Doctor Fate (Kent Nelson)

"Kent Nelson" redirects here. For the author, see Kent Nelson (author).
Not to be confused with Doctor Fate (Kent V. Nelson).
Kent Nelson
Doctor Fate
Kent Nelson as Doctor Fate, as depicted in Mythology: The DC Comics Art of Alex Ross (November 2005).
Art by Alex Ross.`
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceMore Fun Comics #55 (May 10th 1940)
Created by
In-story information
Alter egoKent Nelson
SpeciesHuman
Team affiliationsLords of Order
Justice Society of America
Justice League Dark
Justice League
Justice League International
Sentinels of Magic
All-Star Squadron
PartnershipsNabu
Shat-Ru
Doctor Fate (Inza Cramer)
Doctor Fate (Khalid Nassour)
Salem the Witch Girl
Notable aliasesFate
Immortal Doctor Fate[1]
Ageless Archmage[2]
Golden Age Doctor Fate
Abilities
  • Mystical alteration which grants peak physical and mental abilities, limited invulnerability, an extended life-span, telekinesis, and acute supernatural knowledge.
  • Mastery of magic; access to mystical artifacts associated bolsters his magical abilities to higher levels.
  • Genius-level intellect; skilled archaeologist, physician in some continuities, and proficiency in jujutsu.

Kent Nelson 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 and is the first character to use the codename Doctor Fate. At times, he is also referred to as the Golden Age Doctor Fate.

Kent Nelson is the son of Sven Nelson, an archaeologist, who encountered Nabu during an aracheological expedition when he accompanied his father. When young Kent unwittinlgly released Nabu, he accidentally kills his father. Pittying the boy, Nabu reveals his nature as a Lord of Order and trains him him to be a sorcerous agent under him, making him Doctor Fate and grants him several artifacts, including the famous Helmet of Fate.[3] As Doctor Fate, he is a prominent, reoccurring character in titles such as the Justice Society of America and one of the foremost sorcerers in the DC Universe.[4] Nelson also faces personal challenges, notably Nabu's gradual influence over his body and navigating strained relationships, particularly to love interest Inza Nelson.[1] Subjected to various comic book deaths in attempts to revitalized and update the character, Nelson has been succeeded by various characters such as Eric and Linda Strauss as well as his wife, Inza. The character was most recently killed off in the 2018 Justice League Dark comic book title, now succeeded by Khalid Nassour. Depicted as the latter's great uncle, he initially appeared in the 2015 Doctor Fate comic book series as a major supporting character, mentoring him into the role. Despite his demise in the main continuity, Nelson's version often makes posthumous appearances in various comic book titles depicting events in the past.

As most recognized version of Doctor Fate, Kent Nelson has made many appearances in various 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 has also been featured prominently 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.

  1. ^ a b Pasko, Martin; Giffen, Keith; Simonson, Walt (1985). The Immortal Doctor Fate #1-#3. DC Comics.
  2. ^ 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)
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference DC Uni32 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ 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)