The graphic memoir “It Rhymes with Takei” takes the reader on an eye-opening journey of George Takei’s adult life from what it was like to be gay in the latter half of the 20th century, his work in theater, TV, and film, as well as his public service such as his role in getting a modern subway system in Los Angeles and his advocacy work. This is a must-read for everyone! Thank you to George for sharing his story (including his first graphic memoir “They Called Us Enemy”) and for all that he has done to fight for equality for all American citizens. In the current atmosphere, this memoir has left me with hope for the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for an eARC of this book in return for an honest, thoughtful review.

I was happy to get my hands on 'It Rhymes With Takei', George Takei's second graphic novel memoir after 'They Called Us Enemy', his excellent first graphic novel where he recounts his memories of the American concentration camps during World War II, which he had experienced first hand as a 4-year-old boy. This time around, the famous actor and passionate activist focuses on the more personal story of his identity as a gay man, his late coming out at the age of 68, back in October of 2005, and all the decades and experiences that formed his views of the world, fuelled his passion for social justice, and shaped him as a person.

The book is a heartfelt and vulnerable recounting of his most formative experiences as a young boy who grew up feeling different, not fitting in, but who also lived in a world that made it very clear that his difference wasn't going to be tolerated. From the several prejudices of the times, to the bullying and the prevalent homophobic slang, to later seeing people's careers being ruined after the revelation that they were gay, it is not hard to understand why a young Asian-American man would be fully convinced that the best thing to do is to live his life hiding who he truly is.

The way George Takei explains his everyday experiences paints a very clear picture of the American society of the 1950s and on. His thorough way of describing things makes you understand both the man and his way of thinking specifically, as well as the conditions and political climate that he grew up into. On a global scale, we still have a long way to go when it comes to LGBTQIA+ rights and social acceptance, but it is also undeniable that just a few decades ago homosexuality was condemned socially and politically to such a degree that it rendered people who were outed unemployable pariahs, ruining their careers, families, reputations, and everything else in their lives for daring to love who they loved.

In this book George Takei also takes us through the stages of his career, from the early days where he caught the acting bug and couldn't let go of his dream, to how he was propelled to fame, landing the role of Hikaru Sulu in 1966, despite the difficulties of the era and the setbacks they caused for an Asian-American actor in the industry.

It's a fascinating read, both for fans of the actor, but also for anyone interested about the history of LGBTQIA+ rights, and frankly anyone who has ever felt isolated, lonely, and like they didn't quite fit in. Seeing a young boy growing up to follow his dreams, finding a person to love, eventually getting married to his husband in 2008, and finding his place in the world, living his life on his own terms, is nothing short of inspiring, and also a little reminder that, despite dark times, change is always possible.

The art by the extremely talented Harmony Becker, who also worked on 'They Called Us Enemy' is gorgeous and fits the book well, and the storytelling is just beautiful and sincere, making it impossible to not get invested. From the very first pages it becomes very clear that this is a story of hope, being told by a man who is looking back at his life, and after decades of being told by society that it's best to keep one of the most important parts of himself hidden, he is sharing his truth with the world.

A huge thank you to IDW Publishing and Top Shelf Productions for offering me an advance review copy. The book is coming out on June 10, 2025.

I love George Takei and was excited to receive this graphic novel early. I loved this visual representation of his life. However, I wanted more. I think I would have gotten more out of a written memoir but I loved learning more about him anyway.

Thanks to NetGalley, the Publisher and Author for an eARC of this graphic novel in exchange for my review.

It Rhymes With Takei by George Takei is a graphic novel memoir of the author’s powerfully and emotionally historied life, delivered in the same respectful and honest tone as his first graphic novel memoir, They Called Us Eneny.

Takei shares his experiences with injustice, the Aids Epidemic, grappling with his sexuality, the trajectory his acting career, as well as his work between acting gigs and the numerous ways he stayed involved in his community and activism.

George Takei's story will leave you with hope and tears, in a beautifully colorful compelling comic book that everyone should read.

George Takei has lived both the American Dream and the American Nightmare. He has gone through so much and is one of the most fascinating people whose stories I have read. They Called Us Enemy is incredible and I knew It Rhymes with Takei would be, too. I definitely recommend this graphic memoir. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

George Takei is an icon and an idol to so many people in the world, and this graphic novel, a biography of his life from the lens of his sexuality, really shows the world why. He's been at the forefront of some of the biggest movements in our country, and he's done it all being true to himself as best he could be the whole time. This book is only a small snippet of his life, but it feels momentous all the same. Beautifully illustrated and written, this book has the chance to save lives.

An inspiring, thought-provoking autobiography from the talented pioneer George Takei. Recommended for fans of his first graphic novel memoir, They Called Us Enemy, this new graphic novel utilizes the same creative team.

Thank you to Top Shelf Productions and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the advanced reader copy of this book!

I really enjoyed reading this book. George Takeis life experiences were written so well and illustrated beautifully done! Listening to all the adversity George had overcome and how he gave to the people and community around him was truly inspiring. I needed this read to reignite some passion in myself and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read this book. It was a heartwarming read and I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone!

It Rhymes with Takei is not only a memoir, but a historical account of life in the United States. I love how Takei was able to blend what was happening to him personally with the broader challenges going on around him. This was a very informative story and I was captivated by the entire thing. I think this is a powerful story with a hopeful message to keep going and fighting for what is right.

This was a compelling follow-up graphic novel about George Takei with a focus on his relationship with his sexuality, his political activism, and his acting career from the 50's into the present day. The tone is charismatic, wry and unflinching and the memoir is a satisfying blend of personal experience and historical fact woven in to provide the reader with context.

One of the most interesting parts of the memoir were the different jobs George Takei had when he wasn't acting. From running for a seat on the LA City Council, to working on the team that planned the LA Subway system, the memoir continues to hammer home the importance of being involved in the community and being politically active: in other words, it is a very prescient book.

The art is much in the same style as that in his first graphic novel—They Called Us Enemy—except it is now in full color.

I think this book did a good job of combining humor, sadness, and heartfelt moments. I enjoyed seeing Takei's past and journey into accepting himself, while also seeing his journey into becoming an actor. I like that it showed an honest look at both and the art was done really well.

Critically important subject matter that's presented in a digestible format for those not so keen on reading. It was a little disorienting for me at certain points, but only because of the graphic novel presentation. George is a genius, genuine gem. Cozy artwork style (not always cozy images, given the subjects within -- I cried during the A.I.D.S. portion).

Who am I to ever take someone's story and give it anything but a thank you for sharing? Takei, you are a very very brave man. Despite the world being hard on you, you fought through it and became an inspiration. Thank you.

Another sometimes painful, sometimes fun, but always hopeful graphic novel from George Takei. Like "They Called Us Enemy" this is a story that is a message of individuality, love, hope, and open-mindedness told through his own life. In this one we focus on the Pride aspects of Takei's experiences and the fight he's made for himself (and the rest of the community) along the way.

The title is about how "Takei rhymes gay" so that people could use his name to talk about themselves without breaking (very dumb bigoted) laws that censored the word 'gay'. I feel that the explanation of this (told in the first segment), gives you not only a synopsis of the book itself, but also tells you what a treasure George Takei really is.

Highly recommend this one for anyone struggling with their identity or who enjoyed his last graphic novel.

Writing Style
The writing style is everything you’d hope for in a graphic novel centred on George Takei. It’s equal parts snappy and heartfelt, mirroring his real-life charm. The story of his life—particularly his struggle with keeping a huge part of himself secret—was sometimes heartbreaking to read.

What stood out to me most was the natural flow of the dialogue. You can practically hear Takei’s signature baritone delivering every line. The humour is clever without being shoehorned in, and sombre moments are written with vulnerability and an understated elegance that packs an emotional punch.

Artwork
Harmony Becker's artwork is a perfect complement to the writing. The illustrations are expressive and brimming with personality.

The art style balances realism and cartoonish exaggeration, giving the characters plenty of energy and warmth, allowing George’s larger-than-life personality to practically leap off the pages.

Final Thoughts
It Rhymes with Takei was an absolute treat to read. The book is more than just a graphic novel; it’s a tribute to resilience, humour, and the power of storytelling itself. Whether you’re a Star Trek superfan or simply looking for an uplifting read, this book will have something to offer.

This book is another brilliant graphic novel from the former Star Trek actor George Takei. In his first graphic novel Takei dealt with his time at a Japanese internment camp during World War II. While this book is focuses on the effects Takei's sexuality had on his career and life. It also deals with some other parts of his life as well as social issues in general.

The book explores his life from when he was a young man realizing he was gay, and also tells the story of his life as a young actor and how his career got started. It also focuses on the danger that was present in the life of every gay person when it came to trying to find partners in the 50/60s. Takei is critical of his own reluctance to help the issues of gay rights in this period especially since he was helping with other issues affecting AAIP people in the post war period.

The book goes through Takei's career both in film and theater as well as his political career in California. This autobiography spans from The spans from the 50's in his childhood to the present day. Takei points out the progress that has been made but the way things still aren't the best they could be, highlighting things like the time it took to get gay marriage approved and the current book bans.

However despite some of the serious issues that come up in this book Takei remains positive with his trademark humor, the title itself is interesting as well because of Florida's Don't Say Gay law, instead of saying gay Takei suggest students and teachers use his last name to go around the bill showing how far he has come from being afraid of admit he was gay to his role as a gay icon.

A beautifully written memoir, George Takei’s It Rhymes With Takei is a triumph—a deeply moving, gorgeously illustrated biographical piece that blends personal revelation with a sweeping journey through LGBTQ+ history. Following the critical success of They Called Us Enemy, Takei bares his soul with trademark wit, wisdom, and unflinching honesty, chronicling his life in the closet, his late-in-life coming out, and the profound liberation of living his truth. From the outset, Takei’s voice crackles with charisma, guiding readers through the complexities of growing up gay in mid-century America—a time when conformity was survival, and queerness was criminalized. The memoir traces his early crushes, furtive encounters, and the exhausting double life of a public figure terrified of exposure. As his star rose with Star Trek, so did the stakes of staying hidden, and Takei doesn’t shy from depicting the loneliness and fear that shadowed his fame. What makes It Rhymes With Takei so powerful is its balance of gravity and grace. Takei’s humour sparkles even in dark moments. His decision to come out at 68 is framed not as an endpoint but a new beginning.

Such a wonderful book!
he 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.

I identify with George Takei as I was also scared to come out; I didn’t do so until I was 49. However, being English, I didn’t have to suffer internment and alienation because of my ethnicity.

I found George’s story compelling and easy to read as a graphic novel. Not participating in the fight for gay rights while he was in the closet was obviously a struggle for him, which he is now clearly making up for. The book delivers a positive story arc of redemption, including a happy ever after in terms of George’s marriage to Brad.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC.

What can I say about George Takei? On top of his many talents and professions in life should be storyteller. He has yet again excelled into turning his personal story into one everyone would benefit from reading.

I found “They Called Us Enemy” a captivating book and “It Rhymes With Takei” is no different. It explores George’s life from his childhood realization of his orientation to the current day illustrated by the difficulties he faced being closeted while leading a very public life as an actor, political advocate and activist until he decided to publicly come out and embrace his full self at age 68.

It is an absolutely worthwhile read written by one of the better humans on this Earth.

My gratitude to NetGalley, IDW Publishing and Top Shelf Productions for the opportunity to read and review.