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| “ | I'm going to destroy your illusion!! | „ |
| ~ Touma Kamijou's most famous quote and catchphrase. |
| “ | Rotten luck! | „ |
| ~ Touma's second catchphrase (which is "Such Misfortune!" or "Fukoda!" in Japanese). |
Touma Kamijou is the main protagonist of the A Certain Magical Index franchise.
He is a Level 0 esper and an Academy City high school student who possesses the mysterious "Imagine Breaker" in his right hand, which is capable of negating all forms of supernatural abilities and concepts, including his own luck.
He has a very strong desire to aid all those who are in need even if it means putting his life on the line and will not hesitate to challenge an opponent who is several times more powerful than himself. During his adventures, Touma has saved countless people, Academy City and even the world a few times. His heroic and forgiving nature has inspired several people, including a lot of his former opponents, to become better persons and has allowed him to befriend and make allies with several powerful and influential characters in the world.
He is voiced by Atsushi Abe in Japanese and by Micah Solusod in English.
Appearance[]
Touma looks like an ordinary teenage boy with his most striking feature, his spiky black hair. It's been mentioned that his spiky hair isn't natural, but was made that way using hair gel after seeing it on a fashion magazine a while back. Despite appearing to have black eyes in most media, his eye color seems to be blue in the cover illustration of Toaru Majutsu no Index SS: Biohacker.
His father remarks that Touma looks just like his mother when he is worried about something or is thinking deeply.
Because he resides in Academy City, Touma is often seen wearing his school uniform along with an orange T-shirt underneath it. This applies to both the summer and winter versions of his uniform (though when wearing the summer version he does not button it). Because of his tendency to wear his uniform in such a manner and the fact that he seems to attract trouble, many easily mistake Touma for a delinquent. During certain days like weekends, Touma simply wears a casual shirt and pants.
Personality[]
| “ | I don't see why I need a reason to help somebody. | „ |
| ~ Touma when asked why he would risk his life to save a complete stranger. |
Altruistic and benevolent to a fault, Touma Kamijou is a very impulsive person who isn't the type to simply sit around upon seeing someone in trouble and will go to great lengths to protect or assist the person in any way he can. However, he does this at great risk to himself, which usually results in him landing in the hospital for up to several days. This gets to the point where he considers it an achievement to not to be hospitalized after a confrontation, which Heaven Canceller remarks is not something most people would be proud of.
Even after losing his memories, Touma retains much of his original personality. He is generally amicable, mild-mannered and humble, though he occasionally shows signs of neurosis and sarcasm. Following his amnesia, Touma becomes noticeably more cautious around others. When approaching certain people he suspects he may have known, he carefully chooses what emotion or behavior to display, lest they see through his ruse and exploit him in any way.
When fighting seriously against a particularly strong opponent, Touma will usually first declare that he'll "destroy that illusion" of theirs, before actually engaging. He is willing to get seriously hurt to save someone he only met recently, and outright states that he doesn't need a reason to help someone. This draws confusion from many of his allies, who just don't get why Touma continuously involves himself in other people's business when he has nothing to gain from doing so. Leivinia Birdway sums up his personality - wanting himself to be put in danger instead of other people, having him fight, getting himself hurt - as insanity. As noted by the Will of the Whole Misaka Network, Touma has an unconditional need to place himself below everyone else.
Even though he is a gentleman who is kind to people in general, Touma will not hesitate to strike female opponents who harm innocents or disrespect life, such as Sherry Cromwell, who was going to start a war between Science and Faith that would result in the death of millions, Agnese Sanctis, who was tasked to eliminate Orsola, Oriana Thomson, who hurt Seiri Fukiyose and Aisa Himegami, or Vento of the Front when she had planned to destroy Academy City and anything related to science to settle her grudge on what happened to her brother in the past.
Ironically, despite Touma having several girls attracted to him, he has shown no apparent romantic attraction to them. However, Touma stated that he specifically prefers Dorm manager Onee-san (elder sister) types, as is the case with Kanzaki Kaori when he dreamed of things like her wearing the swimsuit used by Index during the Angel Fall incident, and asking a kiss from Oriana Thomson when they first meet. Despite this, Motoharu describes Touma as someone who has strong self-control, and with the case with Index, who often sleeps with him, will not attack girls that are asleep.
Despite his righteous and heroic personality, Touma occasionally displays poor choice of words which results in him getting bitten by Index, having bolts of lightning thrown by Mikoto, and creating misunderstandings with the other girls he encounters. As the result of his Imagine Breaker negating his own luck, Touma is unfortunate and often bemoans his situation when confronting an unfortunate situation with his famous catchphrase: "Such misfortune!" ("Damn rotten luck!" in the English dub). However, regardless of his own misfortune Touma believes that he is not regretful for being unfortunate, and states that he rather be unfortunate and help people than be fortunate and happy and not notice people who are suffering. He states that being unfortunate is his fortune and it would be the path that he continue to walk on.
Although frequently sympathetic towards his enemies due to their tragic pasts, Touma is also very intolerant of people using those pasts as an excuse to commit horrible acts. An example of this is when Vento of the Front reveals her revolt against Science is an act of revenge for the death of her brother, who died when the two were fatally injured at an amusement park and the doctors could only save one of them, since they had a rare blood type. Touma rightfully points out to her that her brother's death was out of anybody's control and she's now wasting the life he gave her going on a pointless rampage against people who have done nothing to her. He also calls her out for her survivor's guilt i.e. her belief that she stole her brother's future, asking if she'd tell someone the same thing if they were in her situation. In general, Touma just doesn't understand why people with amazing powers would use them for their own selfish gain, constantly asking them why they don't use them to make the world a better place.
Despite his strong sense of justice and desire for a world where no-one has to suffer, Touma generally seems to be more concerned with the individuals than the long-term consequences, which can occasionally cause him to have very strange priorities; when he learns about Oriana's plot to brainwash the city, it's not the possibility of mass mind control that really upsets him, but that her actions are interfering with the festival that's going on. Laura Stuart describes his mindset as one that could save or damn thousands and Aiwass states that he doesn't really concern himself with things such as good and evil, but rather does whatever he thinks is right at any given moment, which is why he can go from beating someone up one minute to defending them the next.
In addition, while Villian once commented Touma is just like William Orwell, someone who follows his own ideals no matter what, there are differences between the two: William is someone who stays true to his ideals and firmly believes it is the right path no matter what happens, and no matter who speaks against it; while Touma does not have set ideals and therefore can be manipulated into helping other people's plots. And when he does do something wrong, Motoharu describes Touma as someone who will carry that mistake all on his own, along with his own. Even so, he works to correct his mistakes in order to bring a smile to everyone's face at the end of the road, no matter the cost he himself may have to pay.
Powers and Abilities[]
Powers[]
- Imagine Breaker: A mysterious ability within Touma's right hand that allows him to negate all supernatural phenomena, including magic, psychic or divine powers. This also includes the red string of fate, causing Touma to be constantly unlucky. Whenever his right arm has been severed or destroyed, it has been shown that the Imagine Breaker holds within something with unimaginable potential. After his arm has been severed, it has usually been able to grow back as if nothing had happened. The true nature of Imagine Breaker is largely unknown, though Ollerus states that it is the crystallization of the hopes and dreams of all magicians. He also stated that Imagine Breaker existed long before Touma was born, possibly under different wielders and different shapes, like it residing in objects, buildings, places or people. It serves as the reference point of the entire world and acts as a lifeline that enables the world to be reverted to normal, no matter how far it has been distorted.
- Dragon Strike: The most notable effect of cutting off Touma's right hand is the manifestation of dragons. The first time his arm was severed by Aureolus Izzard, a large dragon head appeared from the stump. While at the time Stiyl Magnus stated that the dragon head had merely been an unconscious creation from the alchemist's out of control reality warping powers, Touma still harbored some doubts about the incident. His concerns were proven true when, after once again losing his right arm fighting Level 6 Shift Mikoto, the same dragon head appeared again, this time followed by seven more different dragon heads. The dragon heads bit into and tore apart the powerful black sphere that Mikoto had created before disappearing.
- First Dragon: The first dragon seen in-story. It's stated to specialize in decursing and psychological attacks, even destroying the memories of those it bites without causing physical damage, which was Aureolus' fate. The effects of Aureolus Izzard Ars Magna on Stiyl Magnus also began to be undone just after its fangs made contact with the air, which could be part of its decursing ability.
- Blind Dragon: A blind black darkness dragon. Like the first dragon, this dragon is also stated to have powerful psychological effects, in this case the dragon is noted to cause those nearby to be overcome with terror and confusion.
- One-eyed Dragon: A one-eyed blue dragon with a cobra-like hood. This dragon is stated to be a water dragon that can summon rainstorms. Additionally, its fangs carry the undiluted concept of poison, so those it bites are either killed or subjected to a fate worse than death.
- Four-eyed Dragon: A green dragon with four eyes. This dragon is stated to possess multiple occular powers, including illusion and hypnotism powers that can blur the line between dream and reality. Additionally, it is stated to be a singer with a beautiful voice that can shatter objects, including Shadow Metal, an extremely rare metal that can sometimes be created by the clash of two powerful esper powers.
- Corpse Flame Dragon: An undead fire dragon covered in red flames erupting from its bones. This dragon is stated to damage things using an energy drain that apparently burns life force itself.
- Ice Crystal Dragon: An icy crystalline dragon that is stated to be capable of breathing ice and being as tough and solid as the planet itself.
- Spearhead Dragon A yellow dragon with a large spear-like horn, it is stated to be capable of releasing lightning from its body and firing lasers from its mouth.
- Angel Dragon: A white angelic-looking dragon surrounded by multiple feathered wings. The dragon can project a light from the cross on its forehead. An object directly hit by this cross of light will be turned into salt, causing it to quickly crumble. Additionally, the feathers of its wings also possess special powers. Those stabbed with one are brainwashed as if hypnotized and turned into mindless puppets; faithfully following any orders given to them by the user. However, they are unable to think for themselves while under the effects of the feathers.
- Invisible Thing: After his arm was severed and absorbed by Fiamma of the Right, an invisible force gathered around Touma's right shoulder which exceeded Fiamma's near infinite power. Touma unexpectedly crushed that power with an even greater power and then restored the Imagine Breaker. It's shown that Touma is able to communicate with the invisible thing and told it to stay out of this fight before refusing to use its power, crushing it and regenerating his lost right arm. This power would later reappear against the likes of Othinus and Aiwass, though it was easily overpowered by both of them.
- Fish Eggs: After having been struck by Coronzon's Magick: Flaming_Sword and losing his right arm, a swarm of triangular-surfaced fish eggs with a silhouette body crawling inside was released later after his near-death, however, they were quickly suppressed by Misaki tricking Touma's brain into thinking his arm was still attached. When Coronzon once again cut off Touma's right arm, this swarm immediately destroyed Coronzon's exposed essence, accompanying a blinding flash of light and deafening roar.
- Dragon Shell: A temporary form that Touma gained when the Imagine Breaker was separated from him. Instead of his normal arm, Touma gains a sky-blue and lemon-yellow arm that can unravel and surround him into a shell that has the form of a dragon. This form grants Touma superhuman capabilities, being durable enough to take a shot of Misaka's Railgun and can in short bursts match the speed of a saint. He could also grow wings for flight and had sharp teeth and claws. His skin could sense a change in the atmosphere and smell smoke at the end of a long, long hallway, and his Dragon Shell was even making him think he might never return to being human as it was changing how he saw the world he was seeing, hearing and even the flow of time. Notably, due to lacking Imagine Breaker in this form, Touma has no bad luck anymore.
- Dragon Strike: The most notable effect of cutting off Touma's right hand is the manifestation of dragons. The first time his arm was severed by Aureolus Izzard, a large dragon head appeared from the stump. While at the time Stiyl Magnus stated that the dragon head had merely been an unconscious creation from the alchemist's out of control reality warping powers, Touma still harbored some doubts about the incident. His concerns were proven true when, after once again losing his right arm fighting Level 6 Shift Mikoto, the same dragon head appeared again, this time followed by seven more different dragon heads. The dragon heads bit into and tore apart the powerful black sphere that Mikoto had created before disappearing.
- Precognition: As a result of getting into such a plethora of fights, Touma has apparently gained the ability to subconsciously anticipate attacks coming his way and the severity of their impact. He can unconsciously register and analyze minute changes in the battlefield and involuntary movements made by his enemies that likely aren't even aware they are doing in order to accurately predict the path of an attack and move his body accordingly to stop it, dodge it or try to reduce the damage to his vitals in case the former two options aren't possible.
Trivia[]
- There was a mistranslation when spoilers of Volume 16 first came out, with Fiamma stating Imagine Breaker is similar to the 'Holy Stone'. In actuality it's the 'Holy Right', as the kanji for Right and Stone are very similar (石 - stone; 右 - right).
- According to the Toaru Kagaku no Railgun manga, because he has to cook for himself, he possesses great culinary skills.
- The novels point out that his zodiac sign is Aquarius.
- According to the Toaru Majutsu no Index manga, before his memory wipe, Touma dreamed about some future events like the Angel Fall incident and the Aztec magician- Etzali.
- There is a sort of running gag in the show with Touma being fond of telling people that he'll "break their illusion", before proceeding to beat them with his right hand. More specifically, he says "I'll kill it... That illusion/fantasy of yours!!" It's actually a pun: The Kanji given for 'Imagine Breaker' is 'Illusion/Fantasy Killer (Genso Goroshi)'.
- Touma has consistently been voted the most popular character (both male and overall) in the Toaru Majutsu no Index light novels.
- In vol 16, Misaka Mikoto was thinking of asking Shokuhou Misaki to help get Touma's memories back with her 'Mental Out' ability but Imagine Breaker would negate it due to 'Mental Out' being a form a telepathy and, unknown to her, the memories destruction can't be solved with that.
- Currently, the only Science Side characters who know Touma's involving in the incidents of the Magic Side are Aleister Crowley, Etzali, Motoharu Tsuchimikado, Hyouka Kazakiri, Accelerator, Shiage Hamazura, Mikoto Misaka, and Misaki Shokuhou.
- Almost every person Touma defeats throughout the whole series also ends up fighting alongside him later in the series.
- Touma is the 1st place winner best overall character and male character of the kono light novel sugoi 2011 awards.
- Touma's ability to dispel supernatural powers is likely a reflection of his nature as a pacifist i.e. one who defuses situations.
