Posted in: Comics, Comics Publishers, IDW | Tagged: Geoge Takei, They Called Us Enemy

George Takei's New Graphic Novel to Follow They Called Us Enemy

George Takei is writing a new graphic novel for Top Shelf/IDW to follow up on They Called Us Enemy, about George's life since.

Published Tue, 17 Sep 2024 09:27:11 -0500

by Rich Johnston

Comments

Article Summary

George Takei is penning a new graphic novel for Top Shelf/IDW, following his acclaimed work They Called Us Enemy.
The novel will explore Takei's life and messages since the internment camps, focusing potentially on immigrant rights.
They Called Us Enemy, Takei's memoir of WWII Japanese American internment, was a New York Times bestseller.
The upcoming novel's announcement is expected at New York Comic Con according to IDW's CEO Davidi Jonas.

Earlier this week, CEO and Publisher of IDW, Davidi Jonas took an investment call while in the car as as part of his duties of being a publically traded independent comic book publisher. As part of his address, he mentioned that George Takei is writing a new graphic novel for Top Shelf/IDW to follow up on They Called Us Enemy, about George's own personal life and message since. I would look to New York Comic Con for the announcement.

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott, and Harmony Becker was published in 2019 about his and his family's experiences during the internment of Japanese Americans in World War II. The artwork was influenced by both American and Japanese storytelling styles, and was a New York Times bestselling book.

Kirkus Reviews, which names They Called Us Enemy one of the best books of the year, stated that the work is "A powerful reminder of a history" and that the images "effectively convey the intense emotions and the stark living conditions." Booklist's Sarah Hunter also discussed the images, stating, "Becker's spare, fine-lined, manga-inspired artwork focuses intently on faces and body language, keeping the story centered in the realm of the personal." Hunter concluded by writing, "This approachable, well-wrought graphic memoir is important reading, particularly in today's political climate." Publishers Weekly wrote, "Giving a personal view into difficult history, Takei's work is a testament to hope and tenacity in the face of adversity."

They Called Us Enemy was placed on the top spot on Publisher Weekly's annual Graphic Novel Critic's Poll for graphic novels and comics.

George Takei was born to Japanese American parents, with whom he lived in Tule Lake Segregation Center during World War II. He began pursuing acting in college, which led in 1965 to the role of Sulu in Star Trek, to which he returned periodically. After coming out as gay in 2005, he became a prominent proponent of LGBTQ rights and has been active in state and local politics. He has been a vocal advocate of the rights of immigrants. This new graphic novel is likely to be focused on that.

There's a lot of IDW news and gossip dropping today, as well as this week and last. Keep up with this handy tag.

Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!