Jonathan Kent, the new 'Superman' comes out as 'bisexual' in new comic series
by Ana Walia | Wed, 13 Oct 2021 21:32:35 GMT
Image Source: Xfire, www.wsj.com, DC Comics

DC Comics took the opportunity of National Coming Out to reveal that Jonathan Kent, son of original Superman Clark Kent and journalist Lois Lane, is bisexual in the latest iteration of the superhero’s adventure. Dan Jurgen created the character of Jonathan Kent, who is named after Clark Kent's adoptive father's name, and debuted in 2015's Convergence#2.

In the comic book, ‘Superman: Son of Kal-E’, which will be released on November 9th, 2021, Jon Kent kisses reporter Jay Nakamura. The writer for the new comic series, Tom Taylor, took to his Twitter account to share the news as he wrote, "Our #Superman comes out. Happy Coming Out Day".

During an interview with BBC, Taylor shared, "It struck me that it would be a real missed opportunity if we replaced Clark Kent with another straight white savior. 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 further shared about the fact that DC was already planning to bring about a change in the sexual orientation of Superman, and Taylor simply gelled with their ideas with his input. Taylor also mentioned that he was thrilled to know that DC Comics was already thinking about the idea of the new Superman being bisexual.

The earlier editions of comic books have showcased Jon’s friendship with Jay Nakamura, a pink-haired reporter. And since its release in July, Jon, who is going to take his father's mantle has already battled climate-related wildfires, witnessed a high school shooting, and protested against the deportation of refugees. In eight edition of comic book, Superman: Lois and Clark, audience notices a child developing his own superpowers.

According to the BBC, DC Comics have stated that the pair Jonathan Kent a.k.a Jon and Jay Nakamura will get involved romantically after Superman (Jon)  burns out mentally and physically from trying to save everyone he can. 

Jim Lee, DC’s chief creative officer and publisher, also acknowledged the coming of Superman and said, "We couldn't be prouder to tell this important story from Tom Taylor and John Timms. We talk a lot about the power of the DC Multiverse in our storytelling, and this is another incredible example. We can have Jon Kent exploring his identity in the comics, as well as Jon Kent learning the secrets of his family on TV on Superman and Lois. They coexist in their own worlds and times, and our fans get to enjoy both simultaneously."

The announcement of the new Superman being bisexual was received with a positive response from the audience, but there was some trolling involved too. Writer Tom Taylor expressed that despite a few ‘trolls on social media", the overall response for Superman coming out as bisexual has been over-whelming as the audience accepted the decision (change) with open minds and heart.

He also added, "Ten years ago, five years ago, this would have been more difficult, but I think things have shifted in a welcome way". He shared that people are communicating with him from across the world just to express the fact that the news of a superhero that is worshipped by everyone is going to represent them. He adds that people are sending him messages that they cannot believe that Superman could represent them.

Source: The Tech Outlook 

"I've also had messages from older queer people who said how much they wish they had this when they were younger and how grateful they are that this generation has this sort of representation," he added.

Dean Cain, who had previously played Superman on TV in the 1990s, accused DC Comics of jumping on a bandwagon after the announcement of Jon Kent's coming out as bisexual. "They said it's a bold new direction. I say they're band wagoning. I don't think it's bold or brave or some crazy new direction. If they had done this 20 years ago, perhaps that would be bold or brave. But brave would be having him fight for the rights of gay people in Iran."

Tim Drake, or Robin who is Batman's loyal sidekick, came out as bisexual in an issue published by DC in August. If we talk about some other characters in the DCU that belong to the LGBTQ community, then they are, Batwoman, Harley Quinn, and Alan Scott (the first Green Lantern), as well as Marvel's Iceman, America Chavez (Miss America), and Northstar, who was one of the first openly gay characters when he debuted in 1992.

Younger people are the primary consumers of comic books and superhero fiction. Comic books are thought to be in charge of influencing the minds of future generations. This announcement for a well known figure could be historic.

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