DC Comics announced on Monday Jonathan Kent, the son of Clark Kent and Lois Lane and gay partner of male friend Jay Nakamura, as the new Man of Steel.

Jonathan, also known as Jon, is proving to be a different man from his famous father, Kal-El.

Since the beginning of his new series in July, Jon has combatted issues ranging from political to environmental, like wildfires caused by climate change.

He’s also protested the deportation of refugees in Metropolis, combatted high school shootings and now, being in a same sex relationship.

“The idea of replacing Clark Kent with another straight white savior felt like a missed opportunity,” Tom Taylor, who writes the series, said in an interview.

“A new Superman had to have new fights – real world problems – that he could stand up to as one of the most powerful people in the world,” Mr Taylor said.

Glen Weldon, the author of Superman, said changes like this in comic books lead to more vibrant storytelling.

“Any step that can be taken to make the world on the superhero comics page look more like the world outside of it is good,” he said.

Comics experts on the topic have said there is something particularly special and momentous about Superman coming out, despite not being the first L.G.B.T.Q. hero.

This announcement has sparked mixed reactions ranging from anger to disappointment and excitement from comic book lovers all over the world.

A commenter cheering the news said “trying to deny representation for people who already have it tough in today’s social climate is pretty rich.

“Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be gay or bi and not have any mainstream characters that are like you?”

Another commenter complained saying “Marvel and DC have ruined their characters to please the woke mob, who don’t even buy comics.”

Jonathan and Jay Nakamura met in an August story and will share their first kiss in a story that will be published next month. 

“I’ve always said everyone needs heroes and they deserve to see themselves in their heroes,” Taylor said.

“For so many people, having the strongest superhero in comics come out is incredibly powerful,” he added.