‘X-Men’ Superhero Iceman Comes Out as Gay in New Comic

Bobby “Iceman” Drake comes out as gay in leaked panels from the next issue of “All New X-Men.”

In the exchange between a teenage version of Drake and fellow mutant Jean Grey, Drake suggests that maybe he is bisexual. Grey, a telepath who has read his mind, says that is a possibility, but says, “But I think you’re more — full gay.” Drake responds, “Yeah … I know.”

The images first appeared on 4chan, an imageboard website. Series author Michael Bendis seemed to confirm the panels authenticity in a tweet, which can be seen below.

i swear on my dogs, i wanted the issue to come out and just be. no press. no sensational headlines. no leaks. oh, well…

— BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (@BRIANMBENDIS) April 21, 2015

Shawn Ashmore, who played the character in “X-Men,” “X2,” “X-Men: Last Stand,” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” celebrated the news by tweeting simply “Congrats Bobby! :)”

Iceman is one of the original X-Men, appearing in the very first issue of the comic in 1963. As his name suggests he has the power of cryokinesis, meaning he can create and manipulate water vapor in the air to create ice.

See all of the leaked panels below.