Superman will come out as bisexual in the latest comic issue by DC Comics after he falls for a male reporter - Jay Nakamura.
The new storyline features Jon Kent, the son of Clark Kent and Lois Lane, who has already fought wildfires as a result of climate change, stopped a high school shooting, and protested against the refugee deportation.
DC Comic announced his latest romance on National Coming Out Day, an annual LGBTQ+ awareness day.
For November's issue 'which is part of the Superman: Son of Kal-El',Jon series Jon and and Jay Nakamura, a glasses wearing reporter with pink hair become romantically involved.
The story sees Jon "mentally and physically burnt out from trying to save everyone that he can".
Early images show Jon and Jay kissing and series writer Tom Taylor reckons the time was ripe for some change.
He told the BBC: ""It struck me that it would be a real missed opportunity if we replaced Clark Kent with another straight white saviour.
There's been a real shift over the last few years - ten years ago, five years ago this would have been more difficult, but I think things have shifted in a really welcome way."
Following the news, social media was alight with comments.
Tom said: "We have people saying they read this news today and burst into tears - people saying they never thought in their life that they would be able to see themselves in Superman... literally the most powerful superhero in comics.
"You'll always have people who'll use the old line of 'don't put politics into comics' - forgetting that every single [comic book] story ever has been political in some way. People who don't realise that the [Marvel comic series] X-Men were an analogy for the civil rights movement."
"We try to bring those people with us, but we are writing for the people who will hopefully see this Superman... and say 'This Superman is like me. This Superman is fighting for things that concern me."
One fan online said: "Sexuality has always been part of the superman storyline, you just didn’t mind when it was heterosexual."
Another said: "I am okay with Superman being bisexual now, but then again I don't read comic books.
"The writers should have freedom to make art the way they see it, even if it is sexy, shocking, scary, or exploitative. OTOH, I don't care to see anyone kissing amorously."
Someone else added: "Thank you @DCComics for sending out a clear and SUPER message about gender inclusivity and making Superman stand for much more! #dccomics #DCPride."
