‘Superman’ Writer On Superhero Coming Out As Bisexual: ‘Everyone Needs Heroes’

DC Comics writer Tom Taylor has addressed their decision to make the new Superman bisexual.

A sneak peek at the upcoming issue of “Superman: Son of Kal-El,” which is set for release on Nov. 9, stunned a lot of fans of the comic book series as it featured a scene showing Clark Kent and Lois Lane’s son, Jon Kent, kissing his college friend Jay Nakamura.

The snippet seemingly confirmed that apart from inheriting his dad’s superhero abilities, Jon will also fall for a reporter, like how Clark fell in love with Lois. Budding journalist Jay, who is a big fan of Lois, will forge a romantic relationship with the new Superman in the new issue after being friends for some time.

“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,” Taylor said in a press release of the direction they are taking for Jon Kent’s storyline.

He continued, “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.”

The artist of the comic book series, John Timms, was also thrilled to be part of the new saga as he was quoted in the press release as saying that he‘s “incredibly honored” to work beside Taylor and explore Jon Kent’s “complex modern life.”

In an exclusive interview with IGN, the duo opened up more about the new comic book installment that is expected to create more buzz once it is released next month.

According to Taylor, he has been trying to put out queer characters and storylines in his works in the industry for years, but they were all rejected. However, things have definitely changed as the general public has now become more welcoming to such themes and stories. Taylor decided that now is the perfect time for him to introduce a new Superman.

“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. I’ve always said everyone needs heroes and everyone deserves to see themselves in their heroes. Today, Superman, the strongest superhero on the planet, is coming out,” he was quoted as saying in the interview.

Timms chimed in saying that it’s “a pretty big deal” to be doing something this revolutionary with Jon’s storyline since fans have seen him grow up in front of their eyes. The artist also expressed his hope that having storylines like this will no longer be a big deal in the future.

“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,” he said.

The news comes a few months after a new version of Marvel’s Captain America came out as gay. The Hollywood Reporter said this just shows that classic comic franchises are increasing their efforts to be more inclusive.