The upcoming issue of ‘Superman: Son Of Kal-El’ will feature the revelation and is due for release on 9 November. The news marks a bold new direction for DC, but they aren’t the only ones shifting their material toward a more diverse landscape – this year, Marvel also unveiled its first gay Captain America.

Writer Tom Taylor says the introduction of a queer relationship in Superman’s story is important in the context of representation, and that it’s something which reflects the hero’s values.

“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,” Tom says in a press release from DC. “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.”

The scenes are brought to life by artist John Timms.

“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,” John says.

DC CEO and Publisher Jim Lee says the multiverse is a powerful tool in exploring different versions and representations of the famous heroes.

“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.”

‘Superman: Son Of Kal-El #5’ is out on 9 November.