Doctor Fate

This article is about all associated characters known as Doctor Fate. For original version of the character, see Doctor Fate (Kent Nelson). For the current version of the character, see Doctor Fate (Khalid Nassour). For other uses, see Doctor Fate (disambiguation).
Doctor Fate
Textless cover of JSA: All Stars #3. Art by John Cassidy, Mark Lewis, and David Baron.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceMore Fun Comics #55 (May 10th, 1940)
In-story information
Alter egoKent Nelson
Eric/Linda Strauss
Inza Cramer Nelson
Jared Stevens
Hector Hall
Kent V. Nelson
Khalid Nassour
Team affiliationsJustice League
Lords of Chaos and Order
Justice Society of America
Justice League International
Justice League Dark
Sentinels of Magic
All-Star Squadron
PartnershipsPatrons: Nabu, Hauhet, Shat-Ru, Chaos, Thoth, Bastet
Sidekicks and apprentices: Stitch, Salem the Witch Girl
Partners: Kirk Langstrom, Inza Fox, Jack C. Small, Petey
Notable aliasesFate, Fate's Legacy, Sorcerer Supreme,[1] Earth's Mightiest Sorcerer,[2] Mighty Sorcerer,[3] Mantle of Mystic Master,[4] Immortal Doctor Fate,[5] Ageless Archmage[6]
Abilities
  • Various mystical powers gained through the magical artifacts (Helmet of Fate, Amulet of Anubis, Cloak of Destiny); powers typically include spell-casting, illusion casting, astral projection, elemental control etc.
  • Knowledge of the supernatural

Doctor Fate (also known as Fate) is the name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The first version was originally created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, debuting in More Fun Comics #55 (May 1940).

Eight characters have served as incarnations within the main continuity, each attempting to reinvigorate the character for contemporary audiences.[7][8] The most well-known version of the character is Kent Nelson,[8] the original Doctor Fate and archaeologist who is empowered by Nabu of the Lords of Order. The current version of the character, Khalid Nassour, is an Egyptian-American physician (originally medical student) empowered by the Egyptian gods and archangels[9] and has received critical acclaim.[10] Other versions of the character include step-mother/son duo Eric and Linda Strauss, archaeologist Inza Cramer, smuggler Jared Stevens, former psychiatrist Kent V. Nelson, and the reincarnated son of Hawkman and Hawkgirl, Hector Hall.

While not reaching the same levels of iconic cultural recognition like those of Batman, Superman, or Wonder Woman, Doctor Fate remains as one of DC Comic's most enduring and long-standing characters, known for their distinctive name and design.[8] The character often appears as a prominent or a major supporting character in various team-based comic book titles such as the Justice Society of America, Justice League International, Justice League Dark, and has had several self-titled comic book titles.

The character has appeared in various incarnations across multiple forms of media based on both the comics and original characters; the Kent Nelson version notably appeared in the television series Smallville, in which he was portrayed by Brent Stait, and the DC Extended Universe film Black Adam, in which he was portrayed by Pierce Brosnan. The Khalid Nassour version debuted in the Young Justice animated television series alongside others based upon pre-existing characters not typically associated with the character's comic book iterations, including Giovonni Zatara, Zatanna Zatara, and Traci 13.

  1. ^ Guggenheim, Marc (2012). Justice Society of America: Monument Point. Tom Derenick, Michael Atiyeh, Rob Leigh, Felipe Massafera. New York: DC Comics. ISBN 978-1-4012-3368-6. OCLC 776702193.
  2. ^ JSA: All Stars. DC Comics. 2004. ISBN 978-1-4012-0219-4.
  3. ^ Scott, Melanie (2019). DC ultimate character guide (New ed.). New York, New York. ISBN 978-1-4654-7975-4. OCLC 1089398386.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  4. ^ Gerber, Steve (2007). Helmet of Fate: Zauriel #1. DC Comics.
  5. ^ Messner-Loebs, William (1991). Doctor Fate (1988-1992) #32. DC Comics.
  6. ^ Tales of the Batman, Don Newton. Don Newton. New York: DC Comics. 2011. ISBN 978-1-4012-3294-8. OCLC 709682494.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  7. ^ Kane, Gary (2013-09-24). "GK's Where Are They Now?: A Fate Worse Than … Well Fate". BIG COMIC PAGE. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  8. ^ a b c McLauchlin, Jim (2006-12-03). "A Twist of Fate". Wizard. Archived from the original on 2007-12-12. Retrieved 2007-02-11.
  9. ^ "LEVITZ Channels DITKO For June's New, Unusual DR. FATE". Newsarama. 2015-04-16. Retrieved 2015-05-04.
  10. ^ Cite error: The named reference :52 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).