A Certain Magical Index
Published by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunko banner since April 2004, A Certain Magical Index is a Japanese light novel series written by Kazuma Kamachi and drawn by Kiyotaka Haimura. The book has been collected into three separate volumes. The translations are available on the Internet, so you can easily read the light novel online.
Kazuma Kamachi has said that he has desired to write novels since he was a little child and has dedicated his school days to pursuing this goal. But he never intended to become a well-known author. Japanese manga artist and game character creator Kiyotaka Haimura.
The story takes place in a universe where people possess extraordinary powers. A Certain Magical Index centers on Toma Kamijo, a teenage Academy City high school student who meets Index, an English nun, and discovers he has a unique skill in his right hand.
Because of his unique ability, Toma finds himself in the middle of battles between the Academy City Sorcerers and Espers, trying to discover the truth about Academy City, Index, and Toma's unique ability.
The primary focus lies in worldbuilding. The interactions between Magic and Science are fascinating, and the unexpected findings in later volumes will not disappoint. Index's power systems are likewise incredibly well-built.
Not to mention, the characters are all outstanding. A sizable and varied array of people is present, some of whom have significant storylines.
According to Takarajimasha's guidebook Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi!, the light novel series has continuously placed in the top 10 light novels. The series was noteworthy for ranking first in 2011 and placing in the top three in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2017. The series was admitted into the Hall of Fame in 2020, which disqualified it from ranking in subsequent years.
The guidebook has also ranked Kamachi, Haimura, and several of the series' characters, most notably Mikoto Misaka, who has won the best female character award nine times in ten years. A Certain Magical Index became the first Dengeki Bunko series to sell over 10 million copies, and it was estimated to be the number one bestseller in May 2010.
Authors: Kazuma Kamachi, Kiyotaka Haimura
Year of publication: 2004
Status: Ongoing
