The latest iteration of the Man of Steel, Jon Kent, is your modern-day youth
DC comics makes a bold statement with its most-iconic character, as they reveal in an upcoming issue that Superman is bisexual.
Previously known as Superboy, Jonathan Kent, son of Clark Kent and Lewis Lane, takes on the mantle of his father in the new edition of the comic book.
In the latest edition, Jonathan (Jon) will be in a same-sex relationship with a friend. The new love interest, Jay Nakamura, is a reporter who cares for Jon after experiencing mental and physical burnout from trying to save everyone. Jay is reported to have special powers as well.
“The idea of replacing Clark Kent with another straight white savior felt like a missed opportunity,” explains the series writer, Tom Taylor, in an interview with The New York Times.
“Superman's symbol has always stood for hope, for truth, and for justice. Today, that symbol represents something more,” says Tom. “Today, more people can see themselves in the most powerful superhero in comics.”
The character not only gets an update in sexuality but he has also been fitted to be more relevant to the current generation. In the new issues, Superman is seen protesting against the deportation of refugees, stopping a high school shooting, and trying to put out wildfires that were the cause of the climate crisis.
In retrospect, the German Übermensch (which literally translates to Superman) represents a shift from otherworldly Christian values and manifests the grounded human ideal. The philosophical concept of Friedrich Nietzsche can be interpreted as a superior man, someone who goes beyond life’s triviality, which includes gender.
This would not be the first time a comic book hero becomes part of the LGBTQIA+ community. It was announced in August that the latest version of Robin would have a boyfriend. Meanwhile, the title of Captain America was passed on to a gay character last March.
Superman: Son of Kal-El #5, is slated for release in November.