The artists behind the new bisexual Superman comic character have been provided with police protection after receiving death threats.
DC Comics last month revealed that the new character of Jon Kent in Superman: Son of Kal-El is bisexual and in a relationship with a man.
Writer Tom Taylor said that the character will allow queer people to “see themselves in the most powerful superhero in comics”.
“Superman’s symbol has always stood for hope, for truth and for justice,” said Taylor.
“Today, that symbol represents something more.”
Artist John Timms said that he was “incredibly honoured” to be working with Taylor on the new series.
The announcement of the new bisexual Superman was met with mixed reactions, with an unprecedented number of orders received for the new issue and many fans celebrating the inclusive character.
However, some homophobic and biphobic backlash has also occurred.
Fox News journalist Raymond Arroyo accused DC Comics of “sexualising” Superman by making him bisexual, saying, “We just wanted them to get the bad guys, not a venereal disease.”
Following deaths threats, Los Angeles Police Department officers were dispatched to patrol the homes of the artists involved with the new issue as well as their studio, Pink News has reported.
Sources said that none of the creators were attacked after the threats and “the situation has since settled down”.
DC chief creative officer and publisher Jim Lee said that the new comic was an “incredible example” of the power of storytelling.
“We couldn’t be prouder to tell this important story from Tom Taylor and John Timms,” said Lee.
Elsewhere in the DC Comics universe, Batman’s sidekick Robin came out as bisexual in Batman: Urban Legends #6 in September.
Superman: Son of Kal-El #5, which sees Jon Kent befriend and later begin a relationship with reporter Jay Nakamura, will be available on Tuesday 9 November.
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