Hiroyuki Etō’s Mahōjin Guru Guru 2 (Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2) manga is set to conclude with its next volume. The announcement was made in the endnotes of the 20th volume, which was released on April 12, 2025. This marks the end of a sequel that has been running for over a decade, continuing the adventures of the characters from the original Mahōjin Guru Guru series.
A Beloved Gag Manga Series
Mahōjin Guru Guru is a fantasy comedy manga series written and illustrated by Hiroyuki Etō. The original manga was serialized in Enix’s Monthly Shōnen Gangan from 1992 to 2003, spanning 16 volumes. The series gained popularity for its humor, charming characters, and parody of early role-playing video games (RPGs), particularly those in the Dragon Quest series.
Inspiration and Themes
Etō drew inspiration from his fondness for early RPGs to create the original gag parody manga. Magical Circle Guru Guru is a lighthearted series aimed at older children, featuring toilet humor and innuendo. It follows the adventures of Nike, a young boy forced into the role of a hero, and Kukuri, a member of the Migu Migu tribe who is learning Guru Guru magic. Together, they travel the world, battling monsters and attempting to defeat Giri, the demon lord.
Anime Adaptations
The adventures of Nike and Kukuri have inspired several anime adaptations:
- 1994-1995: A popular television anime series aired, adapting the first four volumes of the manga and including some original adventures.
- 1996: An anime film, Magical Circle Guru Guru: The Pickle of Happiness, was released.
- 2000: A television sequel, Doki Doki Densetsu Mahōjin Guru Guru, aired, covering volumes 5 to 11 of the manga.
- 2017: A new television anime adaptation of the original manga premiered, starting the story from the beginning when Nike and Kukuri meet in Jimina Village. This adaptation aimed to adapt the manga from the first chapter and was not a sequel to previous anime or an adaptation of the Mahōjin Guru Guru 2 manga.
Mahōjin Guru Guru 2: A Sequel Series
In 2012, Etō launched Mahōjin Guru Guru 2 on Square Enix’s Gangan Online website. This sequel series continued the story of Nike and Kukuri, presenting new challenges and adventures for the beloved duo. The series has been serialized for over a decade, with 20 volumes published as of April 2025.
Story and Characters
Mahōjin Guru Guru 2 continues the adventures of Nike and Kukuri after the original series. The story involves them embarking on new journeys and facing new enemies while still retaining the humor and parody elements that made the original series so popular.
Hiroyuki Etō: The Mastermind
Hiroyuki Etō is a Japanese manga artist known for his creation of the Magical Circle Guru Guru series. Born in Taketa, Oita, Japan, Etō made his debut in the manga industry in 1985. Besides Magical Circle Guru Guru, he has created other manga series such as Buyuuden Kita Kita, Eisei Usagi Terebi, and Gadget.
Early Life and Influences
Etō’s interest in manga began in middle school when he became fascinated by rock music and was influenced by romance manga artist Yukiko Oshima. He attended Musashino Art University and participated in the Manga Research Club, where he started creating his own comics.
Career
Etō debuted under the name Hiroyuki Ninotaka with the work Watch Store Lady SEKUNDEN ZEIGER GENT TICK TICK TICK. After a brief departure from the manga industry, he returned in 1990, contributing to Enix magazine’s Game Dragon Quest IV corner. This led to the creation of Magical Circle Guru Guru, which became his most famous work.
Other Works
- Buyuuden Kita Kita: A spin-off about a comical dancing old man from the original manga. It concluded in 2012.
- Eisei Usagi Terebi
- Gadget
Legacy
Etō’s work has left a significant impact on the manga and anime industry, influencing many artists and entertaining audiences worldwide. His unique blend of comedy, fantasy, and parody has made Magical Circle Guru Guru a beloved series for decades.
What to Expect in the Final Volume
As Mahōjin Guru Guru 2 approaches its conclusion, fans eagerly anticipate the final developments in Nike and Kukuri’s journey. The last volume will likely tie up loose ends, resolve ongoing conflicts, and provide a satisfying conclusion to the series. Given Etō’s fondness for humor and heartwarming moments, readers can expect a blend of both as the story comes to an end.
Potential Storylines
- Resolution of the Main Conflict: The final volume will likely focus on resolving the main conflict of Mahōjin Guru Guru 2, bringing the overarching storyline to a close.
- Character Development: Readers can anticipate further character development, with Nike and Kukuri potentially reaching new milestones in their personal growth.
- Nostalgic Elements: The final volume may include nostalgic elements, referencing earlier events and characters from the original series to provide a sense of closure.
Fan Expectations
- Satisfying Ending: Fans hope for a satisfying ending that honors the characters and storylines they have come to love.
- Humor and Heart: The series is known for its humor and heartwarming moments, and fans expect the final volume to deliver both.
- Closure: The final volume should provide closure for long-standing plot points and character arcs.
Conclusion
The conclusion of Hiroyuki Etō’s Mahōjin Guru Guru 2 marks the end of an era for fans of the series. The sequel, which has been running since 2012, has provided new adventures and challenges for Nike and Kukuri, endearing them to a new generation of readers. The original Magical Circle Guru Guru series, with its humor, parody, and charming characters, has left an indelible mark on the manga and anime world, and the sequel has continued this legacy.
As the final volume approaches, fans eagerly await the conclusion of Nike and Kukuri’s journey, hoping for a satisfying and memorable ending that honors the spirit of the series. The impact of Hiroyuki Etō’s work will undoubtedly continue to be felt for years to come, as Magical Circle Guru Guru remains a beloved and influential series in the world of manga and anime.