The upcoming A Certain Item of Dark Side anime has revealed its main trailer, confirming that the series will premiere on October 9, 2026. The new preview also introduces the fifth member of ITEM, Chobi Keno. The four main members were previously revealed.
The main staff for the anime has several longtime A Certain franchise staff members, with Tatsuyuki Nagai returning as director, Shigeki Kimoto as character designer, Maiko Iuchi composing the music, and studio J.C. STAFF once again producing the animation.
The opening theme song “Ghost Sequence” by East Of Eden, which is the band’s first anime tie-in. The ending theme song is “Meltdowner,” by Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets, who previously contributed the first ending theme for A Certain Scientific Railgun T. You can hear both songs in the new trailer.
Toaru Anbu no Shojo Kyosei (A Certain Dark Side’s Shared Life (ITEM)) is a spinoff set in the darker side of Academy City, focusing on the infamous underground organization ITEM. ITEM is one of Academy City’s dark side factions, consisting of high-level espers who take on covert and often deadly missions for the city’s ruling powers. While they operate as a team, their relationships quite complex. The team consists of:
- Shizuri Mugino (CV: Ami Koshimizu) – A Level 5 esper and the group’s leader, known for her powerful Meltdowner ability and explosive personality.
- Riko Takitsubo (CV: Aya Suzaki) – A Level 4 esper with AIM Stalker, an ability to track other espers, though at a big cost to her own health.
- Frenda Seivelun (CV: Maya Uchida) – A combat specialist who relies on traps and explosives rather than esper powers.
- Saiai Kinuhata (CV: Chinatsu Akasaki) – A Level 4 esper who manipulates nitrogen with Offense Armor, making her nearly invulnerable.
A Certain franchise originated from Kazuma Kamachi’s light novel A Certain Magical Index (Toaru Majutsu no Index), which first began in 2004 under Dengeki Bunko. The story is set in Academy City, a futuristic metropolis where scientific advancements allow for the development of esper abilities. It follows Toma Kamijo, an unlucky student with the mysterious power “Imagine Breaker,” as he gets mixed up into all sorts of trouble.
Following its popularity, the franchise got multiple anime adaptations and spin-offs, including:
- A Certain Magical Index (2008–2019) – The main series, following Toma’s battles against magical organizations and Academy City conspiracies.
- A Certain Scientific Railgun (2009–present) – A spin-off focusing on Mikoto Misaka, a Level 5 esper, and her battles to protect Academy City. Season 4 is currently in production.
- A Certain Scientific Accelerator (2019) – Another spin-off centered on Accelerator, Academy City’s strongest esper, as he struggles between his past sins and his newfound desire to protect others.
Source: A Certain Official YouTube
© Kazuma Kamachi / Illustration by Nilitsu
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