The biggest mystery in comic book history is finally being revealed. Clark Kent is Superman! Okay, he might have one of the worst disguises in superhero history, but DC has announced that Superman is planning on revealing his secret identity to the DC universe.
In December’s issue of Superman #18, Clark Kent will let the world know the man behind the prescription glasses is indeed The Man of Steel. Penned by the legendary Brian Michael Bendis, the groundbreaking announcement is being planned on taking place over two issues, with one issue merely hinting at the reveal and the second issue being where the announcement is going to take place.
Having Superman disclose his true identity could have very long-reaching consequences, including DC teasing something happening with the Superman villain roster. In an interview with The Washington Post, Bendis told us that our favorite Kansas beefcake won’t just simply melt away with the reveal. Further in the interview, he dispels a lot of skepticism as he talks about how this is happening in the main Earth reality and there is no special gimmick attached to it:
“There’s no Kryptonite. There’s no Mister Mxyzptlk [a magical, reality altering foe]. There’s no magic amulet. No Bizarro,”
Bendis continued:
“It’s a hero who gave a lot and needs a little something for himself.”
With how universe-shattering this series could end up being, Bendis also talked about how difficult it was to get this idea approved by DC’s top brass. Meetings had to take place as anyone who has characters even remotely tied to Superman will feel the consequences of this choice.
For the readers and fans worried about this longtime part of Superman’s personal identity being washed away, I remember an episode of the 90s TV show, Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman when Clark tells Lois, “Superman is what I must do, Clark is who I am.”.
Superman #18 hits store shelves on December 11th, 2019.
What do you think of this big change to the Superman mythos? Do you think it’s a good idea? Sound off in the comments below!