as the temporary peace is soon broken when new threats, both espers and magicians, emerge across the globe. Now, the heroes of World War III must step forth into battle once more, facing off against some of the most powerful enemies imaginable in order to protect the people they hold most dear.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Edit
Background

No background information has been added to this title. Help improve our database by adding background information here.

Edit
Related Manga

Prequel:	Toaru Majutsu no Index
Side story:	Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index SS
Other:	Kamachi Kazuma Toaru Majutsu no Index 10-shuunen: Shokuhou Misaki Figure-hen
Sequel:	Souyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index

More characters
Characters

Accelerator

Main

Kamijou, Touma

Main

Hamazura, Shiage

Main

Misaka, Mikoto

Supporting

Shirai, Kuroko

Supporting

Saten, Ruiko

Supporting

Shokuhou, Misaki

Supporting

Last Order

Supporting

MISAKA 10032

Supporting

Sogiita, Gunha

Supporting

More reviewsReviews

Feb 23, 2020

178 of 178 chapters read

Overall Rating: 8

abystoma2 (All reviews)

19 people found this review helpful

A Certain Magical Index isn't a deep work. It's not written to blow your mind, it's not a genre redefining work. It's main purpose is to entertain.

And boy does it entertain well. Just the sole achievement of writing 45 volumes of novel (and that's not counting spin-offs and side volumes) and still being able to draw the readers in alone is outstanding. The plot works with various concepts and it's great to see that it can keep up the stakes without just simply one-upping the previous villain and inflating and ruining the whole power system like you would see in DBZ-esque works. Sometimes the peril is personal, sometimes it's the whole world or even the whole reality that's in danger, but it always gets you to root for the protagonists and hypes you up.

To expand on the "concept" part, as with the previous season of the novel, Index still draws from various myths and mythology systems. As I'm a sucker for works that mingle together multiple mytholgies, I might be a bit biased there, but Index really does this well. The usage of those mythologies is surprisingly well detailed and researched and even obscure legends and characters get their turn to be incorporated. In fact, sometimes what I've previously thought were just some random terms created for the Index universe were in fact yet another less know esoteric terminology from history. Truly educational.

And even when mixing together fantasy and sci-fi concepts, the overal system created for this coexistence is left without contradictions and seeming discrepancies get explained. This is in fact an occuring theme, simplyfing the technobabble (or in this case sometimes also magebabble) into layman's terms, usually through the mouth of the protagonist to level with the reader and to justify how it's possible for the characters to still stay in the game even as more and more big shots enter the ring. I think this is quite neat storytelling trick. Though yes, sometimes the babble can get out of hand, and especially the Kamisato Faction arc might get a bit confusing, mainly because it introduces *a lot* of new characters at once.

Which gets us to the characters in general. This is one of the main strenght of Index novels - the cast is colossal, but still with great variety both externally and internally. I dare to say that everyone will be able to find their favourite character even among the side cast. The flow of introducing new characters is also user-friendly, so you won't get lost in who's who (with the exception of previously mentioned Kamisato Faction arc, of course). Though, this "everyone gets a favourite side char" has it's own... inconvenience. Sometimes the story takes too damn long to go back to some of those characters, which of course might sadden the heart of a fan.

And that brings us to the fanservise part of Index novels. It would be dishonest to act like it doesn't exist. Yes, mixed with the storyline, Index novels also have some good old fanservices. But you what? I can't even be mad about this specific case. I'm fine with it as it doesn't deteriorate the story and it's more of a snack springled between the main dishes. Yes, this goes against my personal policy of bashing anime/manga/novels/whatever with fanservice, but that just show how great Index novel is.

One final thing that I liked about New Testament specifically is how it juggles with status quo and isn't afraid to make changes - the largest example can be seen in the latest volumes here, with the latest arc surpassing even the last arc of the previous novel season. Really, almost 50 volumes and the story still didn't get stale, what a great success.

Helpful

permalink | report

Apr 6, 2014

91 of 178 chapters read

Overall Rating: 9

Stark700 (All reviews)

98 people found this review helpful

Preliminary

Like a whirlpool, the Index franchise focuses on a story that spins and revolves detailing the events of various characters. A labyrinth of secrets, ideologies, and developments constitutes the story made up of two sides – magic and science. But yet, the world sees both sides develop with abnormality and struggles. A single word cannot describe such a struggle as a dangerous group looms in the darkness…just waiting to strike and take over, setting about a new era of desolation.

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.

Helpful

permalink | report

Jul 13, 2012

9 of 178 chapters read

Overall Rating: 9

asakuraShinji (All reviews)

42 people found this review helpful

Preliminary

I gave the first series of Toaru Majutsu no Index a whole 10, but I'll give NT a minus 1, to a total of 9.

Story : 10
It's still as epic as ever. Kamachi Kazuma never fails at giving his readers an epic and complicated story. The war between science and magic at the scale of the world is still masterfully written. NT is still one of the LN with the best story aspect.

Art : 9
The art is great, but there are some (not much) LN with better illustrations. So I'll hold back a little and give it 9 for art.

Character : 10
Accelerator is the best!!! read more

permalink | report

Mar 9, 2015

21 of 178 chapters read

Overall Rating: 8

ap1001 (All reviews)

25 people found this review helpful

Preliminary

Madness and Chaos is like gravity, all things eventually move towards them, in a world of absurdity only the bonds that we have can provide a sanctuary from the insanity outside.

That is the nature of "Dispersion" and its counter.

Toaru is one of those LN series that truly have withstood the test of time, Kamachi have truly proven that he is an author with an idea to put to paper, uncaring of what others thought of it.

And here we have the second entry of a possible trilogy.

What can we say about Shinyaku.

That is shattered everything through the reveal of the truth?

That it pushed the world of read more

permalink | report

More news
Recent News

'Toaru Majutsu no Index' Gets New Light Novel Series in February 2020

The official Twitter account of author Kazuma Kamachi revealed on Monday that a new Toaru Majutsu no Index (A Certain Magical Index) light novel series will launch i...read more

Dec 12, 2019 11:32 PM by Vindstot | Discuss (22 comments)

'Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi!' 2018 Rankings Revealed

The "Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi!" (This Light Novel is Amazing!) guidebook has revealed its annual light novel rankings for 2018. The list includes the most...read more

Nov 25, 2017 7:45 AM by Sakana-san | Discuss (42 comments)

More discussions
Recent Forum Discussion

	[Othinus Arc spoilers] Why don't more people... Recognize Touma? DarthBob - Nov 9, 2018	3 replies	by youbrane »» Oct 19, 2020 9:30 AM
	Poll: Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 22 Reverse Discussion Arjuna777 - Jun 20, 2019	14 replies	by misaka-9982 »» Oct 6, 2020 9:22 PM

Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index
Edit

What would you like to edit?

Alternative Titles

Information

Statistics

Edit
Synopsis

Edit
Background

Edit
Related Manga

More characters
Characters

More reviewsReviews

More news
Recent News

More discussions
Recent Forum Discussion

More recommendations
Recommendations

MoreTop Anime

MoreTop Airing Anime

MoreMost Popular Characters

Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Edit What would you like to edit? SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsType

Alternative Titles

Information

Statistics

EditSynopsis

EditBackground

EditRelated Manga

More charactersCharacters

More reviewsReviews

More newsRecent News

More discussionsRecent Forum Discussion

More recommendations Recommendations

MoreTop Anime

MoreTop Airing Anime

MoreMost Popular Characters

Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index
Edit

What would you like to edit?

Edit
Synopsis

Edit
Background

Edit
Related Manga

More characters
Characters

More news
Recent News

More discussions
Recent Forum Discussion

More recommendations
Recommendations