Police in Los Angeles are reportedly patrolling the homes of several DC Comics illustrators, after the artists received credible threats from angry fans over the recent announcement that the new Superman is bisexual.
In DC's new installment of Superman: Son of Kal-El, 17-year-old Jon Kent—the series' current Superman and son of Clark Kent and Lois Lane—was revealed as bisexual after he was shown kissing his friend and reporter Jay Nakamura.
The revelation has since sparked a wave of angry backlash among some fans, prompting DC staffers to request the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to patrol the homes and offices of individuals involved in making the comic, TMZ reported Tuesday.
It's unclear exactly what threats were made and by whom but so far none have been carried out, according to the news outlet.
DC first announced Superman's "bold new direction" in a press release last month before the latest installment is set to hit comic book stores on November 9.
"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," writer Tom Taylor said in a statement, according to DC's website. "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."
In an interview with IGN last month, Taylor added that he's previously had queer characters and storylines rejected within the industry, making him feel like he was "letting down people I loved."
"When I was asked if I wanted to write a new Superman with a new #1 for the DC Universe, I knew replacing Clark with another straight white savior could be a real opportunity missed," he added.
DC Chief Creative Officer and Publisher Jim Lee also stated that the latest revelation for Superman shows that the hero can continue to explore his identity within the context of the modern world.
"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 & Lois. They coexist in their own worlds and times, and our fans get to enjoy both simultaneously," Lee said in a statement.
However, some critics have been less enthused over Superman's newfound sexuality.
Actor Dean Cain, who played Superman in the 1990s hit ABC series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, said last month that he doesn't believe the new decision is "bold or brave."
"They [DC Comics] said it's a bold new direction. I say they're bandwagoning," he told Fox & Friends. "If they had done this 20 years ago, perhaps that would be bold or brave," he added.
Nonetheless, Superman is not the first hero to join the LGBTQIA+ community and will likely not be the last. Others who have recently come out as queer include the new Captain America, Batman's sidekick Robin, Loki, and Captain Marvel.
Newsweek contacted DC Comics for additional comment but did not hear back in time for publication.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
