It turns out that National Coming Out day isn’t just for mere mortals. DC Comics announced on Monday that its new Superman will soon come out as bisexual.
17-year-old Jon Kent, the son of Clark Kent and Lois Lane, has the same powers as his father and is the star of the new series, “Superman: Son of Kal-El.” In the upcoming 5th issue, to be released November 9th, Jon will begin a romantic relationship with journalist Jay Nakamura.
Related: Why is Superman bashing LGBTQ people at a hate group gathering if he supports our rights?
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According to an illustration released by DC Comics, the couple will even share their first kiss.
In a statement to DC Comics, series writer Tom Taylor said he is grateful for the opportunity to develop Jon Kent in this way. “I’ve always said everyone needs heroes and everyone deserves to see themselves in their heroes,” he said, adding that Superman has always been a symbol of hope, truth, and justice.
“Today, that symbol represents something more. Today, more people can see themselves in the most powerful superhero in comics.”
Our #Superman comes out.
Happy #ComingOutDay🏳️🌈.@DCComics @thedcnation @johntimmsart https://t.co/sXD9wBW4A5 pic.twitter.com/vWkiQiuAGs— Tom Taylor (@TomTaylorMade) October 11, 2021
Taylor also shared with IGN that he has had many queer storylines rejected over the years and is happy to see that the world is in a different place.
“When I was asked if I wanted to write a new Superman with a new #1 for the DC Universe, I knew replacing Clark with another straight white savior could be a real opportunity missed.”
The series illustrator, John Timms, added that he is excited to see Jon grow both as a superhero and as a person.
“On the other hand,” he said, “I hope this kind of thing will not be seen as a big deal in the future. You could visualize how it could pan in the future when the most powerful man in the world is part of the LGBT community. So many things are on the horizon and beyond.”
Jon Kent’s sexuality is just one of many ways the series is working to better connect to contemporary audiences. Another way is through the battles he fights. Jon has used his powers to tackle climate change, school shootings, and to protect refugees, the New York Times reported.
While Superman will not be the first LGBTQ superhero, he will certainly be the most well known. His status as one of the world’s most popular and recognizable heroes makes his coming out an even bigger deal.
“It’s not Hulkling. It’s not Wiccan. It’s not Fire and Ice. It’s not Tasmanian Devil,” writer Glen Weldon told the New York Times. “It is Superman. That counts for something — just in terms of visibility, just in terms of the fact that this is going to attract attention.”