It Rhymes with Takei is not just a graphic novel, but a heartfelt and deeply personal memoir that takes readers on an intimate journey through the remarkable life of actor and activist George Takei. Collaborating with Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott, Takei offers a vivid portrayal of his experiences, blending historical moments with personal anecdotes and reflections.

The book is a treasure trove for fans of Takei, Star Trek, civil rights movements, LGBTQ+ history, and sci-fi culture. Through Takei's eyes, we explore pivotal moments in both his career and the broader cultural landscape—moments that shaped the world in profound ways. Takei’s immense acting talent, coupled with his unwavering commitment to social justice, is showcased throughout, from his work on *Star Trek* to his passionate advocacy.

One of the most emotionally intense sections of the book is Takei's exploration of the AIDS pandemic and its devastating effects on him, his friends, and the wider community. It’s a raw, brutal, and often heart-wrenching account, filled with the grief and loss that defined an entire generation. But even in the darkest moments, Takei’s story is also one of resilience, love, and survival. His relationship with his husband, Brad, is a tender and beautiful through-line that offers a counterbalance to the more painful chapters of his life.

The combination of personal insight and historical context makes It Rhymes with Takei a must-read for those who admire Takei’s legacy and wish to understand the person behind the public figure. The book is a celebration of Takei’s life—his humor, his activism, and his undying love for those closest to him. Whether you’re a fan of Star Trek, a history buff, or simply looking for a powerful personal story, this graphic novel offers an in-depth and emotional experience that will stay with you.

Thank you net galley and IDW publishing for providing a copy of this book for my consideration all thoughts are my own

Absolutely brilliant, a must read for all.

The fact that this is a graphic novel makes the story so much more accessible. The illustrations are superb and really help sell this interesting, fundamentally important story.

Both my parents were Star Trek fans so I grew up around it. That’s partly why I picked this book as I knew so little about George Takei. This book shows that he is so much more than ‘Mr Sulu’. His story, combined with the wider story of racism and homophobia in America, is so important and gives great insight into not just the historical injustices of this world, but to the current fight. It gave me new insight into these issues. We have so much further to go but this book tells the world not to give up hope.

Thanks to the author, publishers & NetGalley for access to this arc, in return for an honest review.

Having already read They Called Us Enemy, I had to read this new George Takei graphic novel. He is quite the eloquent individual and a fantastic storyteller. His new graphic novel covers the adversity that he has had to deal with being LGBTQIA+, the journey and obstacles he encountered towards achieving his goal to be an actor, and his heavy involvement in political activism. This one is worth the read! Live Long and Prosper.

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I love George Takei, as an author and as a person. He has a knack for telling a compelling story packed with emotion, but he never becomes maudlin or self-pitying. I appreciate his honesty and his even-keeled tone. Most of all, I love his message of love and empathy, something we all need more of in our lives.

I loved George Takei's first graphic novel and so was very excited when I saw this one and was approved to read it. This book follows on from where the last book ended, right up to the present day and it is a fascinating and inspirational story. George Takei has lived through more than his fair share of adversity and yet he never comes across as bitter or resentful; his main aim always seems to be helping others and standing up for what's right. I always knew of him as "the guy from Star Trek" but this is only one part of the incredible career and life of an incredible man. Read it!

I received a digital ARC from IDW Publishing via NetGalley. This was a phenomenal graphic novel memoir. What a life he has lived, Takei has seen such pivotal moments in US history and our progress in civil rights. Takei shows the hard road people in this country have faced, his own advocacy, and his personal challenges. The story is emotional and hopeful, while also being informative on the political issues. I love the graphic novel format and recommend this to anyone and everyone.

A combination of a memoir about the legend that is George Takei and the history of gay rights in the United States. Takei has a unique perspective, having lived through all different stages, from homosexual sex being illegal, to the AIDS epidemic, to the legalisation of gay marriage. He sensitively handles the complexities, with his trademark humour thrown in for good measure. The illustrations matches the content perfectly. This would be a fantastic gateway text for those seeking to learn more about the history of LGBTQ rights.

I’m glad I got this as an ARC through NetGalley, because otherwise I probably wouldn’t have read it. Now I really want to read “They Called Us Enemy” too.

Another inspiring graphic novel memoir from George Takei, detailing his journey to stardom and social activism, in the context of personally identifying as a gay Japanese American who experienced incarceration in his youth. Takei has lived an extraordinary life, putting his heart and best effort into everything, whether it’s graduating with multiple degrees, auditioning for a part, championing civil rights, or advocating for public transit. There’s some brief references to his previous graphic novel, They Called Us Enemy, but It Rhymes with Takei gives a broader overview of his life.

Special thanks to IDW Publishing, Top Shelf Productions and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest, independent review.

It Rhymes with Takei is a great expansion and continuation of Takei's first graphic novel. I loved being able to see more of Takei's work outside of acting. The novel touched on some many important conversations and events throughout recent history. I think that this is an especially important story to tell in today's world where many of these issues seem to be on the rise. This story was powerful and a homerun.

Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc!

Amazing graphic novel! George Takei's first graphic novel, They Called Us Enemy, is one of my favorite graphic novels. This one tells the rest of the story of his life, from a closeted kid and adult to an out and proud LGBTQ+ advocate. It also highlights his acting career. Very interesting to read about the historical events of the time (presidential shifts in policies, AIDS, Ellen coming out, Prop 8 in California, and historic Supreme Court cases), George's involvement with them, and how they affected him. When George finally comes out to the public at 68, it is fascinating to have some of his interviews captured on the page and to hear how he lent his name to people affected by the "Don't Say Gay Bills" in some states. (Just say Takei!). If you are interested in graphic novels with history, LGBTQ+ rights, and like George Takei, then this book is for you!

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC for this graphic novel one of my favorite kind of memoirs are graphic ones just because they are so quick to read and I love all the artwork and its a fun spin on memoirs. I read another one of George’s graphic novels a few years ago and thought it was a very important novel telling the history he went through and so many others. I didn’t really know much about George or his story so when i saw he had a memoir coming out i wanted to read it and I’m glad i did I’ve heard of his activism as well as him coming out at 68 and living his truth but also telling the readers how hard it was being gay during that time in history and i can’t imagine how he felt ugh. He also touched down on a lot of policies and just anti lgbtq stuff that happened awhile ago and it’s so sad that we are still seeing this stuff happen in modern day it’s really sad especially to the ones we have lost and were huge advocates to get to where we want to be. George told us about him growing up and all his accomplishments and movies and being on Star Trek which i knew of him from, I thought the story and how him and his husband met was honestly so wholesome and I’m so happy for them especially both being so i love but closeted during that time but they overcame it and are now happily married that makes my heart happy. I thought the artwork was good in this novel as well and we saw a lot of people that we are familiar with as well. Overall it was a great book and informative! Great job!

A phenomenal graphic memoir by one of the most outspoken activists and public figures in the country! Takei's warm humor and optimism shine through every page, though he's also unafraid to take on some of the darker realities of living a closeted life as a celebrity and the many, many political setbacks gay people have faced throughout this country's history. A fantastic followup to his earlier graphic memoir.

It Rhymes with Takei is a graphic memoir that details actor George Takei’s life as an actor and activist. From a young age, Mr. Takei was aware of differences from his American peers- not only was he imprisoned in a Japanese interment camp but he was also gay. Filled with historical information about the realities of the gay existence in the 1950s and beyond, Mr. Takei talks about the AIDs epidemic and the real dangers of being outed as a gay man. I’m extremely thankful for Mr. Takei for sharing his story and his activism- he continues to fight for LGBTQIA+ rights.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read It Rhymes with Takei.

If you are familiar with Geroge Takei because of his work on Star Trek, or if you are familiar with him because of his recent work with LGBTQ rights, then this is a great book that covers his life after the events that followed his first book about his childhood.

You don’t have to have read “They Called Us Enemy”, the book that Geroge wrote about being interred with his family during World War II, in concentration camps that the American threw together for all the people of Japanese descent on the west coast.

This book covers the rest of his life, to date, and how he had to be very very closeted, first because he didn’t want to be driven out of Hollywood, didn’t want to damage any show he was on, and didn’t want to damage getting any work after Star Trek. He kept peeking out of his closet, so to speak, but was too afraid to go much further than that.

I can’t imagine waiting so long to come out. He must have been in so much pain. But, as he likes to say, he was an actor, and it was just an act he put on to appear heterosexual. He did it to survive.

I thought I was just going to look at this, as the eARC came in late last night, but I stayed up late reading the whole thing, despite knowing how it would all turn out. Very moving. Very painful. Very sad. But, how liberating it probably was when he finally could hold his husbands hand in public, and discuss and champion LGBTQ rights not as just an ally.

Highly recommend this. All the stars.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 10th of June 2025.

This was a truly wonderful novel. A few scenes in the first 20% felt disjointed BUT - overall this is an amazing, emotional, vulnerable depiction of Takei’s life as a gay man (and so much more).

The writing and illustrations depicting the AIDS crisis made me unbelievably emotional. As did the juxtaposition of Takei’s brother cutting him off next to a depiction of them as children together in a concentration camp.

Although the current political climate is not as optimistic as it was at the end of this book, Takei reminds us in the final pages that we do not face it alone.

Takei was witness and participant to so munch history. It was incredible to hear his perspective, hopes, and fears through it all.