The DCU Just Set Up Supergirl's Horse Boyfriend & I Don't Know How To Feel The DC Universe has never been afraid to embrace the weird, wonderful, and occasionally bewildering aspects of comic book history. From Bat-Mite to Matter-Eater Lad, from Krypto the Super-Dog to Detective Chimp, comics have long featured characters that strain credulity. Yet even by those standards, the apparent setup for one of Supergirl's most unusual romantic relationships from the comics has left fans experiencing a unique mixture of amusement, confusion, and "wait, that actually happened?" The Comic Book History: Yes, It Really Happened For those unfamiliar with this particularly peculiar chapter of comic book lore, let's address the elephant—or rather, horse—in the room: Comet the Super-Horse was indeed romantically involved with Supergirl in Silver Age comics. This wasn't subtext or fan interpretation; it was actual, published canon in the 1960s. The full story is even stranger than the basic premise suggests. Comet wasn't always a horse. According to his origin story, he was originally a centaur in ancient Greece named Biron, a talented archer and horseman. Through magical mishap involving the sorceress Circe (yes, that Circe), he was fully transformed into a horse—but granted superpowers including super-strength, super-speed, flight, invulnerability, and telepathy. The romantic complication arose from Comet's ability to occasionally transform into a human male named "Bronco" Bill Starr whenever a comet passed Earth. In his human form, he pursued a relationship with Supergirl, who remained unaware that Bronco and her super-powered horse companion were the same being. The comics played this situation with remarkable earnestness, treating it as a genuine romantic storyline rather than the absurdist comedy it might seem today. The DCU's Modern Approach The new DC Universe appears to be laying groundwork for this character's appearance in the upcoming Supergirl film, though how directly they'll adapt the romantic elements remains to be seen. Recent promotional materials and set photos have hinted at equestrian themes, while casting rumors suggest a male character who could plausibly fill the "Bronco Bill" role. This represents a fascinating challenge for contemporary superhero filmmaking. Modern audiences approach comic book adaptations with different expectations than readers of 1960s comics. While MCU films have successfully introduced talking raccoons and living trees, a romantic subplot involving shapeshifting between human and horse forms treads into territory that could easily veer into uncomfortable or unintentionally comedic areas. The filmmakers face a delicate balancing act: honor the source material that dedicated fans remember (with varying degrees of fondness), while crafting something that works for contemporary audiences who might know nothing of Supergirl's comic history beyond "Superman's cousin." The Mixed Feelings: A Fan Perspective The revelation that Comet might appear in the DCU triggers a complex emotional response that reflects broader tensions in comic book adaptations. On one hand, there's something delightful about the DC Universe embracing its weirder aspects. Part of comics' charm has always been their willingness to explore bizarre concepts that other media wouldn't touch. Seeing filmmakers confidently say "yes, we're doing the horse boyfriend story" demonstrates a certain fearlessness. There's also nostalgia and fannish appreciation for deep-cut references. When adaptations pull from obscure corners of comic history rather than retelling the same Batman origin for the tenth time, it signals respect for the source material's full breadth and a recognition that longtime fans appreciate seeing lesser-known stories and characters. Yet simultaneously, there's apprehension. Some comic stories exist as artifacts of their era, reflecting cultural attitudes and storytelling conventions that haven't aged well. The Comet storyline emerged from a time when comics routinely featured romantic plots we'd now consider problematic or just plain weird. Transforming that into a modern film narrative requires substantial adaptation. There's also concern about public perception. Superhero films have fought hard for mainstream credibility and cultural acceptance. While the genre now dominates box offices, individual films still face scrutiny and mockery when elements don't land properly. A mishandled Comet story could become ammunition for those who already view superhero media as silly or juvenile. How It Could Actually Work Despite the inherent challenges, there are paths to making this concept work in contemporary cinema. The key lies in the approach and framing. Leaning into the magical realism angle could help. If the film establishes a tone that embraces fantastical elements without winking at the audience, even unusual concepts can feel natural within that world. Films like "The Shape of Water" have demonstrated that audiences can embrace unconventional romantic storylines when presented with conviction and emotional honesty. Updating the specific dynamics would be essential. Rather than recreating the 1960s version wholesale, the film could use Comet as a jumping-off point for exploring themes of identity, transformation, and connection. The character's struggle with dual forms could serve as metaphor for anyone who feels they must hide their true self. Emphasizing the tragedy and loneliness of Comet's situation could add depth. Imagine being trapped between two forms of existence, never fully belonging in either, unable to sustain relationships because of your nature. That's compelling dramatic material that transcends the "horse boyfriend" reductionism. Playing with genre expectations might work as well. Supergirl comics have often had a lighter, more adventurous tone than Superman's. If the film establishes itself as a fun, fantastical adventure rather than gritty realism, audiences will adjust expectations accordingly. The Broader Context: DCU's Identity The inclusion of Comet also speaks to larger questions about the DC Universe's identity under its new creative leadership. The decision to potentially feature this character suggests a DCU willing to differentiate itself from previous DC films and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Where Marvel has generally favored cosmic sci-fi explanations and tech-based solutions, DC has often leaned into magic, mythology, and the supernatural. Comet fits squarely into that mystical tradition. His origin story involves Greek mythology, ancient curses, and magical transformation—all elements that could help establish the DCU's unique flavor. There's also the question of target audience and tone. Supergirl as a character has often appealed to younger viewers and readers, with stories that balance action with heart and optimism with stakes. Comet could work within that framework as a romantic interest who brings both fantastical adventure and emotional complexity. The Wait and See Approach Ultimately, judgment must be reserved until we see the actual execution. Film history is full of concepts that seemed questionable on paper but worked beautifully in practice, as well as sure-fire ideas that crashed spectacularly. How Comet is written, how the relationship is framed, how the tone is calibrated, and how the performances sell the material will determine whether this becomes a beloved aspect of the DCU or a miscalculation. The mixed feelings many fans experience reflect not skepticism about the filmmakers but rather the inherent uncertainty of adaptation. Comic books operate under different rules than cinema. What works in illustrated panels across monthly installments doesn't automatically translate to screen. But when adaptations succeed, they can find the emotional core of even the strangest concepts and make them resonate. So yes, the DCU appears to be setting up Supergirl's horse boyfriend. And yes, the emotional response is complicated. But perhaps that complexity is exactly what makes this bold—an attempt to bring comic book storytelling in all its weird glory to modern cinema, trusting that good execution can sell even the most unusual premises. Whether it works remains to be seen. But at minimum, it will be interesting. And in a media landscape of safe bets and proven formulas, "interesting" has its own value. Here's hoping the filmmakers thread the needle and give us a Comet story that honors the character's history while creating something genuinely special for contemporary audiences. If they pull it off, it will be one of the most impressive feats of comic book adaptation yet attempted.