A Certain Magical Index Vol. 1 is a light novel written by Kazuma Kamachi and illustrated by Kiyotaka Haimura. The novel is set in a world where supernatural abilities and advanced technology coexist, and follows the story of Tōma Kamijō, a high school student with an unusual power. Tōma possesses the "Imagine Breaker," a mysterious ability that can negate any supernatural power, be it magic or esper abilities. This ability makes him a target for those who seek to control or eliminate him. The story begins when Tōma discovers a nun named Index Librorum Prohibitorum hanging from his balcony.
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The Anniversary Edition of the popular artifact, which can be tapped for two colourless mana, will appear in a common rarity, alongside the original Sol Ring at uncommon. The Beta card list includes many of Magic The Gathering s most iconic cards, including the Power Nine - a set of nine cards notorious for their in-game power and subsequent rarity and value.
The story begins when Tōma discovers a nun named Index Librorum Prohibitorum hanging from his balcony. Index is a member of Necessarius, a secret organization that protects forbidden magical texts. After saving Index from being attacked, Tōma learns that she holds knowledge of 103,000 forbidden grimoires in her mind, making her a valuable target for various factions and organizations.
Magic: The Gathering’s 30th Anniversary Edition reprints classic cards, including Black Lotus, in a $1,000 set
Magic: The Gathering is releasing a 30th Anniversary Edition including some of its earliest and most iconic cards. Oh, and it costs a thousand dollars. Surprise!
Announced during Hasbro’s Investor Day stream, Magic: The Gathering’s 30th Anniversary Edition is based on Limited Edition Beta, the card game’s second-ever print run released in October 1993.
The Beta card list includes many of Magic: The Gathering’s most iconic cards, including the Power Nine - a set of nine cards notorious for their in-game power and subsequent rarity and value. That includes Black Lotus, considered to be MTG’s Holy Grail card. Although less rare that a copy from MTG's first Alpha set, a Beta Black Lotus typically fetches tens of thousands of dollars at auction.
The 30th Anniversary Edition box will include four booster packs said to be “reimagined” for a modern re-release. Each pack will include 15 cards, with 13 of those using the frame seen on modern cards and two - a basic land and one other - featuring a “retro” frame, matching last year’s throwback set Time Spiral Remastered. The cards will comprise one rare card, three uncommons, seven commons and two basic lands, plus a token.
Wizards of the Coast added that roughly three in ten packs will include a “rare retro frame card” in the retro frame slot, meaning there’s a chance that two Power Nine cards - including Black Lotus - could appear in a single booster. Regardless of frame, dual lands will appear twice as often as non-dual land rares.
The reprints in the 30th Anniversary Edition will match the in-game rarity of the original cards in 1993 - meaning no mythic rares - apart from Sol Ring, which gains an additional unique anniversary edition. The Anniversary Edition of the popular artifact, which can be tapped for two colourless mana, will appear in a common rarity, alongside the original Sol Ring at uncommon.
The reprinted cards are described as being collectibles, rather than designed for use in matches, with all of the cards being non-legal in tournaments. Each card will feature its original artwork on the front - with Wizards saying some visuals have been touched up for a “clear, modern look” - and the older white mana symbol, along with a new unique card back to mark them out from playable cards. Outside of their art, the cards will also include “modern wording and modern corners” to bring them closer in line with today’s MTG releases.
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Wizards said it had removed six Beta cards - Contract from Below, Darkpact, Demonic Attorney, Earthbind, Weakness and Crusade - from the set due to failing to meet “modern standards”, as well as changing flavour text. Crusade was previously among cards banned in 2020 as the result of being racist and “culturally offensive”.
30th Anniversary Edition’s collectible and limited-edition status apparently means it also comes with a collectible price. That price? $999 - that’s right, almost a thousand dollars, no decimal point - when it releases on November 28th.
The anniversary set is due to release in the US later this year, and around the world in early 2023.
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Wizards said it had removed six Beta cards - Contract from Below, Darkpact, Demonic Attorney, Earthbind, Weakness and Crusade - from the set due to failing to meet “modern standards”, as well as changing flavour text. Crusade was previously among cards banned in 2020 as the result of being racist and “culturally offensive”.
With Tōma's ability to negate any supernatural power and his desire to protect Index, the two become unlikely allies as they navigate the dangerous world of magic and science. Along the way, they encounter other individuals with unique powers, such as Misaka Mikoto, a powerful electromaster and one of the most popular characters in the series. A Certain Magical Index Vol. 1 sets the foundation for the larger story, introducing the characters and the conflicts they face. The novel combines elements of fantasy, science fiction, and action, creating an engaging and complex world filled with political intrigue and supernatural battles. The novel also explores themes such as the nature of power, the conflict between science and magic, and the importance of relationships and trust. Tōma's journey of discovering the true extent of his powers and his role in the world unfolds as he confronts various adversaries and uncovers the secrets of the magical and scientific societies. Overall, A Certain Magical Index Vol. 1 is a captivating introduction to a rich and expansive world filled with memorable characters and intriguing plotlines. Whether you are a fan of light novels or are new to the genre, this novel is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in a unique blend of fantasy, science fiction, and action..
Reviews for "The Critical Reception of A Certain Magical Index Vol 1 Light Novel"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "A Certain Magical Index Vol 1". The characters felt underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to connect with them. The plot also felt scattered and disjointed, with too many unnecessary subplots that only served to confuse me further. Furthermore, the pacing was all over the place, with moments of intense action followed by long, drawn-out sections of exposition. Overall, I found the reading experience quite tedious and struggled to maintain interest throughout the book.
2. Sarah - 3 stars - While "A Certain Magical Index Vol 1" had an interesting concept and a unique magical world, I couldn't fully enjoy it due to the writing style. The prose was dry and lacked emotion, which made it challenging to become emotionally invested in the story or the characters. Additionally, the frequent use of technical jargon and complex explanations made it difficult to follow the plot at times. I also felt that the pacing was slow, with too much time spent on mundane details rather than advancing the story. Overall, I appreciated the world-building efforts, but the execution left much to be desired.
3. Michael - 2 stars - I found "A Certain Magical Index Vol 1" to be a frustrating read. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real growth or development. The dialogue often felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to believe in the interactions between the characters. The world-building was interesting but poorly explained, leaving me with more questions than answers. Additionally, the constant use of convenient plot devices and deus ex machina moments further reduced my enjoyment of the story. Overall, I regretted picking up this novel and would not recommend it to others.