Index Novel Sales Figures and Discussion

[Sacredus]

Originally Posted by Doe, John

Personally, I suspect that one reason Index is getting less attention is the recent shift in focus to Thelema. This isn't as widely known as the Christianity and Norse mythology that preceded it. That wouldn't be a problem in and of itself: the series has been heading in this direction since the beginning, and NT Volume 18 does a good job of explaining Thelema for the uninitiated. However, one of the series' main draws is its mixture of many different things from science and magic, yet Thelema and its practitioners are portrayed as being superior to the rest. The Thelemic concept of Aeons seemingly applies to everything, with beings of the Aeon of Osiris (even if they're not related to magic) being unable to harm those of Horus. Aleister literally invented modern magic and can counter all of it, and the other members of the Golden cabal are on an equal level. Coronzon is considered impossible even for Aleister to kill, something that isn't true of the Magic Gods. There are justifications for these things, but it can still be off-putting to readers for one philosophy/type of magic to be portrayed as the best.

That said, the ending of NT Volume 20 left me hopeful that things will turn around, as it looks like science will get its chance to shine again.

Actually it's much more easier. Index get less attention because many people dropped reading it.

As for anime, Index 3 should come years ago. It might help series BUT:
1. It need to be good adaptation and anime on it's own (good adaptation not really means good anime)
2. It need to be continued without long breaks between seasons
IMO it's just way too late for another series and anime will not boost LN sales that much. Not to mention ending anime at end of WW3 is great place to abandon series so if it not sell well and boost merchandise/LN sales we might not see another Index series ever (and it's possible that novel would end with NT. Kamachi want it or not).

[Kuroageha]

^
Point 2.
I remember the same happened with Shakugan no Shana.

Originally Posted by Doe, John

Personally, I suspect that one reason Index is getting less attention is the recent shift in focus to Thelema.

Thelema being "different" wasn't the issue, it was poorly sold to readers as an interesting concept making them to not care that much because not matter what the author says, since isn't not happening yet it's treated as speculations within the series universe even more now that the last volume shows everything might be a lie/misconception Aleister took as fact.

[dragon1412]

Depend actually, i imagined a good amounts would comeback to Index if S3 come out, since novels is different compare manga, people can catch up much easier if the books are available. and novels generally took long release between vols unlike manga, so the drive to chase novels are nowhere near as big, if the anime come out good, it could spark the returns of the old casual readers.

[Kuroageha]

Originally Posted by dragon1412

Depend actually, i imagined a good amounts would comeback to Index if S3 come out, since novels is different compare manga, people can catch up much easier if the books are available. and novels generally took long release between vols unlike manga, so the drive to chase novels are nowhere near as big, if the anime come out good, it could spark the returns of the old casual readers.

Since the drop happened with NT the old fanbase will just stick around while the OT anime lasts and move on again because just as one loses interest on the series they also found something else to keep reading.

[LG-MAX 2.o]

Japan's Weekly Light Novel Rankings for Oct 8 - 14


*2.　32,322　*32,322　Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Vol.21

[KiharaRonin]

Its #2 but since, despite it being a long-running series and this being normal for one of those, the sales aren't above 50k so therefore... INDEX IS DEAD!!!!!!!! *obvious sarcasm*

[Kuroageha]

So not even the anime is boosting the sales for NT.

[tsunade666]

how mighty had fallen and just like shana. anime won't save it because it's been left behind. lack of care from the publisher.

[LevelSeven]

Originally Posted by tsunade666

how mighty had fallen and just like shana. anime won't save it because it's been left behind. lack of care from the publisher.

well i guess its hard to reach a target audience if you are a series thats practically as old as them :/

[Kuroageha]

Originally Posted by LevelSeven

well i guess its hard to reach a target audience if you are a series thats practically as old as them :/

Or when you progressively alienate your audience.

[LevelSeven]

Originally Posted by Kuroageha

Or when you progressively alienate your audience.

Via gender bending the main antagonist?

[dragon1412]

I think it's less about the story and more of publisher responsibility in this case though

[LG-MAX 2.o]

Japan's Weekly Light Novel Rankings for Oct 15 - 21

　*9,260　*41,582　Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Vol.21

[dniv]

Originally Posted by LG-MAX 2.o

Japan's Weekly Light Novel Rankings for Oct 15 - 21

　*9,260　*41,582　Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Vol.21

I’m going to buy two copies... this one really deserves it.

[LG-MAX 2.o]

Japan's Weekly Light Novel Rankings for Oct 22 - 28

20.　*4,550　*46,132　Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index Vol.21

[tsunade666]

Originally Posted by dragon1412

I think it's less about the story and more of publisher responsibility in this case though

Partially, to blame (aside from bizzare plot)

To me, the main cause is the publisher. They didnt handle it well and just let it go. If they continue to butter it up like a to a certain cheater/beater/whatever blacks wordsman wannabe(guts is the only black swordsman)

The fans won't abandon it. That badly. especially the bait and stunt that they had done in the previews year and anniversary of the series.

[dragon1412]

Originally Posted by tsunade666

Partially, to blame (aside from bizzare plot)

To me, the main cause is the publisher. They didnt handle it well and just let it go. If they continue to butter it up like a to a certain cheater/beater/whatever blacks wordsman wannabe(guts is the only black swordsman)

The fans won't abandon it. That badly. especially the bait and stunt that they had done in the previews year and anniversary of the series.

yeah, the main push for SAO was very heavy in recent years, game and collaboration of SAO literally everywhere, SAO also luck out quite a bit with each anime season decently paced with relatively small gap.

[salamander750]

So, I just saw the list of the best selling light novels of 2018, here is the list:

1. Overlord - 807,693
2. Konosuba - 630,889
3. Mahouka - 626,952
4. Re:Zero - 619,031
5. Slime - 539,277
6. Ryuo's Work is Never Done - 478,242
7. SAO Progressive - 426,794
8. Classroom of the Elite - 393,949
9. SAO - 371,626
10. NGNL - 350,960

Which sadden me that Index doesn't even get to 100,000 copies this year. And the new anime surely doesn't help either. So, what can be done to get Index back to the top guys?

[tsunade666]

Impossible. Index won't be the same like before. It won't be back on top.

[OH&S]

^Yeah, salamander750. What were you thinking?