# They Called Us Enemy by George Takei: A Graphic Novel Review

- Link: https://www.nyrdcast.com/they-called-us-enemy-george-takei-review/
- Published: 2026-11-07T09:00:00-06:00
- Author: Eugene Tierney

George Takei’s graphic memoir, They Called Us Enemy, details his family’s internment
alongside over 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. Co-written with Justin
Eisinger and Steven Scott, the narrative explores the forced relocation and incarceration
experience from the perspective of Takei as a child.

Illustrated by Harmony Becker in black and white, the book links historical events
to modern themes of prejudice and government overreach. Comparable to memoirs like
Maus and Persepolis, it receives high praise for using the comics medium to deliver
a personal and educational historical account.

### _They Called Us Enemy_ by George Takei Review

There are graphic novels that entertain, graphic novels that educate, and graphic
novels that leave a lasting impact long after you’ve finished them. _They Called
Us Enemy_ by George Takei accomplishes all three. Equal parts memoir, history lesson,
and cautionary tale, it’s the kind of book that reminds you just how powerful the
comics medium can be.

[⌊They Called Us Enemy by George Takei⌉⌊They Called Us Enemy by George Takei⌉[

_**They Called Us Enemy**_
Words: George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven ScottArt:
Harmony BeckerTop Shelf Productions[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/They-Called-Us-Enemy-George-Takei/dp/1603094504)
[Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42527866-they-called-us-enemy)

Some stories feel important. Others feel essential. _They Called Us Enemy_ falls
firmly into the second category.

George Takei’s memoir about his family’s internment during World War II is one of
the most impactful graphic novels I’ve read. While many people know Takei from _Star
Trek_, this book focuses on a chapter of American history that often doesn’t get
nearly enough attention: the forced incarceration of more than 120,000 Japanese 
Americans following the attack on Pearl Harbor.

What makes the book so effective is its perspective. Rather than presenting the 
events as a dry history lesson, Takei tells the story through the eyes of his younger
self. We experience the confusion, fear, and uncertainty alongside him as his family
is removed from their home and sent to internment camps. The result is deeply personal
and often heartbreaking.

Harmony Becker’s artwork perfectly complements the story. The clean black-and-white
art carries tremendous emotional weight without ever feeling overly dramatic. Some
of the most powerful moments come from simple expressions or quiet scenes that linger
long after you’ve turned the page.

As I read, I found myself putting _They Called Us Enemy_ in the same conversation
as _Maus_ and _Persepolis_. Like those landmark graphic memoirs, it uses the comics
medium to make history feel immediate and human. These aren’t just stories about
major historical events; they’re stories about families trying to survive them. 
That’s what makes them resonate so strongly.

The book also does an excellent job of connecting the past to the present. Takei
doesn’t simply recount history; he challenges readers to think about how fear, prejudice,
and government overreach continue to shape society today. The lessons feel just 
as relevant now as they were during the events depicted.

Whether you’re a longtime comics reader, a fan of historical nonfiction, or someone
looking to better understand a painful chapter of American history, _They Called
Us Enemy_ is an easy recommendation.

#### Final Verdict

**Score: 5/5: **_They Called Us Enemy_ is a powerful, educational, and deeply moving
graphic memoir that belongs alongside works like _Maus_ and _Persepolis_ in any 
discussion of the medium’s greatest true stories.

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