A Certain Scientific Railgun S - Reviews

*WARNING* - THE FOLLOWING REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS FROM INDEX - WARNING*

Synopsis

Misaka Mikoto, known as "Tokiwadai's Railgun", continues her adventures with her fellow friends Kuruko Shirai, Kazari Uiharu, and Ruiko Saten. However, she runs into problems that she has yet to face. There have been rumors floating around in Academy City, all referring to Misaka. What are these secrets? And why is Misaka involved?

Story

Railgun's second season story is split into two arcs. The first being a remake of the Sisters arc that occurred in the series "To Aru Majutsu no Index" involving Misaka Mikoto and Kamijou Touma. And the second pertaining to similar events that happened in the previous arc. The Sisters Arc is now in the perspective of Misaka Mikoto as you see the event in her eyes and how she personally feels. This perspective made such an deep impact on Misaka's character and shows how strong she feels about anyone she cares about. This perspective also overtakes the original showing in To Aru Majutsu no Index by showing more of what Misaka has gone through to solve her internal problem. The second arc is also well-done providing a short and sweet problem that has a somewhat similar feeling to what the Sisters Arc gave. Also, the second arc gave a mystery twist to the show that makes it much more interesting to watch. Overall, the Sisters Arc still proves superior for the in-depth story that makes the original, look weak in comaparison.

Animation

Railgun S regains its impressive animation, but puts it over the top with action scenes that are awe-spiring. With immense explosions, smooth flow, and dazzling animation effects on esper powers, Railgun S shows it's superiority over it's predecessor. The atmosphere that Railgun S creates, really sets up the mood amazingly with the scene being showed from; Light-Hearted Events, Fast-Paced Action, and Emotional Scenes. Overall, the animation of Railgun S is another strong factor that deems this show superior to any other similar genre shows around.

Sound

Railgun S provides impressive, fitting sound that adds more effect on the particular scene. From; Fast-Paced Action, Emotional Moments, and Light-Hearted Fun, Railgun S's OST collection is able to add a more entertaining effect to the show. Special sound effects such as Electric Shocks, Blowing Air, and Plasma Beams, give great effect towards the feeling of each character's particular power and their inner feelings. For Example, when a particular character like Misaka is furious, the sounds of her electrical shocks intensify in sound. The openings and endings are very memorable and fit well to the show's style by having fripSide, the performer for the first Railgun's opening songs, perform once again to get the viewer excited for what is coming to them next. Overall, Sound is not really Railgun S's strong point, but provides a great support for the amazing animation and atmosphere that the show gives you.

Characters

Referring to the "Story" section of the Review. Railgun S gives a remake of the Sisters Arc that occured in the series To Aru Majutsu no Index. Giving the arc a more deeper thought by putting it in the eyes of main character involved, Misaka Mikoto. Putting the story in the perspective of Misaka was much more providing in a way that To Aru Majutsu no Index didn't really give. The viewer is then put into a world where the Main Character is stressing the fact that identical beings are being experimented and killed by another. Being the problem, Misaka is then set in a trap thinking about what to do, how to do it, and how it will affect others. Kamijou Touma, who originally is a supporting character, shows more character development by showing his true motives and feelings towards the situation Misaka is going through. The emotional stress and conflict between these two characters becomes very strong and continues throughout the entire series, giving Misaka a inspiration and goal to achieve what is right. The other main characters such as Kuruko, Uiharu, and Saten, are given more development by supporting the confluct at hand and how they react to it. The introduction of new characters to the series is done well and their inclusion in the show is used well in future events to come. Overall, Railgun S's character development proves as the strongest factor in the show and is deemed superior over it's predecessors.

Final Thoughts

To Aru Kagaku no Railgun S shows it's true colors of how a powerful teenage girl and her friends can put on such a powerful performance with a in-depth story, dazzling animation, fitting sound, and deeply developed characters. The only complaints I have for this show ia the somewhat rushed second arc only spanning a few episodes as the first arc spanned over a much greater number in comparison. The Arc could have expanded a bit more.However, this flaw is really minor, seeing that everything else excelled amazingly. This series is definitely a instant top favorite in my account, and will be one to rewatch as it will be remembered as one of the best I have seen. The addition of light-hearted comedy is one that I love and adding this aspect to this show, makes it even more reason for it to be my favorite. I give To Aru Kagaku no Railgun S a 9.5 out of 10.

~RamkoX12X

Absolutly great story. The hole sister's arc got some really intense moments. Sometimes I was so worried about Misaka ;_;

I even liked it more than the first season. Beautiful Anime.

If you liked Railgun, you will love this, seeing the sister arc though Misaka point of view is both interesting and sad.

the idea behind the show is interesting, people having a special power, and there being a large list of possibilities. the possible growth of how powerful somone can become. the levels of ecchi and yuri content is rediculus, and probably the main reason i dropped this show. secondly the topics of the movie, are rather stupid, big deals made over "criminals" commiting crimes similar to young girls slumber party pranks.

This guy highlights some of the good things in the anime, though not all. 

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