Hiroyuki Etō’s Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 manga is coming to an end with its next volume. This marks the conclusion of a delightful sequel to the original Magical Circle Guru-Guru series, a beloved fantasy comedy manga that has charmed readers for decades.
A Nostalgic Journey Ends
The announcement came in the endnotes of the 20th volume of Mahōjin Guru Guru 2 . The sequel, which launched in 2012, revisits the whimsical world and characters that made the original series a hit . Hiroyuki Etō’s Magical Circle Guru-Guru, serialized in Enix’s Monthly Shōnen Gangan from 1992 to 2003, gained immense popularity and was adapted into an anime series in 1994 . The series is known for its humor, endearing characters, and clever parody of early role-playing video games (RPGs), particularly those in the Dragon Quest series .
What is Magical Circle Guru-Guru About?
Magical Circle Guru-Guru follows the adventures of Nike, a young boy forced into the role of a hero, and Kukuri, a magic-user and the last of the Migu Migu tribe . Together, they journey to defeat the demon lord Giri, whose only weakness is Kukuri’s Guru Guru magic .
The story begins after Giri is reawakened after being sealed for 300 years. King Uruga XIII, in a panic, seeks a legendary hero to defeat Giri . Nike is forced by his parents to attend a competition held at the king’s castle to find the hero. Before going to the castle, Nike visits a witch’s house where he meets Kukuri .
Throughout their journey, Nike and Kukuri travel the world, battling monsters, gaining new abilities, uncovering the mysteries of the Migu Migu tribe, and encountering various friends and foes .
The Legacy of Magical Circle Guru-Guru
Magical Circle Guru-Guru has left a significant mark on the manga and anime landscape. Its unique blend of fantasy, comedy, and RPG parody resonated with a wide audience, leading to multiple adaptations and spin-offs .
Adaptations
- Anime Series: The first anime series, produced by Nippon Animation, aired from 1994 to 1995 and covered the first four volumes of the manga, along with some original adventures . A second anime series, Doki Doki Legend Magical Circle Guru Guru, aired in 2000 and adapted volumes 5 to 11 of the manga . A remake anime series was produced in 2017 .
- Anime Film: A film adaptation was released in 1996 .
- Manga: Besides the main series and its sequel, a spin-off manga, Dance Legend! North North Old Man, was serialized from 2008 to 2012 .
Reception and Influence
Magical Circle Guru-Guru has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase . The series’ humor, endearing characters, and clever RPG parodies have been praised by critics and fans alike . The series has also been recognized for its influence on later works in the fantasy and comedy genres .
Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2: A New Chapter
Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 picks up the story after Nike and Kukuri have defeated Lord Giri . Peace has returned to the world, but a new evil is on the horizon . Only Nike is summoned to Castle Godai, leaving Kukuri behind without her Guru Guru magic . Frustrated, Kukuri finds herself alone studying until she suddenly recreates a new “Guru Guru” magic . Now a spellcaster once more, a new adventure awaits the duo .
The sequel brings back the beloved characters and humor of the original series while introducing new challenges and adventures . Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 explores the world and characters further, offering a fresh take on the classic story .
Hiroyuki Etō: The Mastermind Behind the Magic
Hiroyuki Etō is a Japanese manga artist best known for creating the Magical Circle Guru-Guru series . Etō began his career as a DJ before transitioning to manga . His unique blend of humor, fantasy, and RPG parody has earned him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim .
Where to Read
- Book☆Walker
- Amazon
- eBookJapan
- MangaDex
Final Thoughts
As Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 approaches its conclusion, fans can look back on a beloved series that has brought laughter and joy to readers for years. Hiroyuki Etō’s whimsical world, endearing characters, and clever humor will continue to be cherished by fans old and new. While the journey may be ending, the magic of Magical Circle Guru-Guru will live on.