Hiroyuki Etō’s Mahōjin Guru Guru 2 (Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2) manga is coming to an end with its next volume. This marks the conclusion of a series that has been ongoing since 2012, continuing the adventures of Nike and Kukuri in a world filled with magic, humor, and RPG parodies.
A Fond Farewell to a Beloved Series
The announcement was made in the endnotes of the 20th volume of Mahōjin Guru Guru 2. Hiroyuki Etō, the creator of the series, has not yet announced any new projects, leaving fans eager to see what he will create next.
A Journey Through Magical Circle Guru-Guru
Magical Circle Guru Guru is a Japanese manga series created by Hiroyuki Etō. The original series was serialized in Enix’s Monthly Shōnen Gangan from 1992 to 2003, spanning 16 volumes. The series gained immense popularity and was adapted into multiple anime series, a film, and even a browser game.
The Original Manga
The original Magical Circle Guru Guru manga is a fantasy comedy that follows the adventures of Nike, a young boy forced to become a hero, and Kukuri, a young girl who is the last of the Guru-Guru magic users. Together, they set out to defeat Giri, the Lord of Darkness, embarking on a journey filled with hilarious encounters, quirky characters, and parodies of early role-playing video games.
Anime Adaptations
The Magical Circle Guru Guru manga has been adapted into several anime series:
- Mahoujin Guru Guru (1994-1995): The first anime adaptation, produced by Nippon Animation, aired for 45 episodes and covered the first four volumes of the manga, along with some original adventures.
- Doki Doki Densetsu Mahoujin Guru Guru (2000): A second anime series, also by Nippon Animation, aired for 38 episodes and continued the story.
- Mahoujin Guru Guru (2017): A reboot series animated by Production I.G aired for 24 episodes and offered a fresh take on the original story.
These anime adaptations have further cemented the series’ popularity, introducing it to new audiences and solidifying its status as a beloved classic.
The Film
In 1996, a film adaptation of Magical Circle Guru Guru was released, further expanding the franchise’s reach.
Magical Circle Guru-Guru: Stardust Adventure
In 2023, the first Magical Circle Guru-Guru browser game, Magical Circle Guru-Guru: Stardust Adventure, was launched on the G123 platform, offering fans a new way to engage with the series.
Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2: A New Generation
Mahōjin Guru Guru 2 is a sequel to the original manga series. It was serialized in Gangan Online from November 1, 2012, and has been collected into 20 volumes. The sequel continues the adventures of Nike and Kukuri as they face new challenges and enemies in their magical world.
Story
In Mahōjin Guru Guru 2, peace has returned to the world after Nike and Kukuri defeated Lord Giri. However, this peace is short-lived, as a new evil emerges. Nike is summoned to Castle Godai, but Kukuri is left behind because she has lost her Guru-Guru magic. Frustrated, Kukuri begins studying and accidentally creates a new form of Guru-Guru magic. Reunited, Nike and Kukuri embark on a new adventure to face the emerging threat.
Hiroyuki Etō: The Mastermind Behind the Magic
Hiroyuki Etō is a Japanese manga artist best known for creating the Magical Circle Guru Guru series. Born in Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, Etō’s journey into the world of manga began in his middle school years, where he was influenced by romance manga artist Yukiko Oshima.
Early Career
After graduating from high school, Etō attended Musashino Art University and joined the Manga Research Club. He made his professional debut in the February 1985 issue of Comic Again, publishing his work Watch Store Lady SEKUNDEN ZEIGER GENT TICK TICK TICK under the name Hiroyuki Ninotaka.
Hiatus and Return
After publishing a few works, Etō left the manga industry and worked as a clerk at an imported record store. He later returned to manga in 1990, contributing to Enix magazine’s Game Dragon Quest IV 4-Cut Cartoon Theater corner. This work gained recognition for its humor and led to some of its settings being incorporated into the Dragon Quest IV remake.
Magical Circle Guru Guru and Beyond
In 1992, Etō began serializing Magical Circle Guru Guru in Monthly Shōnen Gangan. The series became a hit, leading to multiple anime adaptations and solidifying Etō’s reputation as a talented manga artist.
Other Works
Besides Magical Circle Guru Guru, Etō has also created other manga series, including:
- Pico★Pico (1997)
- Gadget (2002-2005)
- Satellite Usagi TV (2006-2007)
- Weekly My Bad Pet (2009)
- Dance Exhibition North Korean Old Man (2008-2012)
Style and Influences
Etō’s work is characterized by its humor, adventure, and parody of video games. He draws inspiration from various sources, including rock music, romance manga, space, aliens, and mysteries.
The Legacy of Magical Circle Guru-Guru
Magical Circle Guru Guru has left an indelible mark on the world of manga and anime. Its unique blend of fantasy, comedy, and RPG parodies has captivated audiences for decades. The series has been praised for its creative characters, hilarious situations, and heartwarming message of friendship and perseverance.
Impact on RPGs
Magical Circle Guru Guru is known for its parodies of early role-playing games, particularly the Dragon Quest series. The series’ humor and unique take on RPG tropes have resonated with fans and even influenced the Dragon Quest series itself.
Enduring Popularity
Despite the original manga ending in 2003, the Magical Circle Guru Guru franchise continues to thrive. The anime adaptations, film, and browser game have kept the series alive in the hearts of fans. With Mahōjin Guru Guru 2 coming to an end, fans eagerly anticipate Hiroyuki Etō’s next creation and the future of the Magical Circle Guru Guru universe.
Where to Read
For those interested in diving into the world of Magical Circle Guru Guru, the manga is available for purchase online and in bookstores. The original series consists of 16 volumes, while Mahōjin Guru Guru 2 currently has 20 volumes.
Online Platforms
Platforms such as Book☆Walker and Amazon offer digital and physical copies of the manga.
Complete Sets
For those looking to collect the entire series, complete sets of the original Magical Circle Guru Guru manga are available from various retailers.
A Final Look Back
As Mahōjin Guru Guru 2 approaches its conclusion, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the series’ impact and legacy. Hiroyuki Etō’s creation has brought joy and laughter to countless fans around the world, and its influence can be seen in various works of manga and anime. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, Magical Circle Guru Guru is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy, comedy, and adventure.