Hiroyuki Etō’s 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 journey that began in 2012 when Etō launched the sequel to his original Magical Circle Guru-Guru manga on Square Enix’s Gangan Online website.
A Nostalgic Return: What is Magical Circle Guru-Guru?
Magical Circle Guru-Guru is a fantasy comedy manga series written and illustrated by Hiroyuki Etō. The original series ran from 1992 to 2003 in Enix’s (later Square Enix’s) Monthly Shōnen Gangan magazine, spanning 16 volumes. It gained immense popularity, leading to multiple adaptations, including:
- Anime Series (1994-1995): A 45-episode anime adaptation by Nippon Animation that covered the first four manga volumes and included original adventures.
- Anime Film (1996): A 30-minute anime film, also by Nippon Animation.
- Anime Series (2000-20001): A 38-episode sequel anime series titled Doki Doki Legend Magical Circle Guru Guru, covering manga volumes 5 to 11.
- Anime Series (2017): A remake of the original anime series.
The story revolves around Nike, a young boy forced by his parents to become a hero, and Kukuri, a young girl who is the last of the Migu Migu tribe and a practitioner of Guru-Guru magic. Together, they embark on a quest to defeat the demon lord Giri, who has been resurrected after 300 years.
Synopsis of the Original Magical Circle Guru-Guru
King Uruga XIII, desperate to find a hero to combat the resurrected demon lord Giri, posts announcements throughout the kingdom calling for brave warriors. Nike, reluctantly pushed by his hero-obsessed parents, heads to the king’s castle. Before going there, he visits a witch’s house, where he meets Kukuri. She is a magic-learning girl who accompanies him on his journey.
Throughout their adventures, Nike and Kukuri travel the world, battling monsters, acquiring new skills, and uncovering the mysteries of the Migu Migu tribe. They encounter various allies and enemies.
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, bringing peace to the world. However, this peace is short-lived. A new evil emerges, and Nike is summoned to Castle Godai, leaving Kukuri behind because she has lost her Guru-Guru magic.
Frustrated and determined, Kukuri unexpectedly rediscovers her Guru-Guru magic, leading to new adventures for the duo. This sequel introduces new challenges and expands upon the lore of the original series.
Characters: A Delightful Ensemble
The Magical Circle Guru-Guru series boasts a cast of memorable and quirky characters. Here are some of the most important:
- Nike: A reluctant hero with a talent for kicking. He is the straight man to Kukuri’s eccentricities and often finds himself in humorous situations.
- Kukuri: The last of the Migu Migu tribe, Kukuri is a powerful magic user. She is often cheerful and ditzy, but her Guru-Guru magic is essential for defeating monsters.
- Giri: The main antagonist of the original series, Giri is a demon lord who seeks to dominate the world. He is always depicted in a dark cloak, holding a glass of wine, and is the archenemy of Nike and Kukuri.
- Old Witch: Kukuri’s guardian. She is called “Obaba” (old hag) by Kukuri, who sometimes calls her a cow. She is known for her eccentric behavior and questionable advice.
A Legacy of Laughter and Adventure
Magical Circle Guru-Guru is celebrated for its humor, charming characters, and lighthearted take on the fantasy genre. The series cleverly parodies role-playing games (RPGs), incorporating familiar elements such as leveling up, equipment upgrades, and monster battles into its comedic narrative.
The series has garnered a dedicated following over the years, with fans appreciating its unique blend of comedy and adventure. The original manga and its adaptations have left a lasting impact on the anime and manga landscape.
End of an Era
The conclusion of Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 marks the end of an era for fans who have followed the series for years. While the manga may be ending, the legacy of Magical Circle Guru-Guru will undoubtedly continue to live on through its various adaptations and the memories of its fans.
As the release of the final volume approaches, fans eagerly await the conclusion of Nike and Kukuri’s latest adventure. It remains to be seen what surprises and heartwarming moments Hiroyuki Etō has in store for the series’ final chapter.