They Called Us Enemy

I'm curious why an autobiographical graphic novel needs three authors. Even if George Takei isn't the best writer—which I find a little doubtful—why does this story need two additional authors? It's not that complex. This isn't meant to be a critique of this novel, I'm just curious...

Anyway, They Called Us Enemy is a great recounting of Takei's experience as a child being relocated to concentration camps during World War II. It gives a very full picture of the events, locally and globally, that affected the Takei family. I think this book could've done better to show the experiences of other Japanese families who were not as fortunate as the Takeis—they remain together throughout the detainment, George's father is given a position of authority in the camp and the family is granted leave, and they reintegrate better than many—but perhaps a broader view of the average Japanese American was not the intention. Also, I thought the “isn't America great” rally as a conclusion only watered down the message of American oppression.

The illustrations are ideal for the telling. They're not overly ornate, but still carry some lovely detail. And the choice to tell the story in black-and-white frames was perfect.

This is a great addition to the story of Japanese internment, as well as an important biography of an integral part of the Star Trek universe, but its tame approach to the subject does present a much more neutral view than I think many with first-hand experience may have felt. They Called Us Enemy is a great introduction to this chapter of history, but it lacks the depth and clear indictment necessary to tell the full story.