Hiroyuki Etō’s Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 manga is set to conclude with its next volume, marking the end of a beloved sequel to the original gag parody manga series, Magical Circle Guru-Guru. This news has brought a mix of nostalgia and anticipation to fans who have followed the adventures of Nike and Kukuri for years.
A Journey Through Magical Circle Guru-Guru
The Origins
Hiroyuki Etō launched the original Magical Circle Guru-Guru manga in Enix’s Monthly Shōnen Gangan from 1992 to 2003. The manga quickly gained popularity for its humor and lighthearted take on the fantasy genre, specifically parodying early role-playing games (RPGs) like the Dragon Quest series. The adventures of Nike, a young boy forced into the role of a hero, and Kukuri, a young girl who is the last of the Guru-Guru magic users, captivated audiences with their charm and comedic timing.
From Manga to Anime
Magical Circle Guru-Guru‘s success led to multiple adaptations, including:
- First Anime Series (1994-1995): This series, produced by Nippon Animation, covered the first four volumes of the manga and introduced many fans to the world of Nike and Kukuri.
- Anime Film (1996): A movie further expanded the adventures of the duo.
- Second Anime Series – Doki Doki Legend Magical Circle Guru-Guru (2000): This series adapted volumes 5 to 11 of the manga, continuing the story of Nike and Kukuri as they sought the four elemental swords to defeat Giri.
- Third Anime Series (2017): A reboot series animated by Production I.G adapted the manga from the beginning, introducing the story to a new generation of viewers.
Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2: A Sequel’s Tale
After the original manga concluded in 2003, Hiroyuki Etō revived the series with Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2. Launched in 2012 on Gangan Online, the sequel picks up the story after Nike and Kukuri have sealed Giri, the main antagonist of the first series.
Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 presents a new storyline:
- New Adventures: Nike and Kukuri return to the ground after becoming bored with life in the heavens and attend school. However, the emergence of a new demon king forces them back into action.
- Kukuri’s Challenge: Kukuri, who could no longer use Guru-Guru magic, regains her abilities and embarks on a new journey.
- Recurring Themes: The sequel maintains the humor and parody elements that made the original series popular.
- New Characters and Twists: The new demon king is revealed to be a Guru-Guru user and a member of the Mig-Mig tribe, adding layers to the story.
As of June 2024, Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 has spanned 20 volumes, continuing the adventures of Nike and Kukuri, and exploring new facets of their world.
Hiroyuki Etō: The Creator
Hiroyuki Etō, born on January 19 in Taketa, Oita Prefecture, is the creative mind behind the Magical Circle Guru-Guru series. Etō’s journey into manga began after being influenced by romance manga artist Yukiko Oshima. He honed his skills at Musashino Art University and debuted in 1985.
Etō’s Influences and Style
- Early Influences: Inspired by Yukiko Oshima and rock music.
- Parody and Humor: Known for incorporating game parodies and comedic elements.
- Artistic Style: His drawing style evolved over the years, from a classical style to a more SD (super-deformed) style.
- Other Works: Besides Magical Circle Guru-Guru, Etō has created other manga series, including Gadget and Satellite Usagi TV.
What to Expect from the Final Volume
As Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 approaches its conclusion, fans eagerly anticipate how Etō will wrap up the storylines and character arcs. Key questions include:
- The Fate of the New Demon King: How will Nike and Kukuri confront and resolve the conflict with the new demon king?
- Kukuri’s Magic: What further developments will occur with Kukuri’s Guru-Guru magic?
- Character Endings: How will the journeys of Nike, Kukuri, and other central characters conclude?
The Impact and Legacy
Magical Circle Guru-Guru has left a significant mark on the manga and anime landscape:
- Influence on RPG Parody: The series is celebrated for its comedic take on RPG tropes.
- Cultural Impact: The anime adaptations introduced the series to a broader audience.
- Enduring Appeal: The characters and stories continue to resonate with fans.
The conclusion of Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 marks the end of an era for fans of Hiroyuki Etō’s work. As the final volume approaches, the series is remembered for its humor, adventure, and the endearing duo of Nike and Kukuri.