Hiroyuki Etō’s Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 manga is set to conclude with its next volume. The announcement came in the endnotes of the manga’s 20th volume, released on April 12, 2025. This marks the end of a series that has spanned over a decade, continuing the adventures of Nike and Kukuri.
A Sequel’s Journey
Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 launched in 2012 on Square Enix’s Gangan Online website, serving as a sequel to Etō’s original Mahōjin Guru Guru manga. The original series, a fantasy comedy, captivated readers from 1992 to 2003 in Square Enix’s Monthly Shonen Gangan magazine.
A Legacy of Laughter and Adventure
Etō’s Mahōjin Guru Guru is a gag parody manga inspired by his affection for early role-playing games. The adventures of Nike and Kukuri resonated with audiences, leading to several adaptations, including:
- A popular 1994-1995 television anime series
- A 1996 film
- A 2000 television sequel, Doki Doki Densetsu Mahōjin Guru Guru
- A new television anime adaptation of the original manga in 2017
The 2017 anime adaptation wasn’t a sequel or an adaptation of Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2. Instead, it revisited the beginning of the story, when Nike and Kukuri first meet in Jimina Village.
Other works by Hiroyuki Eto
Buyūden Kita Kita, a spinoff about a comical dancing old man from the original manga, was launched when Gangan Online began in 2008. The series ended in 2012.
What is Magical Circle Guru Guru About?
Magical Circle Guru Guru is a fantasy comedy that follows the adventures of Nike, a young boy forced 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 journey to defeat the demon lord Giri and save the world.
The Story
After being sealed for 300 years, the demon lord Giri reawakens and sends his monster minions to wreak havoc. King Uruga XIII seeks a legendary hero to defeat Giri. Nike is forced by his parents to enter a competition to find the hero. He meets Kukuri, a magic-learning girl, and together, they begin their adventure.
Key Characters
- Nike: A reluctant hero who is forced to go on a quest to defeat the demon lord Giri.
- Kukuri: The last of the Migu Migu tribe, who practices Guru Guru magic.
Themes and Parody
The series parodies early role-playing video games, particularly turn-based games like the Dragon Quest series. It incorporates humor, slapstick, and lighthearted storytelling to create an engaging experience for readers of all ages.
Adaptations
Anime Series
The Magical Circle Guru Guru manga has been adapted into several anime series:
- Mahoujin Guru Guru (1994): This series covers the content of manga volumes 1-4 and some original adventures.
- Doki Doki Densetsu Mahōjin Guru Guru (2000): This series adapts manga volumes 5-11.
- Magical Circle Guru Guru (2017): A reboot series that starts from the beginning of the manga’s story.
Film
- Theatrical Magic Circle Guru Guru (1996): An anime film based on the original manga.
Reception and Legacy
Magical Circle Guru Guru has garnered a dedicated following over the years, praised for its humor, characters, and lighthearted take on the fantasy genre. The series has sold over 14 million copies and has left a lasting impact on fans worldwide.
As Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 approaches its conclusion, fans can look back on a series that has provided laughter and entertainment for over a decade. While the sequel may be ending, the legacy of Magical Circle Guru Guru will continue to live on.