Hiroyuki Etō’s Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 manga is set to conclude with its next volume, as announced in the endnotes of the 20th volume released on April 12, 2025. This marks the end of a long journey for fans of the beloved fantasy comedy series, which began as a parody of early role-playing games and evolved into a cultural phenomenon.
A Sequel’s End: The Next Volume
The announcement of the ending in the 20th volume has prompted a mix of emotions among fans, who have followed the adventures of Nike and Kukuri for years. The final volume promises to bring closure to the ongoing storyline, wrapping up the various plot threads and character arcs that have defined Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2.
From Parody to Phenomenon: The Origins
Hiroyuki Etō’s Magical Circle Guru-Guru began its serialization in Square Enix’s Monthly Shonen Gangan in 1992 and ran until 2003. The series gained popularity for its humor and unique take on the fantasy adventure genre, quickly becoming a favorite among readers.
Etō’s Early Life and Influences
Born in Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, Hiroyuki Etō’s early life was marked by a passion for rock music during middle school. Influenced by romance manga artist Yukiko Oshima, Etō developed an interest in creating manga. After graduating from high school, he attended Musashino Art University and joined the Manga Research Club. He made his professional debut in February 1985 with Watch Store Lady SEKUNDEN ZEIGER GENT TICK TICK TICK, published under the name Hiroyuki Ninotaka.
Hiroyuki Etō’s Hiatus and Return
After his third work, Wolmyo Postal Society, Etō briefly left the manga industry to work as a clerk at an imported record store. During this time, he contributed game-related illustrations and articles to magazines like High Score. In 1990, he returned to manga by joining Enix magazine’s Game Dragon Quest IV Cut Cartoon Theater corner. His work was praised for its humor, and some of his settings were later incorporated into the Dragon Quest IV remake.
Cats
Etō has been raising cats for a long time. One particular cat, known as the “cat with a terrible face,” appeared in the early Magical Circle Guru-Guru comics and continued to be featured until the series’ end.
The World of Magical Circle Guru-Guru
Magical Circle Guru-Guru is set in a world reminiscent of classic RPGs, where characters adopt traditional classes such as warriors, mages, and priests. The story revolves around Nike, a reluctant hero, and Kukuri, a young magic user and the last of the Migu Migu tribe, as they journey to defeat the Demon Lord Giri.
Nike: The Reluctant Hero
Nike is trained by his parents to become a hero, but he is easily frightened and immature despite his skills. He embodies the classic RPG hero archetype while subverting it with his personality.
Kukuri: The Last of the Migu Migu
Kukuri, raised by the witch of Jimina Village, is the last of the Migu Migu tribe, who can use “Guru Guru,” a unique form of magic that involves drawing circles on the ground with a staff. She is cheerful, kind, and shows affection for Nike, often calling him “Mr. Hero.”
The Demon Lord Giri
Giri, the main antagonist, was sealed away 300 years before the start of the series. Upon his return, he unleashes monsters to wreak havoc, seeking to eliminate Kukuri, the only one capable of using Guru Guru magic against him.
A Parody of RPG Tropes
The series is known for its parody of RPG elements, including turn-based battles, character classes, and quest-driven narratives. It contains toilet gags, innuendo, and running jokes that add to its comedic charm.
Anime Adaptations and Legacy
The popularity of Magical Circle Guru-Guru led to several anime adaptations, further cementing its place in pop culture.
The First Anime Series (1994-1995)
The first anime adaptation, produced by Nippon Animation, aired from 1994 to 1995, consisting of 45 episodes. It covers the initial story arcs of the manga, introducing viewers to the world and characters of Magical Circle Guru-Guru.
Magical Circle Guru Guru the Movie (1996)
In 1996, a movie adaptation was released, continuing the adventures of Nike and Kukuri on the big screen.
Doki Doki Legend Magical Circle Guru Guru (2000)
A second anime series, Doki Doki Legend Magical Circle Guru Guru, aired in 2000, adapting volumes 5 to 11 of the manga. This series introduced new challenges and characters, expanding the world of Magical Circle Guru-Guru.
Reboot Anime (2017)
A reboot anime series aired in 2017, produced by Production I.G. This adaptation aimed to retell the original story from the beginning, appealing to both longtime fans and new viewers.
Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2: A Sequel’s Journey
Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 was launched on Square Enix’s Gangan Online website in 2012, continuing the story of Nike and Kukuri after the events of the original manga.
The Story
Set shortly after the original series, Guru-Guru 2 begins with Nike and Kukuri returning to Earth after a stint in heaven, only to find that a new Demon King has emerged. This sets them off on another adventure, with Kukuri regaining her Guru Guru magic to face the new threat.
Parallels to the Original
The sequel retains the humor and RPG parody elements of the original while introducing new characters and storylines. It references events from the first series, creating a sense of continuity for longtime fans.
Tone and Style
Like its predecessor, Guru-Guru 2 maintains a lighthearted tone, blending adventure with comedy. The art style evolves, but remains faithful to the original’s character designs and expressions.
Hiroyuki Etō’s Impact and Other Works
Hiroyuki Etō’s work extends beyond the Magical Circle Guru-Guru series, with contributions to various manga and anime projects.
Other Manga Series
Besides Magical Circle Guru-Guru, Etō has created other manga series, including Pico★Pico, Gadget, Satellite Usagi TV, Weekly My Bad Pet, and Dance Exhibition North Korean Old Man.
DJ and Mechanical Themes
Etō is also a DJ, which influences his work by incorporating mechanical themes into his stories. This is evident in series like Gadget and Satellite Usagi TV, where mechanical lifeforms play a central role.
Legacy
Hiroyuki Etō’s Magical Circle Guru-Guru has left a lasting impact on the manga and anime world, influencing subsequent works in the fantasy comedy genre. The series’ unique blend of humor, adventure, and RPG parody has resonated with audiences for decades, and its legacy continues to inspire new creators and fans alike.
As Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 approaches its conclusion, fans eagerly await the final volume, hoping for a satisfying resolution to the adventures of Nike and Kukuri.