The graphic novel, They Called Us Enemy, talks about George Takei’s first-hand experience living in Japanese internment camps. Throughout the reading, a question was raised in my mind: how did the Japanese-Americans feel stuck in a place that imprisoned them yet protected them from those who detested them? After being freed from the camp, Takei recounts the fear he felt realizing that he was leaving behind a life that he had known for years. Of course, being a prisoner was horrible, but having to transition from a known danger to an unknown one is a different challenge altogether. 

In another graphic novel, Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man, the main character Miles moves into a private boarding school shortly after he gets bitten by the infamous radioactive spider. He goes on a journey of self discovery and tests out the new powers that come with the vigilante title “Spider-Man ”. He has a rocky relationship with his father, especially after he learns that his father is taking the side of the police force he works for, hoping to capture Spider-Man as a criminal. 

Takei has to transition from the brutality of his situation regarding his ancestry. His ignorance, on account of his parents wanting to keep his childhood innocence, leads to a harsh awakening upon leaving the camp and dealing with the anger and shame that follows years after. Most notably, he yells at his father during his teenage years for not being more proactive. Even though they both have different perspectives, they ultimately make amends at the end. Miles has to transition from his humble life to carrying the burden of putting his life in danger every day to save innocents. After he loses his beloved uncle in a sudden murder and finds out that even his father thinks it’s Spider-Man’s fault, he feels too torn and ashamed to face his dad. After he almost loses his life, they reconnect. Overall, these two very different stories both include themes of families’ love lasting through hardship.