Justin Eisinger is co-author of two graphic novels with George Takei, including the New York Times bestselling and Eisner Award-winning They Called Us Enemy, and 2025’s spiritual successor, It Rhymes with Takei — the celebrity actor and activist’s most personal story ever. Eisinger is also creator of the illustrated children’s nonfiction book series How’d They Make That?! The first book, Incredible Stadiums, lands on shelves this October from Chronicle Kids!
Bsky @JustinEisinger
Email: justin@JustinEisinger.com
Agent: Dara Hyde / Hill Nadell Literary Agency
One Book, One Coast kicks off its first ever event with They Called Us Enemy. It will be featured in 140+ library systems in Oregon, Washington, and California. What an honor!
This is the notice that went out when we sold our two-book series to Chronicle. So exciting! Savvy viewers will realize the titles and scope have changed. Ha! That’s publishing.
“Star Trek” icon George Takei’s new book has a local connection.
Akron graphic novelist Justin Eisinger has teamed up once again with the actor, author and social activist on “It Rhymes with Takei,” released June 10.
Their first book, “They Called Us Enemy,” the bestselling memoir of Takei’s childhood imprisonment in a Japanese internment camp during World War II, won the 2020 Eisner Award for Best Reality-Based Work.
This new graphic novel shares a more personal story about his life — and it rhymes with Takei.
I was very pleased to get this front page placement in our hometown paper to celebrate the release of It Rhymes With Takei! All of my parent’s friends saw it, and I know that made them happy.
“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.”
