George Takei Speaking About New Graphic Novel, 'They Called Us Enemy' At Comic-Con

By Maureen Cavanaugh / KPBS Midday Edition Co-Host, Megan Burke / Senior Producer

Published July 19, 2019 at 11:15 AM PDT

"They Called Us Enemy," co-writers, Steven Scott, George Takei, artist Harmony Becker and co-writer Justin Eisinger are pictured in an undated photo.

"The Called Us Enemy" tells the story of George Takei's childhood years spent in internment camps for Japanese Americans during World War II. The scenes and illustrations bring that shameful episode in American history to life.

Among the celebrities at this year’s Comic-Con is a full-fledged cultural icon. Actor, writer, Star Trek alumnus and activist George Takei. He will make three appearances at Comic-Con Friday and Saturday with a new accomplishment to unveil, his new graphic novel.

"The Called Us Enemy" tells the story of Takei's childhood years spent in internment camps for Japanese Americans during World War II. The scenes and illustrations bring that shameful episode in American history to life and the book ends with a warning: that it all may be happening again.

Takei joins Midday Edition Friday to talk about his life's mission to educate the world about the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.

Event Info

George Takei joins co-writers Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott and artist Harmony Becker for three Comic-Con appearances:

Friday, July 19, Noon - 1:30pm, ticketed book signing, IDW booth 2729

Saturday, July 20, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m., 'They Called Us Enemy' panel, Room 25ABC

Saturday, July 20, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., ticketed book signing, IDW booth 2729

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Maureen Cavanaugh

Maureen Cavanaugh has been a familiar voice for KPBS listeners for more than 15 years, serving in a variety of capacities including announcer, host, and producer. As host of KPBS Midday Edition, Maureen has interviewed a wide range of notables, such as comedienne Sandra Bernhardt, actor John Lequizamo, author Chuck Palahniuk, composer Marvin Hamlisch, artist Robert Irwin, and designer Zandra Rhodes. But of all the interviews Maureen has conducted, her most special was with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Before joining KPBS in 1997, she worked as a news anchor for KSDO and KOGO News Radio in San Diego. While working for commercial radio stations in San Diego and in Salt Lake City, Utah, Maureen reported on both hard news and lifestyle features. Maureen has received three "Golden Mike" awards from the Radio and TV News Association of Southern California for economic reporting and breaking news. She has also received a "Best of Show" and “Best Radio Newscast” awards from the San Diego Press Club and the "Flo" Award from Public Radio Program Directors Association for Best Public Radio Announcer in a large market. Maureen is a native of Queens, New York, but after more than 20 years in San Diego she feels she qualifies as a real Southern Californian.

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Megan Burke

Megan Burke is the senior producer for KPBS Midday Edition. Her prior production credits include KPBS Evening Edition, KPBS Roundtable, and San Diego’s DNA, a two-part documentary on the region’s oldest traditions and culture using personal artifacts and oral histories of San Diegans. Prior to joining the news staff, Megan managed several outreach campaigns including KPBS’ Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Initiative. The project included Emmy award-winning television spots, an extensive web site, local programming and events, and a statewide grant campaign. She also produced the Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month Local Hero Awards Ceremonies from 2002-2008. Megan has been with KPBS since 1999 and has a journalism degree from San Diego State University.

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