by A brand-new installment in the beloved “Toaru” (A Certain) franchise has been officially announced. The spin-off anime “A Certain Dark Side Girl Coexistence (ITEM)” is scheduled to air on television in 2026, bringing the spotlight to Academy City’s dangerous underworld.
The announcement was made during the daytime performance of the “A Certain Magical Index: Gensou Ongeki (Film Concert)” event held on February 22. Along with the reveal, the production team released a teaser visual and key staff information, sparking excitement among longtime fans.
About the “Toaru” Franchise
The “Toaru” series originated from the light novel “A Certain Magical Index” by Kazuma Kamachi, which has sold over 31 million copies worldwide. The franchise has expanded into multiple manga adaptations, anime series, films, and spin-offs.
Major entries include:
- A Certain Magical Index (main storyline)
- A Certain Scientific Railgun (focusing on Misaka Mikoto)
- A Certain Scientific Accelerator (focusing on Accelerator)
The new project shifts attention to one of the franchise’s most feared groups: ITEM, a covert organization operating within Academy City’s dark side.
Focus on the Dark Side The Organization ITEM
ITEM consists of four powerful female espers who carry out secret missions that the city’s official institutions cannot handle.
Main Members
- Mugino Shizuri — Leader, Level 5 esper with the destructive “Meltdowner” ability
- Frenda Seivelun — Explosives specialist with a playful personality
- Takitsubo Rikou — Ability tracker with a calm demeanor
- Kinuhata Saiai — Combat expert with superhuman durability
Unlike other spin-offs that emphasize heroism, this series explores morally gray territory, focusing on survival, loyalty, and the harsh realities of Academy City’s hidden world.
Production Staff and Studio
The anime will be produced by J.C.STAFF, the studio that has handled previous “Toaru” adaptations, ensuring continuity in visual style and tone.
Key staff members include:
- Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai (also directed A Certain Scientific Railgun)
- Character Design: Shigeki Kimoto
- Animation Production: J.C.STAFF
This experienced team has reassured fans that the new series will maintain the franchise’s signature balance of action, drama, and character development.
Teaser Visual Light and Shadow
The teaser artwork depicts the four ITEM members walking through Academy City, bathed in contrasting sunlight and shadow. The composition highlights their dual existence — ordinary girls on the surface, deadly operatives beneath.
Notably, a mysterious silhouette stands alone on a pedestrian overpass behind them, hinting at an unseen threat or new character central to the story.
Ami Koshimizu’s Enthusiastic Comment
Voice actress Ami Koshimizu, who portrays Mugino Shizuri, shared her excitement during the announcement video.
She expressed surprise that Mugino would finally take center stage, noting both the pressure and thrill of leading the series. In a playful message directed toward Misaka Mikoto — the protagonist of Railgun she remarked:
“Did you see that, Misaka Mikoto?”
Her comment reflects the long-standing rivalry between the characters and has delighted fans familiar with the franchise’s interconnected storylines.
Special Stage at AnimeJapan 2026
Further promotion is planned at AnimeJapan 2026, one of the world’s largest anime conventions.
A dedicated stage event will be held at the NBCUniversal Entertainment booth on March 28–29, 2026, where fans can expect:
- Cast appearances
- New announcements
- Behind-the-scenes insights
- Possible additional footage or visuals
Why This Spin-Off Is Highly Anticipated
“A Certain Dark Side Girl Coexistence (ITEM)” offers a fresh perspective on the franchise by focusing on antiheroes rather than traditional protagonists.
Key appeal points include:
- Darker tone and mature themes
- Intense esper battles
- Exploration of Academy City’s hidden power structure
- Complex relationships among morally ambiguous characters
- Expanded lore for longtime fans
Broadcast Information
Title: A Certain Dark Side Girl Coexistence (ITEM)
Broadcast: Scheduled for 2026
Studio: J.C.STAFF
Franchise: Toaru (A Certain) Series
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