Kyle McCoy

Features Editor

kzm266@psu.edu

From Lex Luthor to Darkseid, Superman has taken on many powerful foes over the years. Now, he is set to take on perhaps his most powerful foe: Homophobia.

Last week, DC comics announced the synopsis for the fifth issue of the mini series: Superman: Son of Kal-El. The synopsis set the comics world on fire when it was announced that Jon Kent, Superman’s son will come out as bi-sexual. The plot will follow around Jon Kent falling in love with his friend, Jay Nakamura. The relationship had been hinted at throughout the series, and many fans had begun to speculate that this announcement would be coming soon.

In regards to this major announcement and what it means to Superman fans, series writer Tom Taylor had this to say “Superman’s symbol has always stood for hope, for truth and for justice,” Taylor said in a statement. “Today, that symbol represents something more. Today, more people can see themselves in the most powerful superhero in comics.” The decision was praised by many fans on twitter with some calling the decision “brave and heartfelt” The announcement was also praised by many news outlets including CNN and NBC News.

However, not everyone has been so enthusiastic about this announcement. Actor Dean Cain, who portrayed Superman on the show Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman from 1993 to 1997, spoke out against the announcement. In regards to the fan support for the  announcement, Cain stated “They said it’s a bold new direction. I say they’re bandwagoning.” He also went on to say “Why don’t they have him fight the injustices that created the refugees whose deportation he’s protesting? That would be brave, I’d read that. Or fighting for the rights of women to attend school and work and live and boys not to be raped by men under the new warm and fuzzy Taliban.” 

Cain was not the only person to voice criticism of this announcement. Laura Ingraham of FOX News also criticized the decision stating “Call me when they have a gender-stable aisle with superheroes whose sexualities we know nothing about. Why are they sexualising superheroes? I was a Batman and Superman and Spider-Man kid. I loved those heroes. We just wanted them to get the bad guys, not a venereal disease. Leave our comic book heroes alone.”

Regardless of public opinion the issue is guaranteed to be a hot seller with DC predicting that the issue will sell over 12,000 copies in its first week. The issue is set to hit stores on November 7th.