It has been confirmed that the new Superman will come out as bisexual in the next DC Comics issue.
Jonathan Kent, who is the son of original Superman Clark Kent and Louis Lane, will embark on a same-sex romance with friend Jay Nakamura.
Series writer Tom Taylor announced the news in an interview with The New York Times, and said: ‘The idea of replacing Clark Kent with another straight white saviour felt like a missed opportunity.’
Taylor added: ‘I’ve always said everyone needs heroes and everyone deserves to see themselves in their heroes and I’m very grateful DC and Warner Bros share this idea.
‘Superman’s symbol has always stood for hope, for truth, and for justice. Today, that symbol represents something more. Today, more people can see themselves in the most powerful superhero in comics.’
Jon’s sexuality will be addressed in the fifth issue titled Son of Kal-El, which will be released on November 9, after teasing his attraction to news reporter Jay in past instalments.
DC publisher and CCO Jim Lee said in a statement: ‘We couldn’t be prouder to tell this important story from Tom Taylor and John Timms. We talk a lot about the power of the DC Multiverse in our storytelling and this is another incredible example.
‘We can have Jon Kent exploring his identity in the comics as well as Jon Kent learning the secrets of his family on TV on Superman & Lois. They coexist in their own worlds and times, and our fans get to enjoy both simultaneously.’
A post on the official Superman Twitter account shared the front cover of the anticipated issue and another shot, featuring Jon and Jay in an embrace, with the caption: ‘just like his father before him, Jon Kent has fallen for a reporter Learn more about the story to come in SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL #5 #DCPRIDE.’
Superman is only the second DC superhero to come as a member of the LGBTQ+ community with the new Robin referring to themselves as ‘queer’ in an issue of Batman: Urban Legends.
Jon took over as the new Superman in July after his father Clark decided to focus on other extraterrestrial events.
