Superman’s son to come out as bisexual: ‘Everyone needs heroes’

Words: Alastair James; pictures: DC Comics

Superman’s son, Jon Kent, is about to come out as bisexual in a new DC Comics instalment.

Superman: Son of Kal-EL #5 hits stands on 9 November and is written by Tom Taylor and designed by John Timms, and tells the story of Earth’s new Superman as he explores being the most powerful being in the world after his father leaves Earth to attempt to free the people of Warworld.

Jon is the latest DC hero to come out after Batman’s sidekick Robin came out as bisexual in August. They join Kate Kane’s Batwoman, who became canonically queer in 2006, while villains Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn have been written as queer in the last decade.

“Everyone needs heroes”

Taylor said of Superman coming out: “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,” he continued.

Artist John Timms added: “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.”

Much like Superman and his decades-long love for reporter Lois Lane, Jon has also fallen for a journalist. In the upcoming comic friendship will turn into something more for Superman/Jon Kent and Jay Nakamura.

Jay will reportedly be there for Superman at a moment of weakness and will help care for the tired superhero.

The official description for the series reads: “Faster than fate. As powerful as hope. Able to lift us all. For all his great power, Jon Kent can’t save everyone, but that won’t stop him from trying. How much can Earth’s new Superman do before this Man of Steel buckles? And when he does, who swoops in to save Superman?”

In August DC Robin/Tim Drake was revealed to be bisexual after coming out in a tender moment with his friend Bernard. The writer of that comic, Meghan Fitzmartin said that her goal was “to show just how much God loves you. You are so incredibly loved and important and seen.”

Superman: Son of Kal-El #1-3 are available online and in comic book shops. Superman: Son of Kal-El #4 and #5 will be available on Tuesday 19 October 19 and Tuesday 9 November 9 respectively.

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