DC announces son of Superman is bisexual

By: Sierra Wells

Multimedia Journalist

DC Comics announced on Oct. 11 that Tom Taylor’s “Superman: Son of Kal-El #5” will feature a bisexual Superman.

According to DC Comics, character Jonathan Kent, who is the son of Clark Kent, will pursue a romantic relationship with Jay Nakamura, a male reporter.

Taylor said, “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.”

Featuring artwork by artist John Timms, this new edition is set for release on Nov. 9.

Timms said, “I’m incredibly honored to be working beside Tom on the Superman: Son of Kal-El series showing Jon Kent tackling his complex modern life, while also saving the world from its greatest threats, villains and menaces.”

Kent is not the only LGBTQ+ superhero to feature in comics. Initially appearing in 1988, the first openly gay DC Comics superhero was Extraño, a Peruvian magician. Since then, other non-heterosexual superheroes have made appearances including Batwoman, Harley Quinn, Obsidian, Poison Ivey, Midnighter, Aqualad and more.

What originally was a taboo subject matter is now a common occurrence in the world of comic books.

When asked if she thought there was enough representation of the LGBTQ+ community in comic books, Tarleton freshman Jillian Hendrix said, “There can always be ample room for any representation, so I wouldn’t mind any superhero being gay, straight, bi, black, white, anybody so there’s always room for representation.”

However, DC has faced backlash from people that are not happy with this creative decision.

In a tweet, Arizona State Senator Wendy Rogers said, “Superman loves Louis Lane. Period. Hollywood is trying to make Superman gay and he is not. Just rename the new version Thooperman so we can all know the difference and avoid seeing it.”

On the other hand, Tarleton senior Delaney Williams thinks that DC including a bisexual character will be beneficial for readers.

“Honestly, I love the idea because I think for so long and for so many people, Superman has represented, kind of like an ideal person and people have found themselves in him for so long,” said Williams. “Even more people now can find a superhero to care about. That’s why I love the idea, and I’m all for inclusion.”

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