Hiroyuki Etō’s Mahōjin Guru Guru 2 (Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2) manga is set to conclude with its next volume, marking the end of a beloved series that has charmed fans for over a decade. The announcement came in the endnotes of the 20th volume of the manga.
A Journey Through Magical Circle Guru-Guru
Magical Circle Guru-Guru is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiroyuki Etō. It was serialized in Enix’s Monthly Shōnen Gangan from 1992 to 2003, and later adapted into an anime series in 1994. The series is a fantasy comedy that parodies early role-playing video games (RPGs), particularly turn-based games like the Dragon Quest series.
The Story
The story follows 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 journey to defeat the demon lord Giri, who has been resurrected after 300 years and is unleashing monsters upon the world. Along the way, they encounter various characters, gain new abilities, and uncover the mysteries surrounding the Migu Migu tribe.
Anime Adaptations
The original Magical Circle Guru-Guru manga was adapted into a 45-episode anime series by Nippon Animation, which aired from 1994 to 1995. The anime covered the first four volumes of the manga, along with some original adventures. A film adaptation was released in 1996, and a second anime series, Doki Doki Densetsu Mahōjin Guru Guru, aired in 2000, covering volumes 5 to 11 of the manga.
In 2017, a remake of the original anime series was produced by Production I.G, which aired from July to December. The remake covered the entire manga series and was directed by Hiroshi Ikehata, with Hisaaki Okui handling the series composition and Naoyuki Asano designing the characters.
Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2: A Sequel
Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 is a sequel to the original manga series, which began serialization in Gangan Online in 2012. The sequel follows Nike and Kukuri on a new adventure, as they face new challenges and enemies.
Story of Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2
Peace has returned to the world after Nike and Kukuri defeated Lord Giri. Two weeks later, a new evil approaches. Only Nike was summoned to Castle Godai, while Kukuri lost her Guru Guru magic. A frustrated Kukuri, who is left alone to study, suddenly creates a new “Guru Guru” magic. Now returned to being a spellcaster, a new adventure awaits the duo.
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 was born in 1971 and began his career as a DJ before becoming a manga artist. He made his debut in 1985 and gained popularity with Magical Circle Guru-Guru, which he initially started as a 4-panel comic parodying the Dragon Quest series.
Other Works
Besides Magical Circle Guru-Guru, Etō has also created other manga series, including:
- Pico★Pico (1997)
- Gadget (2002-2005)
- Satellite Usagi TV (2006-2007)
- Weekly My Bad Pet (2009)
- Dance Exhibition North Korean Old Man (2008-2012)
Legacy
Magical Circle Guru-Guru has left a significant mark on the manga and anime world. Its humor, memorable characters, and parody of RPG tropes have made it a beloved series for fans of all ages. The series has also been praised for its animation, music, and voice acting. With the conclusion of Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2, fans are sure to reflect on the wonderful journey that Hiroyuki Etō has taken them on. The final volume will be a bittersweet moment, marking the end of an era for this magical series.