Astral Buddy tells the story of Misaki Shokuhou, a powerful psychic known as the “Queen” of Tokiwadai Middle School. Despite her abilities, Misaki lives a lonely life, as she cannot make friends due to her powers being able to manipulate the memories of those around her. However, her world changes when she encounters a mysterious girl named Hokaze Junko.
Hokaze is a Level 4 psychic who possesses the unique ability to travel to the Astral Plane, a realm where spirits and other supernatural beings reside. She can also bring others with her to this plane, allowing them to interact with these beings. Drawn to Misaki’s powers, Hokaze decides to become her “Astral Buddy,” someone who can enter the Astral Plane at will.
The two girls quickly become friends, and through Hokaze, Misaki discovers a world beyond her own. They encounter various supernatural creatures and even begin to unravel the mystery behind a string of disappearances. As they investigate, they uncover a plot that threatens the entire city of Academy City, and it is up to Misaki and Hokaze to stop it.
Astral Buddy may be a spin-off of A Certain Scientific Railgun, but it is a self-contained story that anyone can enjoy. While fans of the franchise will appreciate the callbacks to previous storylines, newcomers to the series will have no trouble following the plot.
One of the standout aspects of Astral Buddy is its exploration of Misaki’s character. In previous iterations of the franchise, she has always been portrayed as a mysterious figure, but here, we see her vulnerabilities and insecurities. The friendship between Misaki and Hokaze is beautifully executed, and it is refreshing to see a female friendship at the heart of an action anime.
The artwork in Astral Buddy is also worth mentioning. The character designs are unique, and the backgrounds are incredibly detailed. The animators have taken great care in bringing the Astral Plane to life, making it a visually stunning location that contrasts well with the real world.
In conclusion, A Certain Scientific Railgun: Astral Buddy is a fantastic addition to the franchise. It tells a self-contained story that is both engaging and emotional, and the characters are well-developed. While fans of the series will appreciate the callbacks to previous storylines, newcomers will have no trouble following along. The anime is available for streaming on Funimation, and the manga is available for purchase in English.