The latest incarnation of Superman will come out as bisexual in a new comic book.
Jon Kent – the son of Clark Kent and Lois Lane – has followed in his father’s footsteps and, as well as saving the world, also fallen for a reporter.
The storyline was announced on National Coming Out Day, an annual LGBTQ+ awareness day.
After initially striking up a friendship with reporter Jay Nakamura, he and Jon become romantically involved in the pages of Superman: Son of Kal-el #5 from writer Tom Taylor and artist John Timms.
“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,” said Mr Taylor.
“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 took on the mantle of Superman alongside his father – who was first introduced in 1938 – last year.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be working beside Tom on the Superman: Son of Kal-el series showing Jon Kent tackling his complex modern life, while also saving the world from its greatest threats, villains, and menaces,” said Mr Timms, the artist behind the story.
Although he is not the first LGBTQ+ comic book hero, fans have said there is something particularly significant about Superman coming out.
Glen Weldon, author of Superman: The Unauthorized Biography, said: “It is not Northstar, who your aunt has never heard of. It’s not Hulkling. It’s not Wiccan. It’s not Fire and Ice. It’s not Tasmanian Devil.
“It is Superman. That counts for something – just in terms of visibility, just in terms of the fact that this is going to attract attention.”
The comic, which will feature the two men sharing a kiss, will be available at digital retailers and comic book shops from next month.
However, it is not the only way the character has been updated, with recent issues seeing Kent protesting against the deportation of refugees, stopping a high school shooting, and trying to put out wildfires caused by climate change.
DC Chief creative officer and publisher Jim Lee said they “could not be prouder to tell this important story”.
He added: “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.”
It is the latest move by an industry that is steadily embracing more diversity.
In August, DC Comics announced Batman’s sidekick Robin was bisexual. In an issue of anthology series Batman: Urban Legends, boy wonder Tim Drake – at least the third of four men to don the green and red tights alongside the caped crusader – accepts a date from another boy.