More reactions have continued to trail the unveiling of DC Comics’ new bisexual Superman.
In a Monday announcement, the American entertainment company unveiled Jonathan Kent, the son of Clark Kent and Lois Lane, as the new Man of Steel.
Jonathan, who started his tenure as the new Superman in July, was unveiled alongside gay partner and male friend Jay Nakamura.
Nakamura is a reporter who cares for him after he “mentally and physically burns out from trying to save everyone that he can” in an issue of Superman: Son of Kal-El #5, to be released in November. Nakamura is also revealed to have special powers.
“The idea of replacing Clark Kent with another straight white savior felt like a missed opportunity,” Tom Taylor, writer of the series, told New York Times in an interview.
In March, Marvel said that Aaron Fischer, a gay teenager, would take on the mantle of Captain America, marking the character’s 80th anniversary
Meanwhile, fans of the superheroes have expressed divergent reactions to the announcements.
Supporting the DC Comics’ announcement, California State Senator and Chairman of the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, Scott Weiner wrote, T”oday is #NationalComingOutDay! Queering up comic books — including a gay Superman! — is just what we need.
“So many frontiers remain for our community. We’re everywhere & we need to be reflected everywhere.”
Others were less than accepting.
Taking to Facebook on Monday, Shane Finkelstein wrote, “F**king stop changing everything! Superman and Captain America have been straight since issue 1 of their comics. Make up your own gay/trans/pan/horse loving superhero that no one will care about.”
Adam Hedley wrote, “What a bunch of B.S. Everyone gets a trophy even when they fail. How pathetic are you people that you feel changing a comic book hero that has been around longer then any of you needs to be changed to bi-sexual to be inclusive.
“Why does everything have to change so you feel good. Aren’t you comfortable in yourself and your decisions that you have made?
“Be happy and free in Your decisions. Don’t you find it belittling to yourself to have to change everything around you so YOU feel better.”
Gary Austen wrote, “Why not invent a new superhero who happens to be gay or bi instead of trying to turn a character who’s been straight for 50yrs?
“If there’s truly that big a market for a gay/bi character then it’ll sell plenty regardless without hijacking another brand.”
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