Hiroyuki Etō’s Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 manga is set to conclude with its next volume, marking the end of a beloved sequel to the original fantasy comedy series. The announcement, made in the endnotes of the 20th volume released on April 12, 2025, signals the approaching finale of a journey that began in 2012 on Square Enix’s Gangan Online website.
A Fond Farewell to Nike and Kukuri
Magical Circle Guru-Guru, a parody of early role-playing games (RPGs), has captivated audiences with its humor and endearing characters since its debut in 1992. The original manga series, which ran in Square Enix’s Monthly Shonen Gangan magazine from 1992 to 2003, spawned a popular 1994-1995 television anime series, a 1996 film, and the 2000 television sequel Doki Doki Densetsu Mahōjin Guru Guru. In 2017, a new television anime adaptation of the original manga premiered, further cementing the series’ legacy.
The Genesis of a Parody
Hiroyuki Etō drew inspiration from his fondness for early RPGs to create the original Magical Circle Guru-Guru manga. The series follows the adventures of Nike, a reluctant hero, and Kukuri, a young magic user and the last of the Migu Migu tribe, as they journey to defeat the evil Demon King Giri. The manga cleverly incorporates elements of classic RPGs, such as character stats, item acquisition, and dungeon exploration, while maintaining a lighthearted and comedic tone.
A Nod to Dragon Quest
Magical Circle Guru-Guru is known for its affectionate parody of the Dragon Quest series. Hiroyuki Etō started his journey with a 4-panel comic from the Dragon Quest series, and though Magical Circle Guru-Guru has its own unique world, it consistently parodies Dragon Quest. This close relationship has even led to Dragon Quest being influenced by Magical Circle Guru-Guru. The remake anime openly features Dragon Quest characters, adding another layer of enjoyment for fans of both series.
The Legacy of Magical Circle Guru-Guru
Magical Circle Guru-Guru has left an indelible mark on the manga and anime landscape, celebrated for its humor, characters, and affectionate parody of the RPG genre. Its enduring popularity has led to multiple anime adaptations, a film, and video games, ensuring its continued relevance for years to come.
Anime Adaptations
The Magical Circle Guru-Guru manga has been adapted into several anime series:
- Magical Circle Guru Guru (1994-1995): The first anime adaptation, consisting of 45 episodes, which followed the initial story of the manga.
- Doki Doki Densetsu Mahōjin Guru Guru (2000): A 38-episode sequel that adapted volumes 5 to 11 of the manga.
- Magical Circle Guru-Guru (2017): A reboot of the original manga, animated by Production I.G, which aimed to condense the entire 16-volume story into 24 episodes.
Reception and Impact
Magical Circle Guru-Guru has been praised for its comedy, heartwarming characters, and nostalgic references to classic RPGs. Critics have noted the series’ ability to appeal to both younger and older audiences, with its humor and familiar tropes resonating with fans of the genre.
Parody and Humor
One of the series’ greatest strengths lies in its comedy, which pokes fun at RPG elements and conventions. The show cleverly weaves 8-bit-style graphics and rapid-fire jokes into its narrative, creating a unique and entertaining experience. The humor is well-timed and avoids becoming repetitive, making the series consistently hilarious.
Characters
The series boasts a diverse cast of characters, each with their own quirks and charms. Nike, the reluctant hero, and Kukuri, the enthusiastic magic user, form a delightful duo, while supporting characters like the dancing old man Kita Kita Oyaji and the battle-zealous Juju add to the show’s comedic appeal.
Hiroyuki Etō: The Mastermind Behind the Magic
Hiroyuki Etō, the creator of Magical Circle Guru-Guru, is a Japanese manga artist known for his humorous and lighthearted storytelling. Born in Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, Etō’s early influences included romance manga artist Yukiko Oshima and rock music. He debuted in 1985 and gained recognition for his work on the Dragon Quest 4 Cut Cartoon Theater before creating Magical Circle Guru-Guru.
Other Works
Besides Magical Circle Guru-Guru, Etō has created several other manga series, including:
- Buyūden Kita Kita (2008-2012): A spinoff of Magical Circle Guru-Guru featuring the character Kita Kita Oyaji.
- Gadget (2002-2005): A sci-fi comedy about a junior high student interested in aliens and UFOs.
- Satellite Usagi TV (2006-2007): A series featuring mechanical lifeforms and themes of space and mysteries.
Artistic Style
Etō’s art style has evolved over the years, with noticeable changes between the early and later parts of Magical Circle Guru-Guru. His work often features cute, cartoony character designs and expressive visuals that enhance the comedic elements of his stories.
The Final Volume and What Lies Ahead
As Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 approaches its conclusion, fans eagerly await the final volume to see how Nike and Kukuri’s journey will end. While the end of this series marks the close of a chapter, the legacy of Magical Circle Guru-Guru will undoubtedly endure, continuing to entertain and inspire audiences for generations to come.
A Fond Farewell
The end of Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 is a bittersweet moment for fans of the series. While it’s sad to see the adventures of Nike and Kukuri come to an end, the series has provided countless hours of entertainment and laughter. The final volume will be a chance to celebrate the series’ legacy and bid farewell to these beloved characters.
Looking to the Future
While Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 may be ending, Hiroyuki Etō’s creative journey is far from over. With his interest in exploring new genres like slice of life, isekai, and horror, fans can look forward to seeing what new and exciting stories he will bring to life in the future.
The final volume of Magical Circle Guru-Guru 2 promises to be a fitting conclusion to a beloved series, leaving fans with fond memories and a lasting appreciation for Hiroyuki Etō’s unique brand of humor and fantasy.