On October 11th, coinciding with National Coming Out Day, it was revealed that the latest version of Superman, in the upcoming November issue of Superman: Son of Kal-El, identifies as bisexual. However, it’s important to note that this is not the original Superman, but rather his son, Jonathan Kent, who has taken up the mantle. While the iconic Superman is off on space adventures, Jonathan, who has been known as Superboy, dons the cape and shares a kiss with another boy. This twist in the narrative is significant, as it reflects DC’s tendency to reboot and reinvent its heroes regularly.
Superman is a foundational figure in the superhero genre—often mentioned alongside Batman as the Top Two superheroes. If asked to name a superhero, most will likely say “Superman” or “Batman.” Even those who favor the Dark Knight must acknowledge Superman’s status as an immensely powerful alien whose abilities are amplified by Earth’s yellow sun. While Batman embodies a darker, edgier persona, Superman stands as a beacon of masculinity and ideals like Truth, Justice, and The American Way. His coming out as queer reshapes traditional narratives surrounding masculinity and heroism, challenging the characteristics we admire in our heroes and whose stories deserve to be told.
This is not akin to the coming out of Aqualad, who already made waves in the comics world—though he might not have garnered as much attention. DC and Marvel have seen several secondary characters come out, including figures like John Constantine, Poison Ivy, and Catwoman. However, none of these characters carry the same weight as Superman. If you know John Constantine, it’s likely because you’re an avid comic book reader, and you’re aware that Wiccan, a character first introduced in WandaVision, was involved in the first gay marriage in DC. Thus, the news of Superman’s coming out resonates deeply with many, while for others, it may simply be a passing thought.
Critics, including NPR, have pointed out the implications of this announcement, suggesting that labeling Jonathan as Superman places an asterisk next to his identity. They argue that because he is the son of Clark Kent/Kal-El, he doesn’t represent the “real” Superman, making it a safer choice for DC. However, comic book characters are frequently reimagined, and the idea of a singular version of any character is outdated. Such arguments raise questions about the significance of representation in comics, especially concerning characters like Robin, who is also experiencing a resurgence of identity exploration.
Conservative voices are reacting strongly to this development. They express outrage at the idea of a bisexual Superman, often lacking an understanding of the complexities of comic book history. One Arizona senator even suggested absurdly that Superman should fall for his mother, demonstrating a disconnect from the narrative. This reaction highlights the broader societal struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.
So, why is this important? Writer Tom Taylor explains that the notion of replacing Clark Kent with another straight white savior felt like a lost opportunity. A new Superman needs to confront real-world challenges that reflect contemporary issues. In Son of Kal-El, Jonathan Kent has tackled climate change, school shootings, and refugee crises—issues that resonate with today’s audience. As Glen Weldon, a commentator on pop culture, notes, making superhero stories more reflective of the real world opens the door to richer, more varied narratives.
In conclusion, the revelation of Superman’s bisexuality signifies a meaningful shift in how we perceive superheroes. For many, it offers validation and representation that is long overdue. As we continue to evolve our stories to mirror our experiences, the importance of diverse heroes becomes clearer. One in six members of Gen Z identifies as LGBT, underscoring the necessity for heroes who reflect their realities.
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