Hiroyuki Etō’s “Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2” manga is set to conclude with its next volume. The announcement came from the endnotes of the 20th volume, which was released on April 12, 2025. This marks the end of a long-running sequel to the original “Magical Circle Guru-Guru” series, a fantasy comedy manga that has captivated audiences for decades.
A Look Back at the Magical Journey
The Original Manga
Hiroyuki Etō’s original “Magical Circle Guru-Guru” manga ran from 1992 to 2003 in Square Enix’s Monthly Shonen Gangan magazine. The series quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of fantasy and comedy, following the adventures of Nike, a young boy forced into the role of a hero, and Kukuri, a young girl who is the last of the Migu Migu clan and a practitioner of the mysterious Guru-Guru magic.
Anime Adaptations
The original manga’s popularity led to several anime adaptations, further cementing its place in anime history:
- First Anime Series (1994-1995): Produced by Nippon Animation, this series adapted the first four volumes of the manga and included original adventures.
- Anime Film (1996): Also by Nippon Animation, this film continued the adventures of Nike and Kukuri.
- Doki Doki Densetsu Mahōjin Guru Guru (2000): This second anime series covered manga volumes 5 to 11.
- New Anime Adaptation (2017): This adaptation, by Production I.G, went back to the beginning of the story, adapting the manga from the first chapter.
Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 (2012)
Etō launched “Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2” on Square Enix’s Gangan Online website in 2012. This sequel continued the story of Nike and Kukuri, picking up where the original manga left off. The series has been praised for maintaining the humor and charm of the original while introducing new challenges and adventures for the beloved characters.
Story and Characters
Nike
Nike is the protagonist, reluctantly thrust into the role of a hero. He is brave when he needs to be, but is often easily scared and immature. Despite his initial reluctance, he grows into his role, developing his skills and becoming a dependable hero.
Kukuri
Kukuri is the deuteragonist, a young girl from the Migu Migu clan, the last of her kind. She is the only one who can use Guru-Guru magic, a mysterious and powerful magic that involves drawing circles on the ground. She is generally cheerful and optimistic, but can also be easily offended.
Lord Giri
Giri is the main antagonist of the series. He was sealed away 300 years ago by Guru-Guru magic, and upon his return, he seeks to destroy Kukuri, the only one who can use the magic that seals him.
What Made Magical Circle Guru-Guru Special
Parody of RPGs
“Magical Circle Guru-Guru” is known for its parody of role-playing games (RPGs). The series incorporates many common RPG tropes, such as heroes, magic, monsters, and quests, but with a comedic twist. This makes it appealing to both fans of fantasy and those who enjoy humor.
Unique Magic System
The Guru-Guru magic system is one of the most distinctive aspects of the series. Unlike traditional magic systems that rely on spells or incantations, Guru-Guru magic involves drawing circles on the ground. The specific pattern drawn determines the type of magic used, adding a visual and creative element to the battles.
Endearing Characters
The characters in “Magical Circle Guru-Guru” are another reason for its popularity. Nike and Kukuri’s dynamic is central to the series’ appeal. Their contrasting personalities and growing bond provide both humor and heart.
Lighthearted Tone
Despite dealing with themes of good versus evil, “Magical Circle Guru-Guru” maintains a lighthearted and comedic tone. This makes it accessible to a wide audience, including younger viewers.
Hiroyuki Etō’s Legacy
Hiroyuki Etō’s work on “Magical Circle Guru-Guru” has left a lasting impact on the manga and anime world. His ability to blend fantasy, comedy, and heart has resonated with audiences for decades, and the series continues to be remembered fondly by fans.
The conclusion of “Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2” marks the end of an era, but the legacy of the series will undoubtedly live on. Fans can look forward to the final volume and cherish the memories of Nike and Kukuri’s magical journey.
