Hiroyuki Etō’s Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 manga is set to conclude with its next volume, marking the end of a beloved sequel that has captivated fans since 2012. The announcement came in the endnotes of the 20th volume, released on April 12, signaling the nearing finale of this magical journey.
A Sequel’s Journey
Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 is the sequel to Etō’s original Mahōjin Guru Guru manga, a fantasy comedy series that initially ran from 1992 to 2003 in Square Enix’s Monthly Shonen Gangan. The sequel launched on Square Enix’s Gangan Online website in 2012, continuing the adventures of Nike and Kukuri, the unlikely hero and குரு குரு magic-user.
The World of Guru-Guru
Mahōjin Guru Guru, often stylized as Magical Circle Guru Guru, is a comedic fantasy manga series created by Hiroyuki Etō. The original manga gained immense popularity, leading to multiple adaptations, including:
- Anime Series: Three separate anime series (1994-1995, 2000, and 2017) brought the world of Guru Guru to life on screen.
- Anime Film: A theatrical movie released in 1996 further expanded the franchise.
- Video Games: Several video game adaptations allowed fans to interact with the characters and world.
The series is known for its parody of early role-playing video games (RPGs), particularly those in the Dragon Quest series. This is reflected in its gameplay mechanics, character classes, and quest-driven narratives.
Story and Characters
The story revolves around Nike, a young boy forced by his parents to become a hero, and Kukuri, a descendant of the Migu Migu tribe who practices குரு குரு magic. Together, they embark on a journey to defeat the demon lord Giri, who has been resurrected after being sealed away for 300 years.
- Nike: The reluctant hero, often showcasing his immaturity and love for money. Despite his flaws, Nike possesses the ability to summon a sword at will.
- Kukuri: A clumsy but powerful குரு குரு magic-user, Kukuri is the last of her tribe. She uses a magic stick to draw circles on the ground, activating her spells.
- Giri: The main antagonist, a demon lord who seeks to conquer the world. Giri’s only weakness is குரு குரு magic, making Kukuri his primary target.
A Parody of RPG Tropes
Magical Circle Guru Guru cleverly incorporates elements of RPGs, such as:
- Character Classes: Characters in the world often choose typical RPG classes like Wizard, Priestess, and Warrior.
- Leveling Up: Nike and Kukuri gain new abilities and become stronger as they progress on their journey.
- Quests: The series follows a quest-driven narrative, with the protagonists completing various missions to reach their ultimate goal.
- Information Boxes: The anime adaptations sometimes include information boxes that appear, mimicking the interface of video games.
Anime Adaptations
The Magical Circle Guru Guru manga has been adapted into several anime series:
- Mahoujin Guru Guru (1994-1995): This first series, produced by Nippon Animation, consists of 45 episodes and covers the content of manga volumes 1-4.
- Doki Doki Densetsu Mahoujin Guru Guru (2000): The second anime series, also produced by Nippon Animation, comprises 38 episodes and adapts manga volumes 5-11.
- Mahoujin Guru Guru (2017): A reboot series animated by Production I.G, this adaptation aired from July 11 to December 19, 2017, with 24 episodes. It aims to be a more faithful adaptation of the entire manga series.
The 2017 Reboot
The 2017 reboot, directed by Hiroshi Ikehata, sought to provide a more complete adaptation of the manga. The series featured:
- Series Composition: Hisaaki Okui
- Character Design: Naoyuki Asano
- Music: TECHNOBOYS PULCRAFT GREEN-FUND
- Opening Themes: “Trip Trip Trip” and “Ryuusei Dance Floor” by ORESAMA
- Ending Themes: “Round & Round & Round” (with Bonjour Suzuki) and “Magical Circle” (with Shoko Nakagawa) by TECHNOBOYS PULCRAFT GREEN-FUND
The cast included Shizuka Ishigami as Nike and Konomi Kohara as Kukuri, with a supporting cast featuring notable voice actors.
Themes and Legacy
Magical Circle Guru Guru is celebrated for its humor, light-hearted tone, and clever parody of the RPG genre. The series also explores themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of overcoming challenges.
The series has left a lasting impact on fans, influencing later works in the fantasy comedy genre. Its unique blend of adventure and humor has made it a beloved classic.
Where to Find It
- Manga: The original manga is available in 16 volumes, with Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 currently at 20 volumes (and concluding with the next).
- Anime: Streaming services like Crunchyroll have licensed the 2017 reboot, making it accessible to a wider audience.
As Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 approaches its conclusion, fans can look back on a series that has brought laughter and joy to many, solidifying its place as a cherished title in the world of manga and anime.