Superman accepts his bisexual son in latest issue and it’s giving all the feels
It’s the moment queer DC Comics fans have been waiting for. Superman Jr. has come out to his Dad.
The long-awaited exchange took place in the 17th issue of Superman: Son of Kal-El and featured a heartwarming back and forth between father and son, Jon Kent, after he came out as bi.
To mark National Coming Out Day, in 2021, after weeks of speculation, DC Comics confirmed that its latest Superman would be queer.
Writer Tom Taylor said in a press release at the 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”.
“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.”
JON KENT BISSEXUAL CANON pic.twitter.com/9SzwblqQWk
— gabe (@ultrathewrld) October 11, 2021
Once all that excitement was out the way, attention then turned to how young Jon Kent would share the news – specifically how he would share it with his Superhero Dad.
And now we know.
To set the scene, Superman Sr. has returned from a mission to Warworld, to find that back on Earth, his son Jon was now in a relationship with journalist Jay Nakamura (Lois Lane parallels).
Superman and Superman Jr.’s exchange was exemplary, frankly.
Jon says, explaining why he hasn’t come out until now, “Look about what I didn’t say on Vega 3. I know that you… I mean there are videos of me and Jay everywhere, it’s hardly a secret,” he says.
“But I was enjoying having you back. I was enjoying the sunshine. I didn’t want to have that conversation.”
Superman then turns Super Dad with his reply:
Dad tells his son: “Every day of my life has been better since you’ve been in it. Every single day. Who you love is the last thing that could change that. Anyone who makes your life better will always be a hero in my eyes.
“And no matter what, I will stand beside you. I will defend you. I will love you, and I will always, always be your father.”
This week’s issue of Superman Son of Kal El meant everything to me. As the bisexual kid who tried to come out to her parents and didn’t get the warmest reception…to see THE HERO of comics give his son that love I needed, healed my queer little heart. Thanks @TomTaylorMade 💕 pic.twitter.com/ImkDhstFsv
— Mars!🏳️🌈✨💕 (@ThatComicGirl) November 12, 2022
Needless to say – with the exception of your usual ‘why do they have to be so woke’ snooze-fest homophobia – DC fans were incredibly moved by the moment.
Speaking to Polygon, writer Tom Taylor said: “The scene with Clark and Jon took me almost as long to write as a whole comic usually would.
“I spent days working and reworking and fine-tuning three pages. Of course, the expectation is Superman will instantly accept and welcome his son, but I didn’t want to write a clichéd scene we’d seen many times before.”
Instead, the writers penned the episode from the perspective of Superman and his struggle, as a parent, in finding the right way to let his son open up.
Representation matters and this was handled beautifully by all the creative team involved. Bravo all-round!