In DC Comics' advance solicitation information for its December titles, one of the biggest bombshell teases was that Superman will publicly reveal his secret identity.
Superman writer Brian Michael Bendis confirmed that the reveal, slated to take place in Superman #18 and Lois Lane #7, is not a feint or an easily fixed development. Instead, it will see major ramifications for the character moving forward. To back up his claims, Bendis pointed to the public outing of Matt Murdock during his acclaimed run on Daredevil as a direct comparison for the long-lasting consequences to the character.
"I don’t do fake-out stories," Bendis told The New York Times. "I did a story where Daredevil was outed -- a different kind of outing -- but that was his reality for 15 years."
Bendis noted that the reveal will finally let Clark Kent live his life as "the best version of himself," honest and open with the public. The writer observed that he wanted to put in some time with the character before dramatically shifting his status quo, but is excited by the storytelling possibilities that it opens up.
"We wanted to do this because behind it is 1,000 brand-new Superman stories that have never been told," Bendis explained.
Superman #18 is written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado. It is scheduled to go on sale December 11 from DC Comics.