A Certain Scientific Railgun, Part One

This series takes place in the same setting as (and shares some characters with) A Certain Magical Index (VL-5/13): namely, Academy City, a high-tech metropolis of schools (where almost no studying or classes are ever shown). Psychic superpowers are taken most seriously here, and there are millions of young "espers." The title references the nickname of adolescent Misaka, whose electro-shock bolts and magnetic-field mojo make her a key enforcer in Judgment, the student-level police and foe of rogue espers and other threatening phenomena. Over 12 episodes, they combat telekinetic bullies and bandits, track a black-market substance that boosts esper abilities, and uncover hints of a giant overarching conspiracy behind Academy City itself. The tone varies between perilous action and silly shojo-schoolgirl stuff, with Misaka stoically tolerating the Sapphic crush of her diminutive "teleporter" roommate Kuroko, among other antics. Amusing (or grating, depending on one's tastes) subplots involve panties and lingerie, and the urban legend of the lurking "undresstress," supposedly a sultry teacher who uses any excuse to disrobe in public. Compiling the first 12 episodes from the 2009-10 series on a dual-language set, rated TV-14, DVD extras include audio commentaries. A strong optional purchase. [Note: A Certain Scientific Railgun, Part Two is also newly available.] (C. Cassady)