Doctor Fate
Template:Short description Template:About Template:Redirect Template:Infobox comics character Doctor Fate (also known as Fate) is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Gardner Fox and Howard Sherman, the character first appeared More Fun Comics #55 (May, 1940) during the Golden Age of Comic Books. Since his creation, several other characters have served as successor incarnations of the character within the mainstream DC Universe as legacy heroes, with each new version attempting to reinvigorate the character for contemporary audiences.<ref name="GK Where22">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":ToF2">Template:Cite web</ref> As the original, he is sometimes also referred to as the Golden Age Doctor Fate.
The original character's secret identity is archaeologist Kent Nelson who encountered a cosmic being named Nabu, a member of the Lords of Order, while accompanying his father in an archaeological expedition during his youth. Unwittingly leading to his father's death upon releasing Nabu, the cosmic being pities him and raises him as a sorcerer although various retellings differ in Nabu's intentions and how Nelson is trained. Gifted the Helmet of Fate and several other artifacts, he becomes the hero and agent of the Lords of Order, Doctor Fate.<ref name="DC Uni3222">Template:Cite web</ref> A major character featured in titles based upon several teams such as the Justice Society of America, Justice League International, and Justice League, and one of the foremost sorcerers in the DC Universe, Nelson's most reoccurring conflict is his gradual loss of personal agency to Nabu and its effects on his relationships with others, including his love interest Inza Nelson.<ref name="IDF1-36">Template:Cite book</ref>
Subjected to various comic book deaths, Nelson has been succeeded by several successors and often makes posthumous appearances with events in the past. The current successor, Egyptian-American grandnephew and apprentice Khalid Nassour,<ref name="A costly trick of magic22">Template:Cite book</ref> is depicted as the mainstream incarnation of Doctor Fate following Justice League DarkTemplate:'s "Witching War" and "A Costly Trick of Magic" storylines.<ref name="A costly trick of magic22"/><ref name=":28">Template:Cite book</ref>
While not reaching the same levels of cultural recognition as Batman, Superman, or Wonder Woman, Doctor Fate remains one of DC Comic's most enduring and long-standing characters, known for its distinctive name and design.<ref name=":ToF2" /> Nelson's Immortal Doctor Fate remain as one of the character's most popular runs.<ref name=":ToF2"/> However, creators and critics alike have been critical of the character's associations to Egypt, orientalism, and Nabu's characterization in regards to Nelsons' agency.<ref name="newsarama12">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":10">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref>
Doctor Fate has made many appearances in adaptations. Nelson first made his live-action debut in the television series Smallville, portrayed by Brent Stait. He also appears in the DC Extended Universe film Black Adam (2022), portrayed by Pierce Brosnan. The character appeared in the DC Animated Universe, voiced by George DelHoyo in the Superman: The Animated Series and Oded Fehr in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. Several alternate versions of the character have been adapted in media, including original creations and those based on other published DC Comics characters.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Creation
In a 1987 interview, Fox recalled the genesis behind Fate, stating, "Doctor Fate (I originally called him Doctor Droon, but the name was editorially changed) was one of my favorites. I created him and even sketched out the original costume he would wear – but that costume was changed by artists over the years, for one reason or another. To my knowledge, I wrote all the Dr. Fate yarns that appeared, up until 1968, when I left comic book writing to a great degree. I always liked the supernatural; I read Lovecraft, Derleth, Sax Rohmer, Howard, Clark Ashton Smith, Whitehead, all the others, Fate was a derivation from my imagination influenced by those writings"<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
Publication history
Golden, Silver, and Bronze Age of Comics (1940–1985)
The original version of the character, Kent Nelson, first appeared in a self-titled six-page strip in More Fun Comics No. 55 (May 1940), during the Golden Age of Comic Books, created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, who produced the first three years of monthly Doctor Fate stories.<ref name="archive.org">Template:Cite book</ref> Soon after, the character's origin was shown in More Fun Comics No. 67 (May 1941).<ref name="Beatty222">Template:Cite book</ref> Stories during the Golden Age included his love interest, Inza, who was known variably throughout the Golden Age as Inza Cramer,<ref name="mf80">More Fun Comics No. 80 (June 1942)</ref> Inza Sanders,<ref>More Fun Comics No. 75 (January 1942)</ref><ref>More Fun Comics No. 77 (March 1942)</ref> and Inza Carmer.<ref>More Fun Comics No. 76 (February 1942)</ref><ref>More Fun Comics No. 78 (April 1942)</ref><ref>More Fun Comics No. 89 (March 1943)</ref><ref>More Fun Comics No. 90 (April 1943)</ref> When the Justice Society of America (JSA) was created for All Star Comics No. 3 (Winter 1940), Doctor Fate was one of the characters National Comics used for the joint venture with All-American Publications. He made his last appearance in that book in issue No. 21 (Summer 1944), virtually simultaneously with the end of his own strip in More Fun Comics No. 98 (July–August 1944).
The character later appeared in book such as the annual JSA/Justice League of America (JLA) team-ups in Justice League of America that began in 1963; in World's Finest Comics No. 201 (March 1971 and No. 208, December 1971); an appearance with Batman in The Brave and the Bold No. 156 (November 1979); and a solo story in 1st Issue Special No. 9 (December 1975), written by Martin Pasko and drawn by Walt Simonson. Doctor Fate and the rest of the JSA returned to All-Star Comics in 1976 in issue No. 58, beginning a two-year run that ended with issue No. 74 and Adventure Comics #461–462 in 1978. Adventure Comics No. 466 related the untold tale of the Justice Society's 1951 disbanding. During this period, Inza Cramer's name as such was amended.<ref name="showcase55-562">Template:Cite comic</ref>
During the Bronze Age, the character's origin was retold in DC Special Series No. 10, and Doctor Fate again teamed up with Superman in DC Comics Presents No. 23 (July 1980). He later featured in a series of back-up stories running in The Flash from No. 306 (February 1982) to No. 313 (September 1982) written by Martin Pasko (aided by Steve Gerber from No. 310 to No. 313) and drawn by Keith Giffen.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> In 1981, DC's All-Star Squadron elaborated upon the adventures of many World War II-era heroes, including Doctor Fate and the JSA. Doctor Fate made occasional modern-day appearances in Infinity, Inc. throughout 1984, the same year which witnessed the 22nd and final annual JSA/JLA team-up.<ref>Justice League of America #231–232 (October–November 1984). DC Comics.</ref> In 1985, DC collected the Doctor Fate back-up stories from The Flash, a retelling of Doctor Fate's origin by Paul Levitz, Joe Staton, and Michael Nasser originally published in Secret Origins of Super-Heroes (January 1978) (DC Special Series No. 10 in the indicia), the Pasko/Simonson Doctor Fate story from 1st Issue Special No. 9, and a Doctor Fate tale from More Fun Comics No. 56 (June 1940), in a three-issue limited series titled The Immortal Doctor Fate.Doctor Fate later appeared in several issues of Crisis on Infinite Earths, joining various heroes from the DC Multiverse in battle against the Anti-Monitor and, later, Amethyst.<ref>Legends No. 6 (April 1987). DC Comics.</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Despite the significant alterations to various histories resulting from the crisis, much of Kent Nelson's personal history remained largely unaffected, although some of the character's earlier stories during the Golden Age were retconned out.
Modern Age (1985–2011)
In 1987, the Doctor Fate limited series was released, featuring the debut of Eric and Linda Strauss. The characters would replace Kent Nelson, who is killed off in this series, as Doctor Fate.<ref name="Fate19872">Doctor Fate #1–4 (July–October 1987). DC Comics.</ref> A subsequent ongoing series focusing on Eric and Linda followed in the winter of 1988, with the first 24 issues written by J.M. DeMatteis and drawn by Shawn McManus. The series' premise featured the pair under the guidance of Nabu, who had inhabited Kent Nelson's body and taken his identity. The series also established a supporting cast for the characters and the concept of Kali Yuga among the Lords of Chaos and Order, a period where chaos reigns and order is defeated. It further established that the incarnations of Fate are the result of reincarnation cycles. During DeMatteis's run, the series experienced limited sales.<ref name=":ToF2"/> Doctor Fate would also appear in several other crossovers and miniseries at the time, including Millennium and Cosmic Odyssey. Both characters are killed off halfway into the series, replaced by resurrected Inza and Kent Nelson from issue No. 25 onward in 1991. The series ended with issue No. 41,<ref>Doctor Fate (vol. 2) No. 41 (June 1992). DC Comics</ref> and following Zero Hour, both Kent and Inza were killed off.
A new incarnation, Jared Stevens, was introduced in a series called Fate, launched in the wake of Zero Hour in 1994.<ref name="fate0">Fate No. 0 (October 1994)</ref> The Doctor Fate character went through a radical redesign, dropping the "Doctor" title and gaining new weapons made from the previous related artifacts of Doctor Fate. Unlike prior depictions of the Doctor Fate character as a sorcerer, the character was instead a demon hunter.<ref name="DC Uni3222"/> Considered an unpopular re-imagining of the character,<ref name="GK Where22"/> the series was canceled after 23 issues in September 1996. The character then starred in The Book of Fate, written by Keith Giffen, which ran from February 1997 to January 1998 for 12 issues as part of DC's "Weirdoverse" imprint, and which rebooted the character's origins and adventures.
However, the revival of the JSA title in 1991 allowed an opportunity for the Doctor Fate character to be reworked, with Jared Stevens subsequently killed off.<ref name="jsa12">JSA No. 1 (August 1999). DC Comics.</ref><ref>JSA No. 4 (November 1999). DC Comics.</ref>
The next incarnation of Doctor Fate would come in the form of Hector Hall, the son of the Golden Age Hawkman and Hawkgirl, who is reincarnated due to the machinations of Mordru. A fan-favorite incarnation,<ref name=":7">Template:Cite web</ref> the character was featured in the JSA title and a five-issue Doctor Fate limited series in 2003.<ref>Dr. Fate (vol. 3) #1–5 (October 2003 – February 2004). DC Comics.</ref> Hector Hall was killed in the Day of Vengeance limited series in 2005 as part of the lead-in to the 2005 company-wide event crossover, Infinite Crisis.<ref>Day of Vengeance #1–6 (June–November 2005). DC Comics.</ref>
In early 2007, DC published a bi-weekly run of one-shots depicting the search for a new Doctor Fate. These were intended to be followed by a new Doctor Fate ongoing series in April 2007, written by Steve Gerber and illustrated by Paul Gulacy, featuring the new Doctor Fate.<ref name=":ToF2"/><ref name=":124">Template:Cite web</ref> However, the series was delayed due to extended production and creative difficulties. Gerber said in an interview for Newsarama that the story intended for the first arc of the Doctor Fate ongoing series had been reworked to serve as the main story for Countdown to Mystery, a dual-feature eight-issue miniseries with Eclipso as the second feature.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The first issue of Countdown to Mystery, with art by Justiniano and Walden Wong rather than Gulacy, was released in November 2007. Due to Gerber's death, the seventh issue was written by Adam Beechen using Gerber's notes. The final issue was written by Beechen, Gail Simone, Mark Waid, and Mark Evanier, who each wrote a different ending to the story.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The character then appeared in the Reign in Hell miniseries<ref name=":52">Reign in Hell #1–8 (Sept. 2008 – April 2009). DC Comics.</ref> and in Justice Society of America (vol. 3) #30 (August 2009), featuring in the book until its cancellation with #54 in August 2011. During the series, writer Marc Guggenheim described Doctor Fate's role as a powerhouse but intended to flesh out the character.<ref name="Renaud">Template:Cite web</ref>
The New 52 and beyond (2011–present)
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Following the events of the Flashpoint mini-series in 2011, DC's continuity was rebooted. As part of The New 52 initiative, an alternate version of Doctor Fate named Khalid Ben-Hassin was created by writer James Robinson<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and artist Brett Booth. The character was featured in the Earth 2 ongoing series from No. 9 (February 2013) onwards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
After the conclusion of the Convergence limited series in June 2015, DC launched a new Doctor Fate ongoing series, written by Paul Levitz and drawn by Sonny Liew as part of the DC You initiative, which saw an emphasis on "story over continuity", loosening the restrictions of continuity to allow for a diverse range of genres while some characters underwent status quo changes. The title focused on the newest and most recent incarnation of Doctor Fate, an Egyptian-American medical student named Khalid Nassour.<ref name="newsarama13">Template:Cite web</ref> Created with an emphasis on diversity and inspired by Marvel Comics heroes Spider-Man and Doctor Strange,<ref name="newsarama14">Template:Cite web</ref> the series also rebooted the Kent Nelson character, depicting him as a previous Doctor Fate, a mentor figure with some of his old history intact. The series ran for 18 issues, from June 2015 to November 2016.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2018, DC launched a second Justice League Dark series written by James Tynion IV starring a new roster led by Wonder Woman. In this roster, Khalid and Kent Nelson were revealed to be eventual new members of the Justice League, originally acting as "advisors" in the team and becoming recurring characters. Khalid would eventually permanently become the new Doctor Fate instead of Kent Nelson in the "Lords of Order" storyline. Khalid would also receive a new redesign as Doctor Fate.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Kent Nelson would be later killed off in the "A Costly Trick of Magic" storyline, leaving Khalid Nassour as the sole Doctor Fate. While the original 2018 series was cancelled in 2020, the Justice League Dark series was re-purposed as a backup strip to the mainstream Justice League title. The storyline, written by Ram V, featured Khalid remaining a recurring member of the Justice League Dark subdivision.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Khalid would also appear in several crossovers with other comics such as Superman, Teen Titans Academy, and The Flash.
Beginning in 2021, Khalid Nassour would appear in major storylines such as the Justice League Dark: The Great Wickedness storyline, depicting a status quo change wherein the Helmet of Fate is damaged and is inhabited by a new entity.<ref name="DC COMICS2">Template:Cite book</ref> Connected to the Future State crossover event depicting an older Khalid Nassour who has lived through the aftermath of the events of the "Great Wickedness" storyline, the entity is revealed to be the Egyptian goddess, Hauhhet.<ref name="DC COMICS2"/> Khalid would also play a role in the Justice League/Justice League Dark crossover. In late 2022, the Khalid concurrently appeared in the 2022 Justice Society of America comic and in several other notable crossovers such as Lazarus Planet and Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths. In Justice Society of America, the character's status quo from the previous Justice League Dark title carries over, with Khalid as a member of the JSA and playing a crucial role in defeating Per Degaton. The series would showcase different iterations of Doctor Fate as Degaton hunts the JSA across time<ref name="johns 20243">Template:Cite book</ref> and later rectified the history of the character.<ref name="JSA4-22">Justice Society of America Vol. 4 No. 2. DC Comics.</ref>
In 2023, the Kent Nelson version is referenced in the Knight Terrors storyline<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> and the Khalid Nassour version appears in the Wonder Woman tie-tin.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In late 2023 and 2024, Kent would make appearances in various titles such as Green Lantern: Alan Scott and Jay Garrick: The Flash, the comic books taking place decades prior to the character's death in Justice League Dark. Khalid would also feature in the Absolute Power crossover, where he is one of the heroes who lose their powers due to the machinations of Amanda Waller.
Characterization
Kent Nelson
Description and themes
Kent Nelson is depicted as an American of Swedish and British descent and is an archaeologist with a doctorate.<ref name=":04">Template:Cite book</ref> While early stories also had made him a physician,<ref name="Beatty222" /> he is made exclusively an archeologist later.<ref name=":052">Template:Cite book</ref> As the sorcerous superhero Doctor Fate, Nelson is commonly depicted as a mystical superhero empowered by magical patrons.<ref name="Beatty222" /> His patrons, the Lords of Order, designates him as their "agent" and is empowered to battles the forces of evil, with Nabu being the most frequent spiritual guide and power behind the character.<ref name="Beatty222" /> His most reoccurring conflict involves his Nabu gradually robbing him of personal agency while acting as Doctor Fate, and negatively impacts his personal life and marriage.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As a supporting character in Doctor Fate series focusing on other incarnations, he is cast in a mentoring role.<ref name=":3224">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":25">Template:Cite book</ref>
Nelson is considered among the most powerful superheroes in the DC Universe and among the "greatest living sorcerers" due to possessing the Doctor Fate artifacts,<ref name="Beatty222"/><ref name=":82">Template:Cite web</ref> often cited as the most powerful incarnations.<ref name=":172">Template:Cite book</ref> Numerous other versions are often being to the original.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":262">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="DC Comics22">Template:Cite book</ref>
Design and costume
In his physical design, the character is has been depicted as a blonde or white-haired man (dependent on age).<ref name=":25" /><ref name=":28" /> Drawn with a muscular build, the character is portrayed as being 6'2" with blue eyes.<ref name="Beatty222" /><ref name=":125">Template:Cite book</ref> As Doctor Fate, his default attire includes a tight-fitting suit blue bodysuit with boots, cape, gloves, and underpants over it all colored yellow. Frequently, he also possess a circular amulet below the neck and a yellow cloak.<ref name="IDF1-36" /> His attire has changed over time; his modern appearance depict a similar appearance with his body suit, gloves, cape, and boots of similar color scheme (blue/yellow) although the underpants is absent, replaced with a golden Egyptian sun-disk belt buckle.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite book</ref>
Nelson's Helmet of Fate design has differed throughout publication; modelled after a corinthian helmet, the helm is traditionally designed as a smooth, full-face golden helm with a prominent vertical fin running along the top, narrow eye slits.<ref name="archive.org" /> In modern settings, the helm appears similar although at times with glowing eye slits and appears more angular with sharper edges.<ref name=":2" /> With the half-helmet, his appearance retains his traditional appearance but the bottom of his face is visible, making him visually similar to a traditional superhero.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Magic visual system and design
In visualizing Doctor Fate's magic within mainstream comic books, artist Walt Simonson explained in an interview he sought to establish a structured visual language similar to Steve Ditko’s approach on Doctor Strange. Inspired by Ditko's use of vectors and circles to give magic a coherent system, Doctor Fate's design instead employed the Egyptian ankh as a recurring symbol. This was combined with typographic experimentation—using letters and geometric forms such as circles and spirals as design elements—to create a distinctive visual system. Since its creation, the ankh has since remained a consistent motif for the character and the later incarnations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Within the DC Extended Universe, Doctor Fate's magical effects were alternatively depicted through refractive and crystalline visuals developed by Wētā FX and other studios; According to VFX supervisor Bill Westenhofer, the team emphasized a “refractive crystalline structure” to make the magic interact with scene lighting, while incorporating the Egyptian ankh motif. Fate's abilities also included the creation of crystalline forcefields, glass-like clones that shatter on impact, and geometric constructs to giving the character's magic a distinct and structured visual identity.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Others
Template:See also Following Nelson's original comic book death in 1987, the character has been succeeded several times, resurrected, and killed. As such, several Doctor Fate incarnations have existed within DC Comics' mainstream continuity with different characterization, is defined as a legacy hero,<ref name="DC Uni3222" /><ref name=":122">Template:Cite book</ref> and all possess personal agency in which Nelson himself lacks.<ref name="DC Comics2">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":03">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Blood22">Template:Cite book</ref> These versions' continuity has constantly been in flux, with several crossover events, comic books titles, and initiatives having revised their histories which has included omission of their histories in main continuity, retroactive changes regarding their histories, and having their complete histories restored.<ref name="DC Uni3222" /><ref name=":0" /> Thus far, only Khalid Nassour's mainstream history often remains intact and consistent,<ref name="DC Uni3222" /> being the current modern incarnation published in DC Comics.<ref name=":28" />
Within mainstream comic books, the design of the attire and Helmet of Fate worn by other incarnations is influenced due to the essence of the bearer, allowing for different designs.<ref name=":25" /> However, the design of Eric and Linda Strauss incarnations possess the same traditional design as Nelson's when the pair are either merged and taking a male appearance or Eric is transformed on his lonesome although the Helmet of Fate is sometimes drawn with a more prominent jawline and often emotes to convey their mood.<ref name=":1922" /> The Khalid Nassour version has also been drawn to utilize Nelson's modern design (costume, helm, and physique) at times.<ref name=":133">Template:Cite book</ref>
| Character | Brief description | Patrons | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eric and Linda Strauss | The original successors of Doctor Fate and agents of order advised by Nabu in Kent's deceased body whom could merge as one entity known as "Doctor Fate".<ref name=":2622">Template:Cite book</ref> This versions' history was originally omitted following the New 52 but later was restored.<ref name=":022">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="DC Uni32222">Template:Cite web</ref> | Lords of Order | Nabu |
| Inza Cramer | Kent Nelson's love interest who later adopted the role following the Strauss's death, she focuses both her efforts on heroism and on social class issues. Some revisions have omitted this versions' history in main continuity.<ref name=":022" /><ref name="DC Uni32222" /> | Lords of Chaos | Unnamed Lord of Chaos |
| Jared Stevens | An unpopular reinvention of the character,<ref name="GK Where222">Template:Cite web</ref> he is a controversial demon hunter and agent for the Lords of Balance that investigates supernatural matters.<ref name=":02">Template:Cite book</ref> Some revisions have omitted this versions' history in main continuity.<ref name=":02" /><ref name="DC Uni32223">Template:Cite web</ref> | Lords of Balance | None |
| Hector Hall | The reincarnated son of Hawkman (Carter Hall) and Hawkgirl (Shiera Hall), Hall is described as eager to prove his worth as Doctor Fate and is less aloof than prior incarnations.<ref name="DC Comics222">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":2922">Template:Cite book</ref> This versions' history was has been omitted,<ref name="DC Uni32222" /> restored,<ref name=":022" /> and revised to be the third Doctor Fate instead of the fifth.<ref name=":022" /> | Lords of Balance | Nabu |
| Kent V. Nelson | The grandnephew of the original Kent Nelson and a former psychiatrist whose life unravels following an extramarital affair and malpractice but improves when he is chosen Doctor Fate.<ref name="mystery2222">Countdown to Mystery #1–8 (November 2007 – July 2008)</ref> Unlike other Doctor Fate incarnations, he lacks connections to the Lords of Chaos and Order, acting as a independent hero sorcerer of the JSA. Some revisions have omitted this versions' history in main continuity.<ref name=":0222">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="DC Uni322222">Template:Cite web</ref> | N/A | |
| Khalid Nassour | The other grand-nephew and the former apprentice of the original Kent Nelson, Khalid Nassour is an Egyptian-American and Muslim chosen by the Egyptian deities and archangels to become Doctor Fate. Khalid is cast as a young man burdened with significant responsibilities, embarking on a journey of self-discovery within a world reminiscent of Doctor Strange's mystical realm.<ref name="newsarama1222">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":1432">Template:Cite web</ref> Beginning as a medical student,<ref name=":4">Template:Cite book</ref> he is later expressed to be a physician.<ref name=":12">Template:Cite book</ref> | Egyptian deities | Hauhet |
Fictional character biography
20th Century
Pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths
In his debut appearance in issue #55-56 for More Fun Comics (May–June 1940), Doctor Fate makes his first ecounter with archnemesis Wotan and love interest Inza Cramer, wherein he tries to kill her to defeat the hero. Wotan is beaten but learns he did not pass into the afterlife, enabling him to face his foe once more. Fate manages to defeat him again; using a spell to trap Wotan in suspended animation, Fate then buries him deep within the Earth.<ref name="IDF1-36"/> The character's origin was first revealed in All-Star Comics #3 (1940), written by Gardner Fox, wherein Doctor Fate states that he is not human nor had a childhood, having been created by elder gods and sent to Earth to battle evil in their name.<ref name="All-Star Comics #3">Template:Cite book</ref> One year later, the character was given a new origin with a human alter-ego, revealing him as Kent Nelson, the son of archaeologist Sven Nelson whom encountered Nabu as a child during an excavation and accidentally kills his father by releasing poisonous gases. Nabu explains he is an immortal alien being from the planet Cilia and pities the boy, teaching him the "secrets of the universe" and raising him into adulthood to become Doctor Fate.<ref name="More Fun Comics #67">Template:Cite book</ref>
The1963 "Crisis on Earth-One" and "Crisis on Earth-Two" storylines respectively revealed Nelson and the Justice Society of America's home reality to be of Earth-2 and meets with the Justice League of Earth-1, a superhero team of a parallel world. After years of retirement, Doctor Fate becomes semi-active and helps the teams.<ref name="Comics">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="DC Uni3222"/>
In 1975, the storyline from 1st Issue Special #9 reveals more of Nelson's earlier years, pitting him against the mummy sorcerer Khalis while dealing with a frustrated Inza, whom he has married fifteen years after becoming Doctor Fate. The story also retroactively changes aspects of his origin, revealing Nabu altered young Kent's mind to erase his grief and pain, establishing him as twelve years old during the incident and would slowly possess him as Doctor Fate when he was an adult.<ref name="IDF1-36"/><ref name="Pasko 1975">Template:Cite book</ref> Three years later in 1978, Paul Levitz's revisions alternatively depicting Nabu as a cosmic being of the Lords of Order and sought to use young Kent, whom he aged to adulthood and imparted into him his mystical knowledge in the process.<ref name="DC Special Series #10">Template:Cite book</ref>
From 1981 to 1982, Nelson appears in backup issues in The Flash #306-313. In both stories, Nelson continues to battle the Lords of Chaos while a marital rift between the pair grows due to Inza's envy over Nabu's presence and Nelson's duties as Doctor Fate taking precedent over her and their marriage. In one instance, Totec weaponizes her envy against Nelson. In another, while Nelson battles a renegade Lord of Order and Lord of Chaos who join forces, Inza nearly commits to infidelity with a museum curator until Nabu intervenes. Sensing the rift to be potentially damaging to Nelson's mind, he allows the pair to both mend their marriage and later merges her with Kent temporarily, formulating a powerful new Doctor Fate transformation that both defeats the renegade Lords and grants Inza a higher understanding of the role of Doctor Fate.<ref name="IDF1-36"/>
Post-Crisis on Infinite Earths
In 1985, the character later appears in the Marv Wolfman and George Pérez's Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover series, merging both Earth-1 and Earth-2 realities within the multiverse altering event, with all past definitive histories histories having been said to happen on this composite universe ("Earth").<ref name="DC Uni3222"/> The stories from his first appearances (More Fun Comics #55), his origin story (More Fun Comics #67), 1st Issue Special #9, DC Special Series #10, and all his backup stories in The Flash #306-313 are considered definitive adventures and stories for the character in which were reprinted whereas older Golden Age and Silver Age stories were no longer considered canonical to his new universe.<ref name=":13233">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="DC Uni3222"/><ref name="IDF1-36"/> The character's original origin is partially revealed in All-Star Comics #3 (1940), written by Gardner Fox. In that appearance, Doctor Fate states that he is not human and had no childhood, but was created by elder gods and placed upon Earth to battle the forces of evil.<ref name="All-Star Comics #3"/>
In later stories, Kent Nelson is introduced as Doctor Fate's alter ego. The son of archaeologist Sven Nelson, Kent, as a child, encounters a comatose Nabu during an excavation and accidentally kills Sven by releasing poisonous gasses. Pitying the boy, Nabu explains that he is an immortal alien being from the planet Cilia, and takes Kent in to teach him the "secrets of the universe," raising him to adulthood to become Doctor Fate.<ref name="More Fun Comics #67"/> Later stories change aspects of Kent's background; one story establishes Kent as twelve years old during the incident, and shows Nabu altering Kent's mind and then slowly possessing him as Doctor Fate when Kent becomes an adult.<ref name="IDF1-36"/><ref name="Pasko 1975"/> Another story portrays Nabu as callous and cold, seeing Kent as a mere vessel and aging him to adulthood with mystical mastery.<ref name="DC Special Series #10"/>
As Doctor Fate, Nelson battles foes such as Wotan, Ian Karkul, and Khalis, accompanied by Inza Cramer, his girlfriend and later wife. Kent and Inza's relationship is often tested due to Nabu's interference and impact on her social life.<ref name="IDF1-36"/> Originally, Doctor Fate's home reality is Earth-Two, and he is a founding member of the Justice Society of America (JSA) and the All-Star Squadron. The JSA often interacted with Earth-One's Justice League of America, until the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover consolidated the two universes, while leaving most of his history intact.<ref name="Comics"/><ref name="DC Uni3222"/>
Lines of succession, deaths, and legacy
Eric and Linda Strauss's tenure
In the late 1980s, an older Kent Nelson becomes a founding member of Justice League International but is killed off in 1987 in J. M. DeMatteis's Doctor Fate miniseries, which introduces his successors Eric and Linda Strauss.<ref name=":1922">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="DC Uni3222"/><ref name=":13233"/> In the Cosmic Odyssey miniseries, they assist Darkseid, Highfather, and other heroes and villains in battling a sentient being made up of Anti-Life energies.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In 1991, the pair are eventually killed off in circumstances again involving Darkseid (retroactively revealed to be a disguised DeSaad) and Anti-Fate, respectively, but reincarnate into new lives and lasted a year in the role.<ref name=":212">Template:Cite book</ref> However, upon their death, Kent and Inza Nelson are revived in younger bodies.<ref name=":212" />
Inza Cramer's tenure and temporarily revival
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Succeeding Eric and Linda, Inza is inadvertently empowered by the Lords of Chaos and aids a district in New York while battling supernatural entities.<ref name=":25" /> She also appeared in the War of the Gods storyline to aid Wonder Woman and other heroes to thwart Circe's efforts to destroy Earth.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> During the "Zero Hour: Crisis in Time!" storyline in 1994, the Kent and Inza merge to become Doctor Fate,<ref>Zero Hour #4 (September 1994). DC Comics.</ref> but are defeated by Extant, and are rapidly aged with the loss of their artifacts, leaving the pair powerless.<ref>Zero Hour #2-3 (September 1994). DC Comics.</ref> The married couple are killed shortly after, having hired smuggler Jared Stevens to retrieve them but are killed by demons. With the pair dead, circumstances also leads Stevens to claim the mantle, albeit in his own unique manner as "Fate".<ref name=":8">Fate #0 (September 1994). DC Comics.</ref>
When Steven's origin was rebooted in 1997 by Keith Giffen, circumstances are different with Kent and Inza, the latter whose mental health were compromised in her brief time as Doctor Fate. Kent manages to trick Stevens into the role, allowing the both of them to ascend into the afterlife while Stevens is burdened with the mantle of "Fate".<ref name=":92">Template:Cite book</ref> Template:Clear
Jared Stevens' tenure
In his original Fate series, his background is revealed as a son of an accountant and a criminal mother who lived in Boston, the latter whom was overbearing until he moved to Europe with his mother at sixteen but later distanced from her criminal activities, opting for law school as a adult.<ref name=":23">Template:Cite book</ref> Desiring a exciting life, he joined the Institute for Phenomenological Study as an artifact smuggler and is caught in a conflict trying to procure the Helm of Nabu and vestments of Fate for his ex-wife's father.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":23" /> When the Nelsons are killed by demons sent by Kingdom, Jared is chosen as the next agent of Nabu. A magical explosion brands his eye with an ankh tattoo that allows him to see through illusions. Jared resists Nabu with the Amulet of Anubis's power, which was embedded in his arm when it was crushed by a demon. Nabu capitulates to Jared, reforging him as Fate. The Helm of Nabu is reforged into a large knife and throwing knives shaped like ankhs.<ref name="stevens1">Template:Cite book</ref> Jared's pulverized arm is kept mobile with bandages made from the Cloak of Destiny and eventually infected with Chaos bacteria. The Chaos infection turns his arm into shifting tentacles.<ref name="stevens13">Template:Cite book</ref> This physical balance of Order and Chaos makes him the champion of balance for both the Lords of Order and Lords of Chaos. In the Book of Fate series, he works with Scare Tactics, Etrigan the Demon, and other forces to combat threats from the realm of Gemworld.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
During his brief time as Fate, he is assisted by Arnold Burnsteel in the Fate series. In the rebooted Book of Fate series, he is instead assisted by Arnold's sibling, Vera Burnsteel, both whom are accomplished hackers and conspiracy theorists who seek to help him understand his role through occult research. Jared is later murdered by Mordru, who attempts to kill all the agents of the Lords of Chaos and Order and claim Fate's artifacts for himself. Jared's equipment reverts to its original forms and returns to the Tower of Fate upon his death. His tenure is defined later to have lasted at least over a year before he was succeeded by Hector Hall.<ref name=":522">Template:Cite comic</ref><ref name="JSA: Justice be Done2">Template:Cite book</ref> Template:Clear
Hector Hall's tenure
In late 1999 and 2000 in a story in JSA Secret Files (which leads into the "Justice Be Done" storyline by James Robinson and David S. Goyer in the JSA ongoing comic), Jared Stevens is killed and replaced by Hector Hall, the son of Hawkman and Hawkgirl, who is reincarnated as a new Doctor Fate and aged up from infancy by the villain Mordru. Hector battles and prevails over Mordru, aided by the (seemingly) spirits of Kent and Inza Nelson within the Amulet of Anubis.<ref name="JSA: Justice be Done">Template:Cite book</ref> Hector, as Doctor Fate, also appears in the Day of Judgement comic title and crossover, shown as a member of the Sentinels of Magic. As a member of the Justice Society, he is considered less aloof and potentially a greater Doctor Fate but struggles with continuing the Fate legacy and both he and his teammates question if he can balance his responsibilities while having a ordinary life.<ref name="DC Comics22" /><ref name=":2922" />
Since his re-emergence, Hector reunites with his father and his re-occurring conflict includes seemingly learning of his wife, Fury, being alive but comatose from a spell he cannot mystically break.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In the 2003 Doctor Fate mini-series, the novice but somewhat arrogant Hector is somewhat tested by Nabu when the re-emergence of Curse, a Babylonian demi-god sorcerer and rival of Nabu, forces him to battle a powerful foe. Like Nabu, Curse bonds with thief Justin Guilder, who competes with Hector for the affections of love interest Caitlyn. Critically injured, Hector's true insecurities is revealed but he manages to reinvigorate his own spirits by first rebuking Nabu's criticisms (as Nabu hoped) and manages to over-power Curse and his demonic forces, the latter aided by a Wiccan coven he once dismissed.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
In the "Princes of Darkness" storyline, manipulated by Mordru, he learns he instead placed a spell on a different woman, Dawn Granger, the biological mother of him in this incarnation whom was sexually assaulted by Hank Hall (as Extant while under mind-control) to lead to his creation and had later disguised her as Fury. He also learned the "spirits" within the Amulet of Anubis containing the previous bearers were fascimiles created by Hector's imagination as a result of yearning to be accepted as a legitimate inheritor of the Doctor Fate legacy. He is later instrumental in defeating him once more and trapping him in the Rock of Eternity with the Wizard Shazam's permission.<ref name=":9">Template:Cite book</ref>
In the 2005 "Black Reign" storyline, Fury's true fate is revealed, having been trapped in the Amulet of Anubis alongside the previous incarnations of Doctor Fate (Kent Nelson, Eric and Linda Strauss) by Nabu, who had plotted to remove Fury from Hector's life to help manipulate him. Upon finding the truth, Nabu usurps control of Hector's body as the JSA battles Black Adam's team following his disillusionment for the JSA's moral stance inadvertently allowing Kobra to go free without punishment. But from within the amulet, the group manages to instead entrap Nabu in the amulet and allow Hector to be free.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Later, in the Day of Vengeance crossover, Hector is killed by the Spectre, who has been driven insane and is hunting all magic users, destroying the Lords of Chaos and Order in the process. Nabu then briefly acts as Doctor Fate without a human host, gathering other mystics to confront the Spectre. Fatally injured, Nabu succeeds in stopping the Spectre but dies. In his final moments, Nabu asks Captain Marvel to throw the helmet into space in hopes it will find a worthy bearer.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="DC Uni3222" />
Kent V. Nelson's tenure
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In 2007, the Kent V. Nelson version of Doctor Fate is introduced by Steve Gerber in Countdown to Mystery. following Hector Hall's death. The grand-nephew of Kent Nelson (his namesake), Kent V. Nelson is a former psychiatrist whose life falls apart when his wife learns of his infidelity and he loses his license to practice from malpractice stemming from his depression. Kent dons the Helmet of Fate and assumes the role prior to the Final Crisis.<ref name="mystery2">Countdown to Mystery #1–8 (Nov. 2007 – July 2008)</ref><ref name=":132">Template:Cite book</ref> During the Reign in Hell storyline, he battles Lady Blaze and assists other supernatural heroes in an intervention in Hell's affairs due to a civil war waged by Satanus and Blaze herself. Inexperienced, he manages to defeat Blaze but both siblings managed to secure the throne, ultimately going to Blaze.<ref name=":14">Reign in Hell #1-8 (2008-2009). Keith Griffen.</ref> Later joining the JSA, he helps the team battle Mordru.<ref name=":1723">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":223">Justice Society of America (vol. 3) #35 (March 2010)</ref> the Starheart (although he is mind-controlled), the new threat known as Scythe while helping the Pierce family.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Justice Society of America (vol. 3) #47–54 (March – October 2011)</ref>
In 2011, While Kent V. continues in the role, Kent Nelson's spirit appears to help Hal Jordan (Green Lantern) while the latter is stuck on a planet with no way to escape. Kent learns of his future death but chooses to save Hal, instead, despite Hal's protests.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Template:Clear
New 52 onward (2015–2025)
Revised history
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Following DC's company wide "New 52" reboot in 2012, Inza Cramer, Kent V., Eric/Linda Strauss, and the Jared Stevens' histories initially erased from continuity.<ref name="DC Uni3222"/> While their histories was once restored,<ref name="johns 20243"/><ref name=":5">Template:Cite book</ref> it is also later revised; Kent's history remains similar to his Post-Crisis on Infinite Earth history, his marriage with Inza Cramer, and his connection with the Justice Society. However, during World War II, Nelson was also a member of the Justice Society Dark whom was active even after the disbanding of the Justice Society, battling a threat that would take decades in another realm.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Also a member of the Justice League International for a time, he is succeeded by Eric and Linda Strauss as Doctor Fate, the pair having teamed up with Darkseid, Highfather, and others to help to stop the Anti-Life entity. After their death, Hector Hall becomes the third Doctor Fate during the founding of a new JSA iteration by Wesley Dodds.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite book</ref>
Returning as Doctor Fate
In the 2015 Doctor Fate series, Nelson appears in the second major storyline of the book, revealing Khalid Nassour as another grandnephew through his maternal line and the previous Doctor Fate.<ref name=":224">Template:Cite book</ref> This reality also establishes a different past, revealing Nelson to having an unnamed younger brother who fathered Elizabeth (Nassour's mother) and became a Christian preacher. Neslon also was an influence on her life, inspiring her towards archaeology and was remarked to be his favorite niece.<ref name=":224" /> The elderly Kent mentors Khalid and the pair act concurrently as Doctor Fate, having learned to draw power from them even without having them physically. The pair would encounter both an Ifrit set to destroy New York and Osiris, who unleashes the undead and seeks retribution for Anubis's defeat by Nassour sometime prior to Nelson's revelation towards Khalid.<ref name=":224" />
Nelson eventually takes precedent within the role, with Nabu also briefly usurping it to battle Arion and assist the Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes),<ref name=":1102">Template:Cite book</ref> and appears in crossovers such as 2017's Dark Nights: Metal.<ref name="Snyder 20192">Template:Cite book</ref> From 2017 to 2019, Kent is featured in James Tynion IV's run in Justice League Dark alongside Khalid and Nabu. The pair are trapped by Nabu, who uses Nelson's body and conspires with other Lords of Order to destroy the source of magic following the piercing of the Source Wall. Their plans are interrupted by Wonder Woman's newly created Justice League Dark and their allies. Enlisting the power of chaos magic from Mordru, Kent is freed of Nabu's control and the team prevails in defeating the Lords of Order. Wonder Woman asks Nelson to don the helmet once more, who refuses due to his disillusionment and recommends Khalid, who then declines. The pair enlist themselves as consultant members of Justice League Dark but when the team is pitted against Circe's Injustice League Dark, Khalid becomes the sole Doctor Fate and assists in their defeat, prompting a concerned Kent.<ref name=":19222">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":1233">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":28" />
Recent death and legacy
With Nassour now the new Doctor Fate, Nelson leaves the team with intent to retire once more and believes himself unable to train Nassour further. Nelson later appears for the final time as Doctor Fate during the team's battle with Upside-Down Man, when Nabu summons him. Nelson sacrifices himself when the pair unleash a critical blow at the villain, killing him and depleting the helm of its power. As Nassour sees his death as a personal failure, Detective Chimp asserts he made the sacrifice with high hopes in his grandnephew's abilities.<ref name="A costly trick of magic22"/>
Posthumous appearances
Although deceased in current times, the character makes posthumous appearances in which expands on his history in the new reality following the New 52 reboot; Geoff Johns' "The New Golden Age" storyline in 2023 reinforced several key storylines in past realities. Due to Per Degaton's time manipulations, he has several instances his life where he vaguely remembers a girl name Salem the Witch Girl, his arrogant sidekick whom he encountered and took in for four years until her disappearance from time in 1944. Her removal from time erased his memories, only getting vague impressions at select times he could not figure out as a side effect. He also has visions of the death of various Doctor Fates and JSA members across time at different points, even warning Catwoman of the eventual targeting of her future daughter years before his death. A past version of Nelson is later brought by Nassour to seal Degaton, who has become a time paradox.<ref name="johns 20243" /><ref name=":1222">Justice Society of America Vol. 4 #7. DC Comics.</ref>
In the "Knight Terrors" story arc, it is implied that in the past, Nelson knew about the Nightmare Stone before anyone else of the Justice Society did based on a conversation between Deadman and a recently resurrected zombified Wesley Dodds.<ref>Knight Terrors (2023) #1-2</ref> In 2024, aspects of past incarnations' histories are restored by Geoff Johns.<ref name="johns 20243" /> Among other appearances includes him being present when Dodds was recruited into the JSA,<ref>Wesley Dodds: The Sandman #6. DC Comics.</ref> assisted Flash (Jay Garrick) alongside the JSA and Boom (Garrick's daughter) in battling Doctor Elemental,<ref>Jay Garrick: The Flash #3. DC Comics.</ref> and aiding Green Lantern (Alan Scott) when attacked by a group of similarly powered villains known as the Crimson Hosts.<ref>Alan Scott: The Green Lantern #5. DC Comics.</ref><ref>Alan Scott: The Green Lantern #6. DC Comics.</ref> When a girl calling herself Kid Eternity follows Wildcat into the afterlife after he is killed by Lady Eve, Doctor Fate is among the dead JSA members who tell Kid Eternity that the JSA is in danger and that they need her help.<ref>JSA Vol. 2 #7 (May 2025). DC Comics.</ref>
Powers, abilities, and resources
While an ordinary human prior, Nelson was granted various mystical enhancements by Nabu, possessing a level of invulnerability, an extended lifespan, and peak human capabilities.<ref name="DD62">Template:Cite book</ref> Kent is also an expert on the supernatural, either due to being granted the knowledge by Nabu or having trained for an extensive time under him dependent on the story.<ref name="Pasko 1975" /><ref name=":1233" /><ref name="DC Special Series #10" /> Even without the benefit of artifacts, Kent is able to either cast minor spells or draw power from the helm (without contact) to utilize magic on his own.<ref name=":25" /><ref name=":3224" />
Besides his magical abilities, Nelson is considered a brilliant archaeologist in most modern stories, holding a doctorates and specializing in Egyptology.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="IDF1-36" /> Earlier stories from the Golden Age alternatively made him a able hand-to-hand combatant as a practitioner of jujutsu and a physician with a medical degree.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> This is omitted in later publications in favor of his archaeological background. Nelson is also considered a capable teacher in both archaeology and the supernatural alike,<ref name=":25" /><ref name=":28" /> having taught apprentices Khalid Nassour and Salem Nader the latter.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":3224" />
Mystical artifacts and resources
As an incarnation of Doctor Fate, Nelson (and other successors) are classified as a "sorcerer", employing magical artifacts and other various resources to access a wide array of magical abilities while providing protection against the inherent risks associated with magic.<ref name=":54">Lotowycz, R. (2021). The DC Book of Lists: A Multiverse of Legacies, Histories, and Hierarchies. Running Press Adult.</ref> With the main three artifacts (Helmet of Fate, Amulet of Anubis, and Cloak of Destiny) he has many powers at his disposal such as flight, teleportation, precognition, illusion casting.<ref name=":052" />
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Amulet of Anbuis | A significant artifact with various origins; One account states that it was created by Anubis and initially possessed by Khalis before being claimed by Nabu.<ref name="IDF1-36" /> Another origin story suggests that the amulet was crafted from the remnants of Cilia, a planet belonging to the Lords of Order.<ref name="JSA42">Template:Cite book</ref> The amulet's powers includes resistance to psychic and astral probing, mind control, and magical power enhancement,<ref name="IDF1-36" /> necromancy<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> and contains its own separate universe apt for trapping entities.<ref name=":302">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="JSA42" /> It has also been called the Amulet of Thoth.<ref name=":125" /> |
| Cloak of Destiny | A cape which possess magical qualities that grants the user several powers such as invulnerability, superhuman strength, and flight.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> It is also fireproof and counters the magical abilities originating form the Lords of Chaos.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> |
| Orb of Nabu | A scrying glass and allows him Fate search for hidden threats by reacting to his brainwaves. Although not explicitly magical, it provides valuable insights for the bearers<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> |
| Book of Fate | A tome that contains a comprehensive history and knowledge of the Lords of Chaos and Order, predominantly from the perspective of the latter.<ref name=":20">Template:Cite book</ref> |
| Tower of Fate | Doctor Fate's base of operations; This fictional structure serves as Doctor Fate's primary dwelling and is considered a nexus point of magic and reality on Earth. The tower is only accessible through magic and lacks doors or windows.<ref name=":132" /> Inside, it appears as a twisted maze of stairways and hallways where the laws of physics do not apply. The Tower of Fate houses a vast personal library containing arcane texts, including materials salvaged from the Library of Alexandria. It is fortified with mystical defenses.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> |
Helmet of Fate
Chief among the artifacts of Doctor Fate is the Helmet of Fate, a potent artifact that grants him the ability to perform virtually any known magical feat.<ref name="DD62" /> Constructed from Nth metal, the helmet possesses inherent mystical properties and possesses the unique ability to counteract and negate magical forces as well as see the destiny ("fate") of others, foresee potential futures, are unable to be predicted from others with precognition abilities,<ref name="Snyder 20192" /><ref name="johns 20243" /> and are immune to probability-related powers.<ref name=":5" /><ref name="johns 20243" /> Whether guided by the residing spirit within the helm or through the helm's own discernment, the artifact is typically accessible only to individuals deemed worthy by its judgment.<ref name=":172" /> Despite its durable nature, the Helmet of Fate is not impervious to damage. It has shown vulnerability to abilities originating from powerful entities (ex. Arion and Brimstone), some which included potent forms of Atlantean magic, power from higher beings such as the Spectre, and advanced applications of the Firestorm matrix, requiring regeneration. It can also experience overload in special circumstances, resulting in temporary limitations and the inertness of certain powers.<ref name=":16">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":1102" /><ref name="A costly trick of magic22" />
However, the Helm's abilities and sources differ between incarnations; in regards to Nelson, his abilities in earlier stories first involved scientific basis, allowing the conversion of matter into energy and vice versa.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Later, now from a supernatural source as Doctor Fate, it allows him to embody the essence of the Lords of Order, enabling him to wield magic through the power of imagination, can and merge with a female bearer into a more powerful entity,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> and has spell casting capabilities considered nearly unrivaled,<ref name="DC Uni3222" /><ref name=":052" /> allowing him to particularly draw Egyptian-based magic and other sources like those used by Merlin.<ref name="IDF1-36" /><ref name=":1233" />
Weaknesses
While formidable, Doctor Fate has some limits and weakness; inferior to Spectre in power,<ref name="DD62" /> it is expressed Doctor Fate cannot cast counter spells against him due to a condition regarding the "rules of magic".<ref name="DC Uni3222" /> The physical age of an incarnation also impacts their ability, with older incarnations diminishing in power over time while a younger versions' inexperience hampers mastery of their magical abilities.<ref name="Fate1987">Doctor Fate #1–4 (July–October 1987)</ref><ref name="Blood2">Template:Cite book</ref>
Other version's powers and abilities
| Character(s) | Description | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Eric and Linda Strauss | When merged into a singular entity known as "Doctor Fate", the pair possess similar powers to Nelson's own, potentially surpassing the other in raw power. The pair could also split into two separate entities, although their complete power is halved.<ref name=":2622" /> | Due to being novice sorcerer(s), the incarnation lacked knowledge in the supernatural compared to Kent and were considered unremarkable retroactively.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":2622" /><ref name=":1722">Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> |
| Inza Cramer | A Doctor Fate incarnation considered more talented than Nelson in spell-casting, she derived her powers originally from chaos magic due to her unwitting patronage to the Lords of Chaos before later life energies and, similar to Nelson, could perform magical feats based on her imagination. Like the Strauss', she can also merge with Kent to form a singular entity known as "Doctor Fate", allowing for greater power.<ref name=":253">Template:Cite book</ref> | Due to having not undergone Nabu's training to becoming Doctor Fate, Inza's mental state was damaged overtime when performing magic.<ref name=":8" /> Inza's magic also had limitations, unable to conventionally cure ailments such as cancer and revive others, the latter having painful repercussions.<ref name=":253" /> |
| Fate (Jared Stevens) | Possesses unique abilities not shared by other incarnations, Jared's right eye can see through illusions and see other people's futures, pasts, and fate.<ref name="stevens1" /><ref name="stevens5">Template:Cite book</ref> With the Helm of Nabu was forged into a knife and throwing daggers, Jared can also telekinetically call the knife to himself.<ref name="stevens2">Template:Cite book</ref> Stevens' exposure to magical artifacts has rendered him immune to most magical attacks and spells, moreso than other incarnations.<ref name="stevens5" /> His right arm is a mass of chaos tentacles he can use to ensnare opponents, and bandages made from the Cloak of Destiny make it impervious to pain.<ref name="stevens13" /> Jared can use "spatial tangents" to teleport.<ref name="stevens3">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="stevens14">Template:Cite book</ref> Jared's criminal background grants him skills like breaking and entering and hot-wiring cars as well as bein a skilled hand-to-hand combat and able to use a fighting knife.<ref name="stevens8">Template:Cite book</ref> | Unlike previous incarnations, Stevens lacked the spell-casting powers possessed by prior incarnations. While highly resistant against magical forces, he is capable of being damaged by weaponry of mystical origin.<ref name="JSA: Justice be Done2" /> |
| Hector Hall | Wielding a vast array of spells and "eldritch formulae", his source of power is from both Nabu's suggestions while his spirit inhabits the helm and the ability to cast spells verbally. He is considered potentially among the most powerful of incarnations.<ref name="DC Comics222" /><ref name=":2922" /> Hall's spell-craft is borrowed from a variety of cultures such as those belonging to the Mayans, The Picts, and ancient Egyptians.<ref name="JSA: Justice be Done2" /> Additionally, his magical power can be derived from several forms of magic: white, dark, order, and chaos.<ref name=":9" /> | Also considered a novice sorcerer,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Hector was reliant on the helmet as the source of all his mystical power and verbal-based in usage, disruption to to his connection to Nabu or his ability to speak de-powers him.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> |
| Kent V. Nelson | Similar to Marvel Comics' Doctor Strange, the helm provides spell-casting powers that allows the younger Nelson to utilize a consistent set of spells and charms.<ref name=":12422">Template:Cite web</ref> Among his spell-craft includes those within the helm, in which has a library of spells for Nelson to use and could utilize basic magical spells.<ref name=":1723" /> | Due to the death of Lords of Order (and creative changes from Steve Gerber), the helm for the younger Nelson's incarnation no longer confers a level of mastery of magic.<ref name=":12422" /> Also beginning as a as a novice sorcerer, Nelson's knowledge of the supernatural, artifacts, and history associated with Doctor Fate was limited.<ref name=":14" /> With his powers originating from the helm, Nelson was depowered without it.<ref name=":1723" /> |
| Khalid Nassour | Template:Main | |
Other versions
- An alternate version of Nelson, known as Doc Fate, is shown to exist on the pulp fiction-influenced world of Earth-20.<ref>Final Crisis: Superman Beyond #1 (August 2008). DC Comics.</ref><ref>Final Crisis: Secret Files #1 (February 2009). DC Comics.</ref> Doc Fate is an African-American gunslinger and occultist named Kent Nelson who is based in a windowless Manhattan skyscraper. Doc Fate forms and leads a team of adventurers known as the Society of Super-Heroes, which includes the Immortal Man, the Mighty Atom, the Blackhawks and the Green Lantern Abin Sur.<ref>The Multiversity: The Society of Super-Heroes #1 (September 2014). DC Comics.</ref>
- After Mister Mind "eats" aspects of the fifty-two realities that make up the Multiverse, one of them, designated Earth-2, takes on visual aspects similar to the pre-Crisis Earth-Two, such as the Justice Society of America being this world's premier superteam.<ref>Template:Cite comic</ref> This version of Doctor Fate (based upon the Kent Nelson version of the character) along with the Spectre, suspects something is awry with Power Girl's mysterious reappearance.<ref>Justice Society of America (vol. 3) Annual #1 (2008), DC Comics.</ref>
- In the alternate timeline of the Flashpoint event, Kent Nelson works as a fortune teller in Haly's Circus. Kent tells his co-worker, trapeze artist Boston Brand, of his vision of Dick Grayson's death.<ref>Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons #1 (June 2011). DC Comics.</ref> The circus is then attacked by Amazons who are looking to steal the helmet. Kent is impaled and killed by an Amazon before the circus workers escape with the help of Resistance member Vertigo.<ref>Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons #2 (July 2011). DC Comics.</ref> With Boston's help, Dick escapes the Amazons' slaughter of the other circus workers and meets up with the Resistance, using the helmet as the new Doctor Fate.<ref>Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons #3 (August 2011). DC Comics.</ref>
Alternative and temporary incarnations
In addition to several versions existing in alternate universes and timelines within the DC Multiverse, several characters briefly came into possession of the Helmet of Fate due to circumstances, allowing them to become Doctor Fate temporarily; Superman was briefly given helm by Khalid Nassour to help battle the mystical super-villain, Xanadoth.<ref name=":732">Template:Cite book</ref> When Nezha gained the Helmet of Fate by defeating Nassour, Batman later usurped it and briefly became Doctor Fate.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Detective Chimp was briefly chosen as Doctor Fate but relinquished it due to the overbearing information it placed in his mind.<ref name=":13">Template:Cite book</ref> Sand briefly used the helm to confer with Nabu and explain his Hector Hall's disappearance.<ref name="Champagne 200522">Template:Cite book</ref> Black Alice was a candidate but the helm rejected her in part due to her intentions and forceful nature.<ref name=":13" /> Okeontis was an alien freedom fighter possessed by an alien fungusa whom gained the Helmet of Fate . The helm's significant power caused the Presence to send Zauriel to intervene.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Template:Clear
Supporting cast
In both More Fun Comics and Immortal Doctor Fate (backup issues from Flash), Doctor Fate has a small cast of characters; Inza Cramer, whom acts as his love interest, acts as his partner and confidante whom later becomes his wife. Nabu, his patron, is also a reluctant ally whom is responsible for gradually eroding his personal agency as Doctor Fate.<ref name="IDF1-362">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="archive.org2">Template:Cite book</ref> Vern Copeland is a fellow archaeologist whom is also smitten with Inza and noted to have similarities to Kent.<ref name="IDF1-362" /> The second half of the 1988 Doctor Fate series featured a larger supporting cast: Tooly and Tildly Wilson, an African-American couple and supporter of Doctor Fate with three children. Debby Niles, a police officer and niece of the Wilsons, was Inza's best friend and a close confidante whom was aware of their dual life. Another included corrupt billionaire-turned-ally Thomas Bridge, Shat-Ru, a renegade-turned-friend and Lord of Order who posed as Kent's grandfather and spouted nihilistic ideals, and his eccentric girlfriend, Dorothea.<ref name=":252">Template:Cite book</ref>
Enemies
Doctor Fate also has numerous enemies of his own, featured in his limited series and/or significant with him from other appearances. Out of all his villains, Wotan is the most re-occurring villain whom is considered both his rival and arch-enemy as well as also battling other incarnations.<ref name=":05">Who's Who in the DC Universe #1 (August 1990)</ref><ref name=":2122">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":11">Template:Cite book</ref> Others, such as Negal, have also been reoccurring with other incarnations.<ref name="mystery23">Countdown to Mystery #1–8 (Nov. 2007 – July 2008)</ref> Although Arion is typically a hero, the character has been listed as his adversary due to appearances in other titles wherein he was under mystical influence.<ref name=":132332">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":11022">Template:Cite book</ref>
| Character | First appearance |
|---|---|
| Wotan<ref name="IDF1-362" /> | More Fun Comics #55 (May, 1940) |
| Negal<ref name=":05" /> | More Fun Comics #67 (May, 1941) |
| Ian Karkull<ref>More Fun Comics #69 (July 1941). DC Comics.</ref> | More Fun Comics #69 (August 1941) |
| Khalis<ref name="IDF1-362" /> | 1st Issue Special #9 (December, 1975) |
| Mango the Mighty<ref name=":05" /> | More Fun Comics #57 (July, 1940) |
| Kulak | All-Star Comics #2 (September, 1940) |
| Totec / Malferrazae<ref name="IDF1-362" /> | The Flash #306 (backup feature) |
| Arion<ref name=":132332" /><ref name=":11022" /> | Warlord #55 (March,1982) |
| Ynar<ref name="IDF1-362" /> | The Flash #310 (June, 1982) |
| Gray Man | Justice League #2 (June, 1987) |
| Non-mystical villains | |
| Mister Who<ref name=":05" /> | More Fun Comics #73 (November, 1941) |
| The Dude<ref name=":05" /> | More Fun Comics #75(January, 1942) |
| Clock<ref name=":05" /> | More Fun Comics #81 (July, 1942) |
| Groups | |
| Lords of Chaos | Retcon: More Fun Comics #55 (May 1940)
Actual: DC Special Series #10 (Jan 1978) |
| Anti-Fate Group<ref name=":252" /> | Doctor Fate v2 #35 (November,1991) |
Cultural impact and legacy
Reception
As a character, Doctor Fate has established himself as one of DC Comics' enduring figures, although not reaching the same level of cultural recognition as iconic characters like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman or The Flash. According to Wizard Magazine, Doctor Fate's notable strengths lie in his name, distinctive design, and the recurring motif of the Helmet of Fate. While the character has experienced various cancellations over time, they have also been the focus of multiple miniseries and ongoing series.<ref name=":ToF2"/> The character's portrayal by Pierce Brosnan in Black Adam was also received well and was once slated to eventually appear again in the DC Extended Universe due to his popularity prior to James Gunn's appointment as creative head for DC Studios.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Other versions' acclaim
Several versions of the character have critical acclaim; the Hector Hall version was considered a fan-favorite during the 1999 JSA run<ref name=":7" /> and the Khalid Nassour incarnation was well-received among critics and was compared to Marvel Comics' Kamala Khan as representing an underrepresented demographic while also praising his design and incorporation of Egyptian elements compared to Greek/Roman.<ref name=":53">Template:Cite web</ref>
Criticisms
Orientalist portrayal
The original character's connection to Egypt has been subjected to various criticisms due to Nelson's usage of the Egyptian mysticism,<ref name=":292">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":6">Template:Cite book</ref> In Mixed Race Superheroes, Resha critiques Kent Nelson's incarnation as the archetypal white Western hero who freely accesses Egyptian mysticism without repercussions, contrasting it to Nassour. In a noted example within issue #9 of the 2015 Doctor Fate series, she points out Nassour's worry about intervening in a massive demonstration gone awry within the United Nations plaza without being labelled "some kind of super-villain or costumed terrorist" and asserts how while Nelson's incarnation likely would not have worried about being labelled a terrorist (and only a super-villain at worst), Nassour's incarnation is aware he would not be afforded the same level of protections as a person of color.<ref name=":292" /> Within media portrayals such as Black Adam, Doctor Fate is among the characters cited within the Justice Society where their intervention in the fictional Arab nation of Kahndaq is critiqued as reinforcing "Orientalist stereotypes through the male imperial gaze" and exemplifies how Western superhero narratives "reproduc[e] a colonial vision where Western 'knowledge' of ancient civilizations 'rescues' the past from oblivion," exotifying and objectifying Arab figures while erasing their agency.<ref name=":6" />
Within mainstream comic books, Paul Levitz created the Khalid Nassour version of the character to address similar concerns, believing Nelson's connection to Egypt to be a by-product of a time when writers could not write in detail about ethnicity and religion.<ref name="newsarama12" /> James Robinson's creation of Khalid Ben-Hassin years earlier (featured in a Elseworld universe) was also made to avoid an offensive characterization, opting to make the character Egyptian-American to allow him to have Western traits.<ref name=":27">Template:Cite web</ref>
Portrayal of abilities
Steve Gerber was critical of the character's abilities prior to 2007 pointing out the character's inconsistent power level, which posed challenges for writers in defining the character effectively. Moreover, Gerber expressed reservations about the recurring element of the Nabu entity controlling Doctor Fate, as he believed it hindered the character's ability to form meaningful connections. Additionally, Gerber advocated for an original interpretation of magic, akin to the approach taken with Marvel's Doctor Strange, rather than Doctor Fate's association with Egyptian mythology and believed the character's history to be among the most convoluted. He sought to address this with the Kent V. Nelson incarnation of the character.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":3" />
During his run in the Justice Society of America comic book title, Marc Guggenheim opined a tendency for magical-oriented characters to cease being characters ("people") and become a set of powers. With the Kent V. Nelson version of the character, he sought to characterize Doctor Fate into a more "three-dimensional character".<ref name="Renaud" /> James Robinson also stated how despite the reoccurring theme of a "cost" to magic, Doctor Fate's magical powers "feels and certainly looks no different than a blast of energy from Green Lantern's ring. It's just energy that gets fired."<ref name=":27" />
Other versions' criticisms
In regards to the Jared Stevens version, the character was panned due to his design and departure from the common elements of the character.<ref name="GK Where22" /> The Eric and Linda Strauss' version has also been panned due to the characters' dynamic being that of lovers despite the age gap and relation between older Linda and child Eric whom was aged up physically, the former view as a pedophile and unnecessarily sexualized compared to her male counterpart.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Critical response
- ScreenRant included Doctor Fate in their "The 10 Most Powerful Wizards".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Doctor Fate was included in CBR's "Top 50 DC Characters".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Ashley Land of CBR included Doctor Fate in their "Greatest Supernatural DC Heroes".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- In 1998, Wizard Magazine published an article in which included Doctor Fate in their "All-Wizard Team", which consisted of a list of the most powerful, versatile heroes in a respective field.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In other media
Television
Live action
- Doctor Fate and his wife Inza Nelson appear in the Smallville two-part episode "Absolute Justice", portrayed by Brent Stait and Erica Carroll respectively.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Doctor Fate appears in Stargirl.
- The Helmet of Fate appears in the episode "Lazarus", where Chloe Sullivan uses it to locate Green Arrow.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
- The Helmet of Fate makes a cameo appearance in the Constantine episode "Non Est Asylum".<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref>
Animation
- Doctor Fate appears in series set in the DC Animated Universe (DCAU), voiced initially by George DelHoyo in Superman: The Animated Series and later by Oded Fehr in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited.
- Doctor Fate appears in Batman: The Brave and the Bold, voiced by Greg Ellis.
- Doctor Fate appears in Mad, voiced by Kevin Shinick.
- Doctor Fate appears in Justice League Action,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> voiced by Erica Luttrell as a child.
- Doctor Fate appears in DC Nation Shorts.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Kent Nelson's incarnation of Doctor Fate is among several to appear in Young Justice. Kent Nelson (voiced by Ed Asner) is a retired member of the Justice Society of America and mentor to Giovanni Zatara who ceased being Nabu's host due to its effects on Nelson's marriage. Klarion later kills Nelson, with his spirit inhabiting the Helmet of Fate.Alongside Kent Nelson, other incarnations of Doctor Fate also appear in Young Justice.
- Nabu (voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson)<ref name="Denial">Template:Cite episode</ref> was originally a son of Vandal Savage who was regarded in Mesopotamian mythology as Marduk and a god of wisdom before he was killed by Klarion the Witch Boy and became a Lord of Order. Following this, Nabu must anchor himself to Earth via a physical host, whom he completely overwrites as a requirement for those who bear his helm, and has taken many hosts over the succeeding millennia.
- The Team later obtains the Helmet of Fate, which is used by members Aqualad and Kid Flash in certain situations. After Zatanna dons the helmet to fight Klarion, Nabu refuses to relinquish her until Zatara convinces Nabu to take him instead. In season four, Zatanna forms the Sentinels of Magic, which includes Khalid Nassour (voiced by Usman Ally) and Traci Thurston (voiced by Lauren Tom), to free Zatara and convince Nabu to alternate between all of them.
Film
- Doctor Fate appears in the opening credits of Justice League: The New Frontier.
- An evil, unnamed, alternate universe variant of Doctor Fate makes a cameo appearance in Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths as a minor member of the Crime Syndicate.
- Doctor Fate appears in Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash, voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson.
- An original incarnation of Doctor Fate named Steel Maxum appears in Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay, voiced by Greg Grunberg. He was chosen by Nabu for his fitness until Scandal Savage and Knockout stole a "Get Out of Hell Free" card from him. In response, Nabu ousted Maxum from the Tower of Fate for his recklessness and irresponsibility and replaced him with "some chick" according to Maxum. In the present, Maxum joins a male strip club as the "Pharaoh" before he is simultaneously confronted by the Suicide Squad and Professor Zoom and his henchmen, Silver Banshee and Blockbuster. While Silver Banshee knocks him unconscious, the squad retrieves and escapes with Maxum. After regaining consciousness, he explains how the card works before the squad leave him on the streets, where Zoom's henchmen catch him.
- An Earth-2 variant of Doctor Fate appears in Justice Society: World War II, voiced by Keith Ferguson.
- Doctor Fate appears in Black Adam, portrayed by Pierce Brosnan.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Video games
- The Kent Nelson incarnation of Doctor Fate appears as a NPC, later a playable DLC character, in DC Universe Online.
- Doctor Fate appears as a support card in the mobile version of Injustice: Gods Among Us.
- The Kent Nelson incarnation of Doctor Fate appears as a playable character in Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham.
- The Kent Nelson incarnation of Doctor Fate appears as a playable character in Injustice 2, voiced by David Sobolov.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- The Kent Nelson incarnation of Doctor Fate appears as a playable character in Lego DC Super-Villains.
- The Kent V. Nelson and Khalid Nassour incarnations of Doctor Fate appears as character summons in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.
Other
- Doctor Fate appears in the DC Heroes United interactive streaming series. This version's Doctor Fate is a guardian of the balance between fate and chaos and is alternatively supported by the entities known as the Moirai, the personification of fate in Greek mythology.
References
External links
- Doctor Fate at the DC Database
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- Grand Comics Database: Doctor Fate entries
- Showcase #55: The Glory of Murphy Anderson
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