A Certain Magical Index (Japanese: とある魔術の禁書目録, Hepburn: Toaru Majutsu no Indekkusu)[a] is a Japaneselight novel series written by Kazuma Kamachi and illustrated by Kiyotaka Haimura, which has been published by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunkoimprint since April 2004 in a total of three separate series. The first ran from April 2004 to October 2010, the second from March 2011 to July 2019, and the third from February 2020 to present.
The plot is set in a world where humans called espers possess supernatural abilities. The light novels focus on Toma Kamijo, a young high school student in Academy City with the ability to cancel other espers' powers, as he encounters an English nun named Index. His ability, which allows him to cancel other powers by touching them, and his relationship with Index prove dangerous to other sorcerers and espers who wanted to discover the secrets behind him and Index, as well as the city.
A manga adaptation by Chuya Kogino began serialization in Monthly Shōnen Gangan in April 2007. J.C.Staff produced two 24-episode anime series between 2008 and 2011. An animated film was released in February 2013. A 26-episode third season aired between 2018 and 2019. Several spin-offs and other adaptations have also been made, including several video games.
After being rejected for the Dengeki Novel Prize, Kamachi was contacted by Kazuma Miki, an editor at ASCII Media Works who had him write several test novels. He got the chance to write a full series and decided to create it with the concept of exploring the rules of magic, rather than just having it exist, and the inclusion of science to oppose its elements. The resulting series has seen success with both critics and audiences, with critics praising the action and characters.
A Certain Magical Index is set in a world where supernatural abilities are a reality. Individuals who possess special powers acquired via science are called Espers (超能力者, Chōnōryokusha). Those Espers who gain their abilities without the aid of special scientific instruments, whether at birth or otherwise, are referred to as Gemstones (原石, Genseki). Others, known as Sorcerers (魔術師, Majutsushi), gain their powers upon mastering the power of magic, either from obtaining knowledge from different mythologies or by using mystical artifacts, although the existence of sorcerers is a secret to the public. While Sorcerers align themselves with different beliefs, Espers are aligned with scientific institutions. This leads to a power struggle between the magic and science factions for control of the world.
Plot
The story is set in Academy City (学園都市, Gakuen Toshi), a technologically advanced independent city-state located in the west of Tokyo, Japan, which is known for its educational and research institutions. Toma Kamijo is a student in Academy City whose right hand's power called the Imagine Breaker could negate any supernatural powers but also his luck, much to his chagrin. One day, Toma meets a young English girl named Index, a nun from Necessarius, a secret magic branch of the Church of England, whose mind had been implanted with the Index Librorum Prohibitorum – 103,000 forbidden magical books the Church stored in secret locations. His encounter with her leads him to meet others from the secret worlds of science and magic. Toma's unusual power places him at the center of conflicts between the Sorcerers and Espers in Academy City who planned to unravel the secrets behind Academy City, Index, and Toma's special power.
Besides its manga adaptation, the series also has four spin-offs focusing on other characters. One of them is A Certain Scientific Railgun, which focuses on Mikoto Misaka, an Electromaster and the third most powerful Esper in Academy City. The second, A Certain Scientific Accelerator, focuses on Accelerator, a teenager capable of controlling vectors and the most powerful Esper in Academy City. The third, A Certain Scientific Dark Matter, deals with the second most powerful Esper in Academy City named Teitoku Kakine and his past. The fourth, A Certain Scientific Mental Out, follows the fifth Level 5 Esper and most powerful psychological psychic named Misaki Shokuhō in her election campaign for the next president of Tokiwadai Middle School's student body.
Development
Kazuma Kamachi started his work with A Certain Magical Index when he received a call from Kazuma Miki, the light novel editor, after his submission was rejected at the 9th Dengeki Game Novel Prize (now Dengeki Novel Prize) in 2002.[2] Miki began to train him in writing multiple test novels, including a story about a girl sister and a boy with a mysterious arm which became the basis for his light novel.[3]
In his essay titled "If It's Interesting Anything Goes: 600 Million Copies Printed—The Day in the Life of a Certain Editor", Miki stated that the light novel was originally called Last Memory (ラストメモリー, Rasuto Memorī) but he chose the current title because the word "Index" left a "strong personality in the sense and direction" upon his reading of the manuscript.[4] Kamachi revealed that Index's name was derived from the "Kinsho Mokuroku" (禁書目録)kanji he found from looking in the encyclopedia since he wanted a name that would "stand out for the character the story was centered around".[5] He avoided using difficult kanji for Toma Kamijo's name to help readers able to read it but he kept the meaning behind the character's epithet ("The One Who Purifies God and Slays Demons") a secret for now.[5]
When it came the time to write the story, Kamachi investigated the terms "sorcerer" and "real" online for him to build the world of magic and the magicians' existence in his light novel.[6] He also realized that most other Dengeki Bunko novels had magic as a main theme; however, none of them actually invested much into its inner-workings. As such, he decided to use this as the premise for the series.[6] In setting up the world of science, Kamachi "needed some kind of power to oppose" the magic side. This helped him to create the idea of Toma Kamijo's known power, the Imagine Breaker, and set the stage for the world-building of Academy City "where science, espers, and magic would gather".[5]
Upon the release of the first volume of the light novel, Miki stated that "(to be blunt) it sold like crazy. Shortly after the official release date, we had to do a reprint half the size of the original printing. It was on a Monday. I still remember it now. It was quite an achievement for an unknown newcomer".[7] After the success of the first volume, the second volume was completed in 17 days.[8][9] Subsequent volumes were also completed quickly, with the story for the ninth volume completed before the release of the fifth volume.[8]
A Certain Magical Index is a light novel series written by Kamachi and illustrated by Kiyotaka Haimura. ASCII Media Works published 25 volumes between April 10, 2004, and August 10, 2011, under their Dengeki Bunko imprint; 22 comprise the main story[10][11] while the other three are short story collections.[12][13][14] On May 4, 2021, all volumes were free to read for one day in the Dengeki Novekomi app developed by Kadokawa Corporation.[15]Yen Press licensed the series in North America in April 2014, which began releasing under their Yen On imprint in November,[16] and its omnibus edition in November 2022.[17]
A sequel series, titled A Certain Magical Index: New Testament (新約 とある魔術の禁書目録, Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Indekkusu), began publication on March 10, 2011[18] and concluded on July 10, 2019, with the publication of its 23rd volume.[19] On May 4, 2021, they began to be published in the Dengeki Novekomi app.[15] A third light novel series, titled A Certain Magical Index: Genesis Testament (創約 とある魔術の禁書目録, Sōyaku Toaru Majutsu no Indekkusu), began publication on February 7, 2020.[20] Yen Press has acquired New Testament for English publication.[21]
Kamachi wrote short novels exclusively for Haimura's three artbook collections. The first short novel, titled A Certain Magical Index SS: Love Letter Competition, was included in the release of Kiyotaka Haimura Artbook rainbow spectrum:colors on February 28, 2011.[22] The second short novel, titled New Testament: A Certain Magical Index SS, was included in the release of Kiyotaka Haimura Artbook 2 rainbow spectrum:notes on September 9, 2014.[23] The third short novel, titled Genesis Testament: A Certain Magical Index SS, was included in the release of Kiyotaka Haimura Artbook 3 CROSS on May 9, 2020.[24]
The bonus novels that Kamachi wrote for the series' Blu-ray/DVD releases are compiled into two volumes titled A Certain Magical Index: Apocrypha Archive (とある魔術の禁書目録 外典書庫, Toaru Majutsu no Indekkusu: Gaiten Shoku) to commemorate the 15th anniversary of his debut,[25] which were published on June 10[26] and August 7, 2020.[27]
A spin-off novel series written by Kamachi and illustrated by Nilitsu focusing on the women belonging to Academy City's dark side, titled A Certain ITEM of Dark Side (とある暗部の少女共棲, Toaru Anbu no Aitemu),[b] was announced in January 2023.[28] As of August 10, 2023, a total of two volumes have been released in Japan.[29]
The series has been adapted into two manga series. The one based on the novels is illustrated by Chuya Kogino and started serialization in the May 2007 issue of Square Enix's Monthly Shōnen Gangan. The first tankōbon volume was released in Japan on November 10, 2007.[30] As of November 12, 2024, 31 volumes have been published. Yen Press has licensed the series in North America[31] and has been publishing the manga since May 19, 2015.[32] The manga is also licensed in Italy by Star Comics.[33]
The other manga adaptation based on A Certain Magical Index: The Movie – The Miracle of Endymion is illustrated by Ryōsuke Asakura and was serialized from February 12[34] to October 12, 2013. Square Enix published the first volume on August 27[35] and the second volume on October 22.[36]
A side-story manga series illustrated by Motoi Fuyukawa, titled A Certain Scientific Railgun, started serialization in the April 2007 issue of Dengeki Daioh.[37] As of March 2023, 18 volumes have been released.[38] Its spin-off, titled A Certain Scientific Railgun: Astral Buddy, was serialized in Dengeki Daioh from April 27, 2017,[39] to July 27, 2020.[40] It was published in four volumes.[41] A second side-story manga series illustrated by Arata Yamaji, titled A Certain Scientific Accelerator, was serialized in Dengeki Daioh from December 27, 2013,[42] to July 27, 2020.[43] It was published in twelve volumes.[44] A third side-story manga series illustrated by Nankyoku Kisaragi, titled A Certain Scientific Dark Matter (とある科学の未元物質, Toaru Kagaku no Dāku Matā),[c] was serialized in ASCII Media Works magazine Dengeki Daioh from August 27, 2019, to March 26, 2020 (the same day the compiled volume was published).[45] A fourth side-story manga series illustrated by Yasuhito Nogi, titled A Certain Scientific Mental Out (とある科学の心理掌握, Toaru Kagaku no Mentaru Auto),[d] began serialization in Comic Newtype website on July 27, 2021.[46] As of January 10, 2024, three volumes have been published.[47]
A yonkoma manga spin-off illustrated by Mijin Kouka, titled A Certain Everyday Index-san (とある日常のいんでっくすさん, Toaru Nichijō no Indekkusu-san), was serialized in Square Enix's Monthly Shōnen Gangan magazine from September 12, 2013,[48] to May 12, 2016.[49] A total of five tankōbon volumes had been published in Japan from February 22, 2014,[50] to May 21, 2016.[51] In March 2023, Kamachi revealed the manga adaptation of A Certain ITEM of Dark Side by Strelka which is serialized in Dengeki Daioh magazine[52][53] starting October 26 of that year.[54]
A 24-episode anime adaptation of A Certain Magical Index was produced by J.C.Staff and directed by Hiroshi Nishikiori,[55] which was aired in Japan from October 4, 2008, to March 19, 2009. The anime was collected into eight Blu-ray and DVD sets, which were released from January 23[56] to August 21, 2009.[57]
A second season titled A Certain Magical Index II began airing in Japan from October 8, 2010, to April 1, 2011[58] and was also streamed on Nico Nico Douga.[59] The second season's eight volumes of Blu-ray/DVD sets were released from January 26[60] to September 22, 2011.[61]
An animated film titled A Certain Magical Index: The Movie – The Miracle of Endymion (劇場版 とある魔術の禁書目録 エンデュミオンの奇蹟, Gekijōban Toaru Majutsu no Indekkusu: Endyumion no Kiseki) was released in Japan on February 23, 2013.[62] It is based on an original story written by Kamachi and features the main characters from both Index and Railgun anime series, along with the new ones designed by Haimura.[63][64] The Blu-ray/DVD set of the film, which was released on August 28, is included with a bonus anime titled A Certain Magical Index-tan: The Movie – The Miracle of Endymion... Happened, or Maybe Not.[65]
The 26-episode third season titled A Certain Magical Index III aired in Japan from October 5, 2018, to April 5, 2019.[66][67] The third season's eight volumes of Blu-ray/DVD sets were released from December 26, 2018[68] to July 31, 2019,[69] with episodes 6 and 7 of the bonus short anime parody titled A Certain Magical Index-tan, which depicted Index in her chibi form, included in the first and fifth limited edition releases.[70][69] The third season was originally planned to be a reboot but it was later decided to be a sequel instead.[71] The three seasons were released on Hulu in Japan on March 24, 2022.[72]
In North America, Funimation (which now goes by the name of Crunchyroll LLC) has licensed the series for home video and streaming. An English language dub began streaming on their website in September 2012 and was released on DVD on December 11.[73][74][75] The first season aired in North America on the Funimation Channel on January 21, 2013.[76] It can also been seen on the Crunchyroll streaming service after the Funimation brand was unified with the former in 2022.[77]
Maiko Iuchi of I've Sound is in charge of music for the series' three seasons. The first opening theme music, used in episodes 1–16 of the first season of A Certain Magical Index, is "PSI-Missing",[84] while the second one, used in episode 17 onwards, is "Masterpiece",[85] both performed by Mami Kawada. The first ending theme music, used in episodes 1–19, is "Rimless ~Rimless World~" (Rimless 〜フチナシノセカイ〜, Rimless ~Fuchinashi no Sekai~),[86] while the second one, used in episode 20 onwards, is "Oath ~Just a Little Once More~" (誓い言 ～スコシだけもう一度～, Chikaigoto ~Sukoshi Dake Mō Ichido~),[87] both performed by Iku.
The first opening theme music of A Certain Magical Index II is "No Buts!",[88] while the second one, introduced in episode 17, is "See Visions",[89] both performed by Kawada. The first ending theme music, used in episodes 1–13, is "Magic∞World",[90] while the second one, used in episode 14 onwards, is "Memories Last" (メモリーズ・ラスト, Memorīzu Rasuto),[91] both performed by Kurosaki.
The ending theme music of A Certain Magical Index: The Movie – The Miracle of Endymion is "Fixed Star" by Kawada and the single was released on February 20, 2013.[92] The first opening theme music of A Certain Magical Index III is "Gravitation", while the second one is "Roar", both performed by Kurosaki.[93][94] The first ending theme music is "Eve of a Revolution" (革命前夜, Kakumei Zenya), while the second one is "The Never-Ending Song" (終わらない歌, Owaranai Uta), both performed by Yuka Iguchi.[93][94]
A 3Dfighting game titled A Certain Magical Index was developed by Shade for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and published by ASCII Media Works on January 27, 2011.[95][96] Heroz developed a socialcard game for Mobage titled A Certain Magical Index: Struggle Battle, which was published by ASCII Media Works on December 25, 2012.[97] The game was updated to A Certain Magical Index: Struggle Battle II,[98] but was later announced at the end of its service on March 30, 2018.[99]
Guyzware and Namco Bandai Games announced on June 8, 2012, a collaboration project for a game adaptation of the series,[100] which was revealed to be a crossover visual novel game for PSP between A Certain Magical Index and A Certain Scientific Railgun franchises titled A Certain Magical and Scientific Ensemble.[101] The game was released on February 21, 2013.[102] Heroz also developed an actionpuzzle game titled A Certain Magical and Scientific Puzzdex, which was published by ASCII Media Works in 2014.[103]NetEase Games developed a massively multiplayer online role-playing game based on the series with supervision from Kadokawa Corporation, titled A Certain Magical Index: Genuine Mobile Game, which was released to the Chinese market in 2017.[104]
On January 4, 2019, Square Enix released a teaser trailer that announced their game titled A Certain Magical Index: Imaginary Fest,[105] which was released on July 4.[106] Fuji Shoji, a Japanese company known for their pachinko and pachislot products, released a teaser trailer on August 24, 2020, for the series' pachinko,[107] which was later launched in November.[108][109] Sun Electronics adapted it into a mobile game and launched it on December 17, 2020.[110]
Other media
A radio drama was broadcast in Dengeki Taishō, narrating the story of an encounter with the mysterious self-proclaimed "former" sorcerer by Toma Kamijo and Index in a family restaurant after Mikoto Misaka decided to go back due to urgent business.[111] It was later released as a drama CD, which was included in the mail-in order of the 48th volume of Dengeki hp.[112] The drama CD, which contains a new story about Misaka and Kuroko Shirai with their "urgent business" and a duel request by a Level 3 psychic girl from Tokiwadai Middle School, became available for purchase in December 2007.[111]
Geneon Universal Entertainment (now NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan) released four audio dramas for the first season of Index under the title A Certain Magical Index Archives from March 25[113] to August 21, 2009.[114] The same enterprise released another four audio dramas for the second season from May 25[115] to August 24, 2011.[116] A drama CD for A Certain Magical Index III was released as a bonus for customers who purchased the limited edition volume sets of the series via Amazon's Japanese website.[117]
Several characters from A Certain Magical Index cross over with other characters created by Kamachi in his light novel The Circumstance Leading to a Simple Killer Princess' Marriage Was a Certain Magical Heavy Zashiki Warashi [ja], which was published on February 10, 2015.[118] As a collaboration with Sega's Virtual On video game franchise, Kamachi wrote the crossover light novel titled A Certain Magical Index × Cyber Troopers Virtual-On: A Certain Magical Virtual-On (とある魔術の禁書目録×電脳戦機バーチャロン とある魔術の電脳戦機, Toaru Majutsu no Indekkusu × Den'nō Senki Bācharon: Toaru Majutsu no Bācharon) with mecha illustrations designed by Hajime Katoki, which was released on May 10, 2016.[119] One of Kamachi's light novel works, Apocalypse Witch [ja], crosses over with A Certain Magical Index under the title A Certain Magical Index × Apocalypse Witch Collaboration SS (とある魔術の禁書目録×アポカリプス・ウィッチ コラボSS), which was released in May 2020.[120]
A manga adaptation of The Circumstance Leading to a Simple Killer Princess' Marriage Was a Certain Magical Heavy Zashiki Warashi was serialized on Monthly Shōnen Gangan from February 12[121] to October 10, 2015.[122] The first tankōbon volume was published on November 21, 2015,[123] and the final volume on December 22.[124] A manga adaptation of A Certain Magical Virtual-On began publication in ASCII Media Works' Monthly Denplay Comic magazine from March 10, 2018,[125] to June 26, 2019, with a total of three tankōbon volumes.[126]
The series is featured in Dengeki Gakuen RPG: Cross of Venus for the Nintendo DS, with Index appearing as a supporting character.[127] The series was also adapted into Bushiroad's Weiß Schwarzcollectible card game, which was released on April 24, 2010.[128] Index also makes a cameo appearance in the Oreimo PSP game.[129] Sega's Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax brings Mikoto Misaka as a playable character, while Toma Kamijo and Accelerator are assist characters.[130] Sega and Dengeki Bunko later collaborated to develop A Certain Magical Virtual-On for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita,[131] which was released on February 15, 2018.[132] Toma, Mikoto, Accelerator, Kuroko Shirai, and Kazari Uiharu appear as playable characters in Dengeki Bunko: Crossing Void, a 2018 mobile game developed by 91Act and Sega.[133]
Reception
Awards
The light novel series has consistently ranked in the top ten light novels in Takarajimasha's guidebook Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi!. Notably, the series ranked first in 2011,[134] while also ranking in the top three in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2017.[135] In 2020, the series was inducted into the hall of fame, thus barred from ranking in future years.[136] Kamachi, Haimura, and several of the series' characters have also ranked in the guidebook,[135] notably with Mikoto Misaka winning the award for best female character nine times in ten years.[137]
In May 2010, it was reported that A Certain Magical Index became Dengeki Bunko's number one bestseller and it became the first Dengeki Bunko series to sell over 10 million copies.[140][141] Later that year, it became the fifth best-selling light novel in Japan, beating other popular series such as Full Metal Panic! and Haruhi Suzumiya.[142] It was reported in October 2014 that the entire franchise, including the light novels and manga, had sold over 28 million copies.[143] It was reported in August 2017 that the light novels have sold over 16.35 million copies.[144] In July 2018, the series was reported to have sold over 30 million copies.[145] It was reported with the release of Sorcery Hacker >> Divulge the Magic Vulnerability that the physical sales of the series had reached 18 million copies.[146] As of May 2021, it was reported that the light novel, manga, and spin-off series reached 31 million copies.[15]
Critical reception
Matthew Warner from The Fandom Post rated the first volume of the light novel an 'A', calling it a "fantastic start".[147] Sean Gaffney from A Case Suitable for Treatment also praised it, calling it a "solid beginning", while also noted that it can be a bit slow at times.[148] Theron Martin from Anime News Network also praised it for the concept, as well as for keeping Toma Kamijo balanced, while also criticizing the illustrations.[149]
Richard Gutierrez from The Fandom Post praised the premise of the manga, but criticized the execution due to the lack of background it provides.[150] Leroy Douresseaux from Comic Book Bin praised the volume he reviewed, stating the art by Chuya Kogino fits the series perfectly.[151] However, Erkael from Manga News was more critical, specifically for the artwork, but he did praise the story and concept.[152]
Chris Beveridge from The Fandom Post praised the anime adaptation, calling it a "fun series" and "pretty engaging".[153] Ian Wolf from Anime UK News also praised the series, specifically for the action, while calling the music "[just] okay".[154] Like Beveridge and Wolf, Carl Kimlinger from Anime News Network also offered praise to the series for the characters and action, while criticizing for being a bit generic at times.[155] Like Kimlinger, Theron Martin from the same website also praised the action and characters, while criticizing it for feeling preachy at times.[156] André Van Renssen from Active Anime called the series "a decent show", comparing it to Shakugan no Shana for its action. Despite that, they also criticized the series for being too violent at times.[157][158]
Notes
^The kanji禁書目録 in the Japanese title, glossed with furigana as Indekkusu (インデックス), are normally read as Kinsho Mokuroku (the Japanese name for the Index Librorum Prohibitorum).
^The kanji 少女共棲 in the Japanese title is read as Shōjo Kyōsei.
^The official title is A Certain Magical Index Side Story: A Certain Scientific Dark Matter (とある魔術の禁書目録外伝 とある科学の未元物質, Toaru Majutsu no Indekkusu Gaiden: Toaru Kagaku no Dāku Matā).
^The official title is A Certain Magical Index Side Story: A Certain Scientific Mental Out (とある魔術の禁書目録外伝 とある科学の心理掌握, Toaru Majutsu no Indekkusu Gaiden: Toaru Kagaku no Mentaru Auto).
^とある魔術の禁書目録：電撃史上最高1000万部突破 大ヒットの秘密は？ [A Certain Magical Index: Dengeki's Highest Ever 10 Million Copies Sold. What's the secret behind the huge hit?]. Mantan Web (in Japanese). January 2, 2011. Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
^ abc電撃文庫『とある魔術の禁書目録』全24巻が1日限定で無料に！ [All 24 volumes of Dengeki Bunko's "A Certain Magical Index" are free for one day only!]. Dengeki Online (in Japanese). May 1, 2021. Archived from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
^禁書の短編小説も収録！ 灰村キヨタカの画集が発売 [Also includes a short story about Index! Kiyotaka Haimura's art book is now available!]. Weekly ASCII (in Japanese). February 21, 2011. Archived from the original on June 14, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
^Magi, Inaya (June 8, 2020). 鎌池和馬先生デビュー15周年記念！『とある』の特典小説集が発売 [Celebrating the 15th anniversary of Kazuma Kamachi's debut! Special novel collection of "Toaru" released!]. Dengeki Online (in Japanese). Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
^ とある魔術の禁書目録外伝 とある科学の超電磁砲(18) (電撃コミックス) [A Certain Magical Index Side Story: A Certain Scientific Railgun (18) (Dengeki Comics)] (in Japanese). ASIN4049149591.
^主役は学園都市第二位・垣根帝督！『とある魔術の禁書目録外伝 とある科学の未元物質』コミックスが3月26日発売!! [The main character is the second place in Academy City, Teitoku Kakine! The "A Certain Magical Index Side Story: A Certain Scientific Dark Matter" comics go on sale on March 26th!]. Dengeki Daioh (in Japanese). March 25, 2020. Archived from the original on July 14, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
^とある魔術の禁書目録外伝 とある科学の心理掌握（３） [A Certain Magical Index Side Story: A Certain Scientific Mental Out (3)]. Kadokawa (in Japanese). Retrieved February 21, 2024.
^禁書目録4コマ「とある日常のいんでっくすさん」ガンガンで [A Certain Everyday Index-san, a four-panel comic strip in Gangan]. Natalie (in Japanese). September 12, 2013. Archived from the original on April 18, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
^るーすぼーい原作の新連載は"人類の敵"VS能力者、「たなけだ」付録も [New serialization of the original story by Looseboy is "Enemies of Humanity" VS psychic, with a Tanaka-kun supplement]. Natalie (in Japanese). May 12, 2016. Archived from the original on April 18, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
^ガンガンに禁書目録ポスター、高津カリノ＆もち連載予告も [Gangan also has A Certain Magical Index poster, Karino Takatsu & Mochi serialization previews]. Natalie (in Japanese). February 12, 2014. Archived from the original on April 18, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
^電撃大王29周年！『新米姉妹のふたりごはん』が肉(29)イラストでお祝い!! 複製原画プレゼント企画や新連載予告が盛りだくさん!! [The 29th anniversary of Dengeki Daioh! Shinmai Shimai no Futari Gohan celebrates with meat (29) illustrations! A lot of original reproductions present project and previews of new serials!]. PR Times (in Japanese). April 26, 2023. Archived from the original on April 26, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
^「とある暗部の少女共棲」コミカライズなど、電撃大王で新連載4本が一挙スタート [Four new series start at Dengeki Daioh, including comic version of “A Certain ITEM of Dark Side” access.date=February 21, 2024]. Natalie (in Japanese). October 27, 2023. Archived from the original on February 20, 2024.
^とある魔術の禁書目録 第1巻 (初回限定版) [DVD] [A Certain Magical Index Volume 1 (First Press Limited Edition) [DVD]]. Amazon (in Japanese). January 23, 2009. Archived from the original on July 14, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
^とある魔術の禁書目録 第8巻 (通常版) [DVD] [A Certain Magical Index Vol. 8 (Normal Edition) [DVD]]. Amazon (in Japanese). August 21, 2009. Archived from the original on July 14, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
^とある魔術の禁書目録II Blu-ray＆DVD 第1巻 2011年1月26日発売 [A Certain Magical Index II Blu-ray & DVD Volume 1 Released on January 26, 2011]. toaru-project.com/index_1_2 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on June 8, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
^とある魔術の禁書目録II 第8巻〈初回限定版〉Blu-ray＆DVD 2011/09/22発売 [A Certain Magical Index II Volume 8 <First Limited Edition> Blu-ray & DVD Released on September 22, 2011]. toaru-project.com/index_1_2 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on June 8, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
^2018年『とある』プロジェクト始動！『とある魔術の禁書目録III』TVアニメ制作決定 [2018 "Toaru" Project starts! "A Certain Magical Index III" will be produced as a TV anime!]. Dengeki Online (in Japanese). October 1, 2017. Archived from the original on December 10, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
^とある魔術の禁書目録III Vol.1＜初回仕様版＞ [A Certain Magical Index III Vol.1 <First Edition>]. toaru-project.com/index_3 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on May 17, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
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^スマホ向けパズルゲーム「とある魔術と科学の謎解目録」Android版が配信中 [Android version of "A Certain Magical and Scientific Puzzdex", a puzzle game for smartphones, is now available.]. 4Gamer.net (in Japanese). March 17, 2014. Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
^角川正版《魔法禁书目录》正版手游制作决定 [Kadokawa-certified "A Certain Magical Index" genuine mobile game production decision]. NetEase Games (in Chinese). July 21, 2016. Archived from the original on May 4, 2017. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
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^『とある魔術の禁書目録』がついにパチンコに登場！ ["A Certain Magical Index" is finally available in pachinko!]. Dengeki Online (in Japanese). August 25, 2020. Archived from the original on June 13, 2021. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
^大人気ライトノベル、王道スペック・遊タイム搭載で待望のパチンコ化／『Pとある魔術の禁書目録』 [Long-awaited pachinko version of popular light novel with royal specs and playtime / "A Certain Magical Index P"]. Greenbelt Web. September 9, 2020. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
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^とある魔術のヘヴィーな座敷童が簡単な殺人妃の婚活事情 [The Circumstance Leading to a Simple Killer Princess' Marriage Was a Certain Magical Heavy Zashiki Warashi]. Dengeki Bunko (in Japanese). Archived from the original on August 25, 2022. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
^『とある魔術の禁書目録』×『アポカリプス・ウィッチ』コラボ小説が無料公開！ [The "A Certain Magical Index" × "Apocalypse Witch" collaboration novel is now available for free!]. Dengeki Online (in Japanese). May 7, 2020. Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
^鎌池和馬の歴代キャラ大集合！オールスターノベルがガンガンでマンガ化 [Kazuma Kamachi's all-star cast of characters! All-star novel is now a manga in Gangan]. Natalie (in Japanese). Archived from the original on December 22, 2019. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
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^1億部突破の電撃文庫で最も売れたのは『とある魔術の禁書目録』 [The best-selling Dengeki Bunko with over 100 million copies was "A Certain Magical Index"]. Temple Knights (in Japanese). May 5, 2010. Archived from the original on April 14, 2019. Retrieved August 16, 2010.
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