A Certain Scientific Railgun S: The appeal and reviews of the sequel that exceeds expectations

A Certain Scientific Railgun S: The battle between the darkness of Academy City and psychics

"A Certain Scientific Railgun S" is a TV anime series that aired in 2013, based on the manga "A Certain Scientific Railgun" by Kazuma Kamachi and Motoi Fuyukawa. This work is set in Academy City and tells the story of the battles and growth of psychics, with the main character Misaka Mikoto at the center of the story. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of this work, as well as recommended points.

Overview

A Certain Scientific Railgun S is a 24-episode series that aired from April 12 to September 27, 2013. It was broadcast on a wide variety of networks, including TOKYO MX, MBS, CBC, BS11, AT-X, Tochigi TV, ShowTime, Niconico Video, and d Anime Store, reaching a wide audience. Each episode is 30 minutes long, directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai, and animated by JCSTAFF.

story

Misaka Mikoto is one of only seven Level 5 espers in Academy City, and is nicknamed "Railgun." She leads a peaceful school life, but is unaware that darkness is once again approaching Academy City. The story follows Mikoto as she learns of the existence of clones called "Sisters" and struggles to save them. The story also features tense developments, such as the "Level 6 Shift Plan" taking place behind the scenes of Academy City, and a showdown with Accelerator.

character

The appeal of this work lies in its unique characters. Below are the main characters and cast.

• Misaka Mikoto (CV: Sato Rina) - A level 5 esper who can control electricity and is nicknamed "Railgun." She is brave and has a strong sense of justice.
• Kuroko Shirai (CV: Satomi Arai) - Mikoto's roommate with the ability to teleport. She has a strong affection for Mikoto.
• Kazari Uiharu (CV: Aki Toyosaki) - A girl with the ability to gather information, she has a charming, caring personality towards her friends.
• Saten Ruiko (CV: Kanae Ito) - An ordinary girl with no special abilities, characterized by her bright and cheerful personality.
• Misaka Sister (CV: Nozomi Sasaki) - A clone of Mikoto, she calls her "Big Sister" and adores her.

In addition, many other fascinating characters will appear, such as Mii Kobo, Mitsuko Konno, Kinuyasu Wanuchi, and Misaki Shokuhou. Each character's personality and background deepens the story and draws the viewer in.

staff

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of this film. The main staff members are listed below.

• Original author : Kazuma Kamachi, Motoi Fuyukawa
• Character design : Kiyotaka Haimura
• Director : Tatsuyuki Nagai
• Series Composition : Kiyosuke Mizukami
• Animation character design : Yuichi Tanaka
• Chief animation director : Hiroshi Tomioka, Yu Yamashita
• Action Director : Yosuke Kabashima
• Music : I've sound/Maiko Iuchi

The work, created by this team of staff, brings out the charm of the original work to the fullest and achieves a quality that is both visually and aurally satisfying.

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode are often symbolic of the story's development, drawing the viewer's interest. Below are the subtitles for all 24 episodes.

• #1: Railgun
• #2: Lifespan Interruption [Critical]
• #3: Railgun Mass Production Plan
• #4: Sisters
• #5: Absolute Ability [Level 6] Evolution [Shift] Plan
• #6: Because I can see everyone
• #7: I want to help you, sister.
• #8: Item
• #9: Ability Tracking [AIM Stalker]
• #10: Atomic Breaker [Meltdowner]
• #11: Vending Machine
• #12: Tree diagram designer
• #13: One Way [Accelerator]
• #14: Promise
• #15: Weakest [Kamijo Touma]
• #16: Sisters
• #17: Study session
• #18: Moving
• #19: Academy City Research Presentation
• #20: Febri
• #21: Darkness
• #22: STUDY
• #23: Dawn of the Revolution [Silent Party]

Theme songs and music

The theme song and insert songs of this work are also important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the work. The theme song and insert songs are introduced below.

Opening Theme

• OP1 : "sister's noise" - fripSide
• OP2 : "eternal reality" - fripSide

Ending Theme

• ED1 : “Grow Slowly” – Yuka Iguchi
• ED2 : "Links" - Sachika Misawa

Insert song

• IN1 : "stand still" - Yuka Iguchi
• IN2 : "Infinia" - Sachika Misawa
• IN3 : "future gazer" - fripSide
• IN4 : "LEVEL5-judgelight-" - fripSide

These songs stir emotions as the story unfolds, resonating deeply with viewers. In particular, fripSide's songs are impressive with their powerful melodies and lyrics, and symbolize the theme of the work.

Rating and Recommended Points

"A Certain Scientific Railgun S" is a work that faithfully reproduces the charm of the original work while further deepening it with the expressiveness unique to anime. Below we will introduce the evaluation and recommended points in detail.

Deepening the story

This work is centered on the "Sisters' Arc" from the original work, and Mikoto's struggle to save the clones is moving. In particular, the confrontation scene with "Accelerator" is full of tension and has the power to draw the viewer in. In addition, the conspiracies taking place behind the scenes of Academy City and the growth of the characters are carefully depicted, giving the story a sense of depth.

Character Appeal

The personalities of the characters, including Mikoto, are striking, and their backgrounds and emotions are depicted realistically. In particular, the relationship between Mikoto and her younger sister Misaka is touching, and there are many scenes that touch the hearts of viewers. In addition, the supporting characters such as Kuroko Shirai, Kazari Uiharu, and Ruiko Saten are also attractive, and their actions add excitement to the story.

Visuals and Music

The visuals in this work are of high quality, created by JCSTAFF. In particular, Mikoto's lightning attacks and Accelerator's ability activation scenes are visually stunning and powerful. Music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, and fripSide's theme songs and insert songs stir emotions as the story unfolds.

Recommended points

• Fans of the original work : Recommended for those who want to enjoy the "Sisters" arc of the original work again in anime. It faithfully reproduces the charm of the original work while further enhancing it with the expressiveness that only anime can offer.
• For fans of psychic battles : The battle scenes between psychics like Mikoto and Accelerator are visually stunning and powerful. In particular, the powers of electricity and teleportation are depicted realistically, making it a sight to behold.
• For those who like moving stories : The relationship between Mikoto and Misaka and the growth of the characters are very moving, and there are many touching scenes. In particular, the final episode will leave you in tears.
• For music lovers : fripSide's theme songs and insert songs have impressive, powerful melodies and lyrics that symbolize the theme of the work. The music and the story work together to move the audience's hearts.

summary

"A Certain Scientific Railgun S" is a moving work that depicts the battle between the darkness of Academy City and psychics. While faithfully recreating the charm of the original work, this work further deepens it with the expressiveness unique to anime, and is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who like psychic battles and moving stories. In particular, the relationship between Mikoto and Misaka's younger sister, and the confrontation scene with Accelerator are must-sees. In addition, fripSide's theme song and insert songs are important elements that liven up the atmosphere of the work and resonate deeply in the hearts of viewers. Please enjoy this work.