Superman has done a lot since he first appeared in comic books almost 80 years ago. He has saved the world more than a few times, he has died and come back to life. He dodged punches from Muhammad Ali and even faced off against White supremacists.
However, until this year, every comic version of Superman has been strongly infatuated by his longtime love, Lois Lane. But in the upcoming issue of the new Superman series, the ‘Man of Steel’ enters into a gay relationship.
DC announced this week that the fifth issue of the DC comic series “Superman: Son of Kal-El” will confirm that the new Superman – Jon Kent, child of Clark Kent and Lane – is bisexual after falling for Jay Nakamura, a male reporter.
The “Superman: Son of Kal-El” series follows Kent as he becomes Earth’s new Superman and grapples with the immense weight of his new gig. Nakamura, a bespectacled writer with a bubble-gum pink mop, first appeared in the series’ third issue as a shoulder for Kent to lean on when the business of being Superman gets too rough.
Series writer, Tom Taylor said the evolution of this new Superman is keeping with the values the character has always represented, and, importantly, reflects the experiences of many comic fans:
“Superman’s symbol has always stood for hope, for truth, and for justice,” Taylor said in a statement. “Today, that symbol represents something more. Today, more people can see themselves in the most powerful superhero in comics.”
NPR’s Glen Weldon said: “a bisexual Superman and queer Robin are worth celebrating – they’re not a one-dimensional villain or side character who’s quickly killed off, but the ‘heroes of their own stories’.”
Fans can read more about Kent’s burgeoning romance when the fifth issue of “Superman: Son of Kal-El” is released on November 9.
Here are some reactions from Twitter users as regards Superman’s queer relationship:
