Lean to the Left is a progressive media platform offering political commentary, fact-based news analysis, and expert interviews that expose threats to democracy and hold leaders accountable. Lean to the Left is an independent, evolving media platform. Member benefits will grow and adapt over time. Founded in 2017 as Not Fake News and rebranded in 2021, Lean to the Left brings together the work of journalist and author Bob Gatty and a talented team of contributing writers who deliver sharp, insightful content on the issues affecting Americans today. 

Our podcast—launched as NFN Radio News before becoming The Lean to the Left Podcast—featured weekly interviews with authors, activists, experts, and political insiders, with hard-hitting commentary on the challenges facing our nation. What began as a podcast grew into a community of listeners and readers who care deeply about democracy, accountability, and civic engagement. At its close, the Lean to the Left podcast had reached nearly 850 episodes with a worldwide audience.

Lean to the Left: Stay Informed. Speak Up. Join the Conversation.

February 10, 2025

Alex Segura: Comics & Crime

Show Notes

Alex Segura: Comics & Crime

segura thumbnail
Alex Segura skillfully brings comic books and crime together in a thrilling novel.

In this episode, we take a bit of a break from politics to discuss ‘Alter Ego,’ an incredible novel by Alex Segura, set in the fascinating world of comic books.

The conversation covers the novel’s connection to its predecessor ‘Secret Identity,’ featuring Cuban American heroines like Annie Bustamante, dealing with industry challenges and personal growth.

Segura talks about his passion for comics, the inspiration behind his characters, and the role of underrepresented storytellers. The discussion also touches on how comic books have influenced Segura’s life and broader issues of racism and sexism in creative industries.

Additionally, Segura shares his upcoming projects, including a Daredevil crime novel and various comics for major publishers.

Book links:

Secret Identity link: https://amzn.to/416dYWM

Alter Ego link: https://amzn.to/40TrP1x

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Alter Ego by Alex Segura

01:12 Meet the Author: Alex Segura

01:21 The Connection Between Secret Identity and Alter Ego

02:45 Diving into the Comic Book Universe

03:47 Incorporating Comic Book Pages into Novels

04:47 Highlighting Cuban American Heroines

05:58 Racism and Sexism in the Creative World

09:07 Personal Inspirations and Comic Book Influence

11:38 The Golden Age of Comics

12:31 Current Projects and Future Plans

16:14 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More

About Bob Gatty

A former journalist and communications consultant, Bob Gatty is the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast, which focuses on progressive politics and the important social issues of our time. Please check out Bob’s new book, Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump’s Attack on America’s Greatness, now available on Amazon.com. Barnes & Noble and other outlets. Paperback: $11; Hardcover: $24. Digital version: $3.99. Here’s a direct link: https://amzn.to/4eK8ghZ.

As we continue to explore pressing social issues, I encourage everyone to share their stories and experiences. Your voice matters!

DISCLAIMER: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through them, you won’t pay any extra – in fact, you may even save with a discount! Using these links helps support this channel, allowing us to keep providing free content to help you on your journey. Thank you for your support.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign Up for Email Updates

Subscribe to get email updates and access to exclusive subscriber content.

Name(Required)
Email(Required)