Comic Corner Roundup: May
Comic Corner Roundup is a bi-monthly segment that compiles mini-reviews of comics, graphic novels, and manga that I’ve read recently. Here are my reviews for May which include an autobiography, a magical adventure, and foodie themed story that brings a neighborhood together.
It Rhymes with Takei by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, and Steven Scott (2025)
George Takei has shown the world many faces: actor, author, outspoken activist, helmsman of the starship Enterprise, living witness to the internment of Japanese Americans, and king of social media. But until October 27, 2005, there was always one piece missing—one face he did not show the world. There was one very intimate fact about George that he never shared… and it rhymes with Takei.
Now, for the first time ever, George shares the full story of his life in the closet, his decision to come out as gay at the age of 68, and the way that moment transformed everything. Following the phenomenal success of his first graphic memoir, They Called Us Enemy, George Takei reunites with the team of Harmony Becker, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger for a jaw-dropping new testament. From his earliest childhood crushes and youthful experiments in the rigidly conformist 1950s, to global fame as an actor and the paralyzing fear of exposure, to the watershed moment of speaking his truth and becoming one of the most high-profile gay men on the planet, It Rhymes With Takei presents a sweeping portrait of one iconic American navigating the tides of LGBTQ+ history.
Combining historical context with intimate subjectivity, It Rhymes With Takei shows how the personal and the political have always been intertwined. Its richly emotional words and images depict the terror of entrapment even in gay community spaces, the anguish of speaking up for so many issues while remaining silent on his most personal issue, the grief of losing friends to AIDS, the joy of finding true love with Brad Altman, and the determination to declare that love openly—and legally—before the whole world.
As a long-time Star Trek fan I was delighted to dig into the pages of It Rhymes with Takei, which is a detailed graphic autobiography of Takei’s life. While I did know some things about his background and start within acting, reading this book gave me a deeper understanding of his work as an actor, and activist. I appreciated that along with intimate stories about his life and upbringing, how he ties into historical events as well as key points in LGBTQ+ history. It was incredibly informative and engaging in a way that makes it easy to connect readers to his story.
I loved learning more about why he developed a passion for acting and the efforts he made (and is still making) for equality/human rights issues. I had no idea that he dabbled in so many endeavors and politics over the years. I appreciate Takei for speaking his truth and also showcasing diverse representation in Sci-Fi media spaces as well (Nichelle Nichols playing Uhura means so much to me!!!) Highly recommended if you love graphic memoir or autobiographies!
Final Verdict:
Espada: The Will of the Blade by Anabel Colazo (2025)
There was a time when everyone had access to magic, until a dispute for power attracted a demon from another world who destroyed everything . . . or so legend has it. However, there is another, very different apocryphal version, according to which a hero, carrying a sword, came to the Kingdom to guide and protect its people. But who was that hero, and what became of him? Why is the queen now the only person capable of using magic? Attracted by all these enigmas of the past, Ania, princess of the Kingdom and heir to the throne by imposition, will try to find out the truth behind these magical fables—now that she has just found a mysterious sword.
Espada speaks to it’s action/adventure roots by telling a story of a princess who dares to explore the great unknown in spite of unseen dangers. Ania, the main character, goes against the grain of everything that is expected of her. She seems very curious about the world that surrounds her and why magic wielding is not available to the rest of the Kingdom. Throughout her journey she faces many intense obstacles and strange encounters which make it such an entertaining fantasy read.
The artwork is incredibly vibrant with bright colors that give character to the Kingdom and its surroundings. It made for such an immersive reading experience. I loved Colazo’s use of a semi-abstract art style as well. In the words of the artist herself, “Espada is a story about power and how to break that balance”. I think this is a very timely message especially in today’s environment. The graphic novel reminds us to always keep searching for the truth and to never stop seeking out adventures. Such a great fantasy read and I would like to read more of Colazo’s works going forward.
Final Verdict:
Noodle & Bao by Shaina Lu (2024)
Momo has lived in Town 99 her entire life. She knows all its quirks and rhythms: the best places to buy fruit, practice tai-chi in the park, and, most of all, get the best meal: Noodle & Bao, run by Momo’s best friend, Bao, and their amah, Noodle.
But Town 99 is changing. Rent is becoming unaffordable for Momo and her parents, and even Noodle & Bao has been edged out of its storefront, which was just recently bought out by a new business venture–Fancé Cafe. Fancé is run by the ambitious Ms. Jujube and her henchmen, who claim they’re only beautifying Town 99 with good business.
Momo knows that’s not true, and knows that if she doesn’t do something, she’ll lose everything she loves about her neighborhood. From undercover recon to a cook-off proposal, protest signs to petitions, Momo and Bao are on a mission to protect Town 99. Will they succeed before it’s too late?
If you enjoy food-filled stories of a close-knit neighborhood and lots of delicious recipes, then check out Noodle & Bao. The graphic novel uses monochromatic with red tones used throughout the story, giving the story a comic book feel. I loved the illustration style of Lu’s artwork that captured the fun and playful essence of anime while also infusing her own style into the artwork. It added to light-hearted nature of the story even though it does cover some serious topics.
At its core, the graphic novel is a story about gentrification, culture, and identity. The main characters and families of Town 99 are trying to adapt to new changes in the world without losing the heart of their homeland. It’s tricky to navigate through and while there’s no one easy solution, I admired how the town works together to stand for their rights. On top of everything else, this graphic novel has some mouthwatering recipes that leap off of the page! I can’t wait to try some of these foods in the future.
Final Verdict:
What comics, graphic novels or manga have you read lately? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. If you have any recommendations, feel free to share those as well.
FTC Disclaimer: I received Espada from Oni Press and It Rhymes with Takei from TopShelf in exchange for a fair and honest review.
What a wonderful variety of books you’re showcasing here – thank you!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
I think I’d enjoy all three, but I would especially love to know more about George Takei. He’s done so many important and valuable things, but on the more ordinary scale of things, his social media presence always makes me either smile or cheer.
Yeah, I highly recommend Takei’s memoir. It’s a great blend of his life in the public eye as well as his personal struggles and upbringing.