Justin Eisinger is co-author of two graphic novels with George Takei, including the New York Times Best Selling and Eisner Award-winning “They Called Us Enemy,” and the brand-new 2025 release, “It Rhymes with Takei” — the celebrity actor and activist’s most personal story ever. Eisinger is also co-creator of “How’d They Make That?!”, an illustrated nonfiction series for young readers coming in 2026 from Chronicle Books. In additional to project he’s written, Eisinger is Editor-in-Chief for Usagi Yojimbo creator Stan Sakai’s Dogu Publishing imprint. During an editorial career of more than fifteen years immersed in graphic storytelling at IDW Publishing – working with luminaries like Kevin Eastman, Joe Hill, Harlan Ellison, Sam Kieth, and many more – a fateful encounter with Civil Rights pioneer Congressman John Lewis inspired Eisinger to focus his experience on bringing engaging nonfiction stories to comics. He has also served as Senior Editor at entertainment publishing house Insight Editions, where he spearheaded a range of titles from “Seinfeld: The Official Cookbook” to “Dungeons & Dragons: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book.” After 18 years in San Diego, Eisinger has returned to NE Ohio with his wife and two dogs, and in his spare time publishes North America’s only inline skating magazine, ONEblademag.
Twitter: @JustinEisinger
Bsky @JustinEisinger
Email: justin@JustinEisinger.com
Agent: Dara Hyde / Hill Nadell Literary Agency
“Moving and layered… Takei challenges Americans to look to how past humanitarian injustices speak to current political debates. Giving a personal view into difficult history, [They Called Us Enemy] is a testament to hope and tenacity in the face of adversity.”
Had a lot of fun hosting the Usagi Yojimbo: Past, Present, and Future panel at SDCC.
“A compelling blend of nostalgia and outrage… this approachable, well-wrought graphic memoir is important reading, particularly in today’s political climate. Pair with John Lewis’ acclaimed March series for a thought-provoking, critical look at the history of racism in American policies and culture.”
“Over 100,000 Japanese Americans were imprisoned by the U.S. government during World War II. Experience the forces that shaped an American icon–and America itself–in this gripping tale of courage, country, loyalty, and love.”
librarypass.com/2020/07/27/2020-eisner-award-winners-in-comicsplus
“In this moving graphic novel, George Takei shares his childhood experience growing up in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. During that time, the loyalty of Japanese Americans was questioned, they were unlawfully detained, racism was legalized, they were threatened with deportation, and subjected to other de-humanizing situations. Takei recounts his family’s imprisonment from a child’s perspective, including the confusion and fear of leaving their home at a moment’s notice. He depicts the long-term effects that internment had on his parents, his struggle to fully understand what they went through once he reached adulthood, and how his experiences propelled him into a career in acting and fighting injustice through social activism. The committee found that this graphic novel has significant historical value and it is a perfect fit among resources in the Asian American culture due to current immigration controversy.”
“This evocative memoir shares stories of the nation’s past, draws heartbreaking parallels to the present, and serves as a cautionary tale for the future. For all readers old enough to understand the importance of our collective history.”
“Emotionally staggering… They Called Us Enemy also inspires readers to engage through democracy to insist that we treat fellow human beings with fairness and dignity.”
“Riveting… Takei has evolved into an increasingly powerful voice for oppressed communities, and They Called Us Enemy finds him at peak moral clarity – an unflinching force in these divisive times.”
“A detailed, wrenching account… They Called Us Enemy should prove the most potent introduction for younger readers to this ignoble chapter in our history.”
