Hiroyuki Etō’s “Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2” manga is set to conclude with its next volume. Fans of the comedy fantasy series have been following the adventures of Nike and Kukuri since the original manga launched in the early 90s, and this marks the end of an era for the sequel that began in 2012.
A Beloved Gag Parody
Hiroyuki Etō first launched the original “Mahōjin Guru Guru” manga in Square Enix’s Monthly Shonen Gangan magazine in 1992, where it ran until 2003. The series quickly gained popularity due to its comedic take on early role-playing games. Etō’s affection for the genre shone through in the characters and storylines, creating a unique blend of fantasy and humor.
The adventures of Nike, a reluctant hero, and Kukuri, a young magic user, captivated readers and led to several adaptations, including a popular anime series that aired from 1994 to 1995. The anime was followed by a film in 1996 and a sequel series, “Doki Doki Densetsu Mahōjin Guru Guru,” in 2000. In 2017, a new anime adaptation of the original manga premiered, bringing the story to a new generation of fans. This adaptation chose to retell the story from the beginning, focusing on Nike and Kukuri’s initial meeting in Jimina Village.
The Sequel’s Run
“Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2” debuted on Square Enix’s Gangan Online website in 2012, continuing the adventures of Nike and Kukuri. As of June 2024, the series has spanned 19 volumes, offering fans a chance to revisit the world and characters they love with new stories and challenges. The manga sees Nike and Kukuri returning to earth after finding heaven boring, only to face a new demon king and more adventures.
A Look Back at the Original Series
Story and Characters
The original “Magical Circle Guru Guru” is set in a world where people choose RPG classes such as Wizard, Priestess, and Warrior. The story revolves around Nike, who is trained to be a hero by his father, and Kukuri, a magic apprentice skilled in dark summoning magic. Together, they embark on a journey to fight Lord Giri, who was sealed away 300 years prior.
Nike, despite his training, is easily frightened and somewhat immature. Kukuri, while competent in her Guru Guru magic, which involves drawing circles on the ground with her staff, is also immature and easily offended. Their contrasting personalities and complementary skills make them a dynamic duo as they navigate the challenges of their quest.
Adaptations and Legacy
The original manga’s success led to multiple anime adaptations. The first series, produced by Nippon Animation, aired from 1994 to 1995 and covered the first four volumes of the manga, along with original adventures. A second anime series, “Doki Doki Legend,” aired in 2000 and covered volumes 5 to 11 of the manga.
In 2017, a remake of the original anime series was produced by Production I.G, directed by Hiroshi Ikehata, and written by Hisaaki Okui. This adaptation aimed to retell the story from the beginning, introducing the world and characters to a new audience.
Influences and Parodies
“Magical Circle Guru Guru” is known for its parody of the Dragon Quest series and other early RPGs. Hiroyuki Etō cleverly incorporates elements from these games into the manga, creating a humorous and engaging experience for readers. The series has even influenced the Dragon Quest series itself, blurring the lines between parody and inspiration.
What to Expect in the Final Volume
While the exact details of the final volume remain under wraps, fans can likely expect a resolution to the ongoing storylines and a satisfying conclusion to Nike and Kukuri’s adventures. Whether it brings closure to long-standing plot threads or sets the stage for future possibilities, the final volume will be a must-read for fans of the series.
Hiroyuki Etō’s Other Works
In addition to “Magical Circle Guru Guru” and its sequel, Hiroyuki Etō has created other manga series, including “Buyūden Kita Kita,” a spinoff about a comical dancing old man from the original manga. This series ran from 2008 to 2012. Etō’s work often showcases his comedic style and his love for the fantasy genre.
Where to Watch
For those interested in diving into the world of “Magical Circle Guru Guru,” the 2017 anime adaptation is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. This remake provides a fresh and faithful adaptation of the original manga, making it an excellent starting point for new fans.
Reception and Impact
“Magical Circle Guru Guru” has had a significant impact on the manga and anime world, influencing other works and inspiring fans with its humor and heart. The series has been praised for its unique blend of comedy and fantasy, as well as its memorable characters and engaging storylines.
A Fond Farewell
As “Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2” approaches its end, fans can look back on the series with fondness and appreciation. Hiroyuki Etō’s creation has brought joy and laughter to countless readers and viewers, and its legacy will continue to live on through its various adaptations and its enduring popularity.