Hiroyuki Etō’s Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 manga is set to conclude with its next volume. This announcement marks the end of a long and beloved journey for fans of the series, which began as a sequel to the original Magical Circle Guru-Guru manga.
A Beloved Sequel Comes to a Close
Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiroyuki Etō. It has been serialized in Gangan Online since November 1, 2012, and published by Square Enix. The series is a sequel to Etō’s original Magical Circle Guru-Guru manga, which ran from 1992 to 2003.
The announcement of the manga’s ending came in the endnotes of the 20th volume. The final volume promises to wrap up the adventures of Nike and Kukuri, the young hero and magician duo, as they navigate a world filled with quirky characters, hilarious situations, and, of course, plenty of magical circles.
A Look Back at Magical Circle Guru-Guru
To fully appreciate the significance of Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2‘s conclusion, it’s important to understand the legacy of the original series. Magical Circle Guru-Guru is a fantasy comedy manga created by Hiroyuki Etō. It was serialized in Enix’s Monthly Shōnen Gangan from 1992 to 2003, spanning 16 volumes. The manga was later adapted into a popular anime series in 1994.
Parody of RPGs
Magical Circle Guru-Guru is a lighthearted series aimed at older children, filled with humor and occasional innuendo. It gained popularity as a parody of early role-playing video games (RPGs), particularly turn-based games like the Dragon Quest series. The manga cleverly incorporates RPG elements and tropes into its storytelling, creating a unique and entertaining experience for readers.
Storyline
The story follows Nike, a young boy forced by his parents to become a hero, and Kukuri, a young girl from the Migu Migu tribe who is the last of the Guru-Guru magic users. Together, they embark on a journey to defeat the demon lord Giri, who has been resurrected after 300 years of being sealed away.
Along the way, Nike and Kukuri encounter a colorful cast of characters, battle bizarre monsters, and learn new skills and abilities. The series blends adventure, comedy, and fantasy, creating a delightful and engaging narrative that has captivated audiences for decades.
Adaptations and Legacy
The success of Magical Circle Guru-Guru led to multiple adaptations, including:
- Anime Series (1994): The first anime adaptation, produced by Nippon Animation, covered the first four volumes of the manga and included original adventures.
- Anime Film (1996): A theatrical film adaptation further expanded the world of Magical Circle Guru-Guru.
- Second Anime Series (2000): Doki Doki Legend Magical Circle Guru-Guru continued the anime adaptation with new stories.
- Remake Anime Series (2017): A remake of the original anime series, produced by Production I.G, provided a fresh take on the classic story.
The Magical Circle Guru-Guru franchise has left a lasting impact on the manga and anime world, influencing other works and inspiring a new generation of creators.
Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2: Continuing the Adventure
Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 picks up the story after the events of the original series. The world is once again threatened by a new evil, and Nike and Kukuri must reunite to save the day. However, things have changed since their last adventure. Kukuri has lost her Guru-Guru magic, and Nike is initially summoned alone, leaving Kukuri behind.
New Challenges
The sequel introduces new challenges and explores the characters’ growth and development. Kukuri’s struggle to regain her magic and the duo’s efforts to adapt to a changed world add depth and complexity to the story. Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 maintains the humor and charm of the original while offering a fresh and engaging narrative for longtime fans and new readers alike.
Storyline
Two weeks after Nike and Kukuri defeated Lord Giri, peace has returned to the world. However, a new evil is approaching. Nike is summoned to Castle Godai, but Kukuri, who lost her Guru Guru magic, is left behind. Frustrated, Kukuri creates a new “Guru Guru” magic. Now a spellcaster again, a new adventure awaits the duo.
The story is set earlier than Dance Legend North North Old Man, a side story that takes place a long time after the end of the main story. In Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2, a new demon king appears only two weeks after the previous one was defeated. Nike and Kukuri, tired of their boring life in the heavens, return to the ground and go to school. However, the king seeks Nike again due to the new demon king’s appearance, and Kukuri, who can no longer use Guruguru, is left alone. After being able to use Guru Guru again, she goes on a new adventure.
Hiroyuki Etō: The Creative Force Behind the Series
Hiroyuki Etō is the creator of Magical Circle Guru-Guru and Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2. Born in Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, Etō’s journey into the world of manga began with an interest in rock music and the works of romance manga artist Yukiko Oshima.
Early Career
After graduating from Musashino Art University, Etō joined the Manga Research Club and began submitting comics to various publications. He made his professional debut in 1985 with the work Watch Store Lady SEKUNDEN ZEIGER GENT TICK TICK TICK, published under the name Hiroyuki Ninotaka.
Breakthrough with Magical Circle Guru-Guru
Etō’s career took off with the creation of Magical Circle Guru-Guru in 1992. The series’ unique blend of humor, fantasy, and RPG parody resonated with readers, establishing Etō as a prominent figure in the manga industry.
Other Works and Interests
In addition to Magical Circle Guru-Guru, Etō has worked on other manga series, including Pico★Pico, Gadget, and Satellite Usagi TV. He is also known for his interest in machines, space, aliens, and mysteries, which often find their way into his works.
DJ Career
Outside of manga, Etō is also a DJ under the name NICK-Q, hosting events called “Happy UFO Party” (HUP).
The End of a Serialized Manga
The conclusion of Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 marks the end of a significant chapter in Hiroyuki Etō’s career and in the hearts of fans worldwide. While the series may be ending, the legacy of Magical Circle Guru-Guru will undoubtedly live on. New readers will continue to discover the charm and humor of Nike and Kukuri’s adventures, and longtime fans will cherish the memories and experiences they shared with the series.
As the final volume approaches, fans eagerly await the conclusion of this beloved sequel and the opportunity to bid farewell to the magical world of Magical Circle Guru-Guru.