Kent Nelson Doctor Fate | |
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![]() Kent Nelson as Doctor Fate, as depicted in Mythology: The DC Comics Art of Alex Ross (November 2005). Art by Alex Ross.` | |
Publication information | |
Publisher | DC Comics |
First appearance | More Fun Comics #55 (May 10th 1940) |
Created by |
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In-story information | |
Alter ego | Kent Nelson |
Species | Human |
Team affiliations | Lords of Order Justice Society of America Justice League Dark Justice League Justice League International Sentinels of Magic All-Star Squadron |
Partnerships | Nabu Shat-Ru Doctor Fate (Inza Cramer) Doctor Fate (Khalid Nassour) Salem the Witch Girl |
Notable aliases | Fate Immortal Doctor Fate[1] Ageless Archmage[2] Golden Age Doctor Fate |
Abilities |
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Dr. 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. The first character to use the Doctor Fate name, Nelson is considered the most recognized version of the character known for their distinctive design[3] and having the most acclaimed run compared to other versions.[4] In certain instances, he is also referred to as the Golden Age Doctor Fate.
Within Nelson's various origins, he is often depicted as being involved in a archaeological expedition with his father, resulting in the accidental awakening of a powerful being named Nabu. With the untimely demise of his father's death, Nabu takes in the youth and trained him as a sorcerer and agent for the Lords of Order, eventually gifting him various artifact, including the infamous Helmet of Fate.[5] Various accounts of his origin differ overtime, some portraying Kent as being magically aged up into the role of Doctor Fate, a victim of Nabu's manipulations in seeking a vessel, or imparted knowledge & powers instantly by the aforementioned Lord of Order. As Doctor Fate, he is a prominent reoccurring character in titles such as the Justice Society of America and one of the foremost practitioners of magic in the DC Universe.[6] 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 Doctor Fate 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.
Creation
[edit]In a 1987 interview, Gardner 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".[7]
Publication history
[edit]Golden Age of Comics
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/5c/More_Fun_Comics_61.jpg/160px-More_Fun_Comics_61.jpg)
Kent Nelson as Doctor Fate debuted in his own self-titled six page strip in More Fun Comics #55 (May 1940) during the Golden Age of Comic Books. The character was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, who produced the first three years of monthly Doctor Fate stories.[8] After a year with no background, his alter ego and origins were shown in More Fun Comics #67 (May 1941).[9] Fate's helmet was modeled after ancient Greek Corinthian helmets.[10] His love interest Inza was known variably throughout the Golden Age as Inza Sanders,[11][12] and Inza Carmer,[13][14][15][16] which was amended to Inza Cramer in the Silver Age.[17]
When the Justice Society of America was created for All Star Comics #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 the book in issue #21 (Summer 1944), virtually simultaneously with the end of his own strip in More Fun Comics #98 (July–August 1944).
Silver & Bronze Age of Comics
[edit]Aside from the annual JSA/JLA team-ups in Justice League of America that began in 1963, Doctor Fate appeared in other stories through the 1960s and 1970s, including a two-issue run with Hourman in Showcase #55–56, two appearances with Superman in World's Finest Comics (#201, March 1971 and #208, December 1971); an appearance with Batman in The Brave and the Bold (#156, November 1979); and a solo story in 1st Issue Special #9 (December 1975), written by Martin Pasko and drawn by Walt Simonson.
Doctor Fate and the rest of The Justice Society returned to All-Star Comics in 1976 with #58 for a two-year run ending with issue #74 and Adventure Comics #461-462 in 1978, and Adventure Comics #466 related the untold tale of the Justice Society's 1951 disbanding. Doctor Fate's origin was retold in DC Special Series #10, and Doctor Fate again teamed up with Superman in DC Comics Presents #23 (July 1980), and featured in a series of back-up stories running in The Flash from #306 (February 1982) to 313 (September 1982) written by Martin Pasko (aided by Steve Gerber from #310 to No. 313) and drawn by Keith Giffen.[18]
Modern Age of Comics
[edit]Beginning in 1981, DC's All-Star Squadron elaborated upon the adventures of many World War II-era heroes, including Doctor Fate and the JSA. The series ran for 67 issues and three annuals, concluding in 1987. Doctor Fate made occasional modern-day appearances in Infinity, Inc. in 1984, the same year which witnessed the 22nd and final annual Justice Society/Justice League team-up.[19] Doctor Fate also made a guest appearance in a 3-issue 1985 crossover in the pages of Infinity, Inc. #19-20 and Justice League #244. Doctor Fate then appeared in the four-part special America vs. the Justice Society (1985) which finalized the story of the Justice Society, featuring an elaboration of the events of Adventure Comics #466 and a recap of the Justice Society's annual team-ups with the Justice League. 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 #10 in the indicia), the Pasko/Simonson Doctor Fate story from 1st Issue Special #9, and a Doctor Fate tale from More Fun Comics #56 (June 1940), in a three-issue limited series titled The Immortal Doctor Fate. Doctor Fate appeared in several issues of the Crisis on Infinite Earths, after which Doctor Fate briefly joined the Justice League.[20]
In 1987, the first Doctor Fate limited series was released, which changed the character's secret identity and made Doctor Fate a legacy character. Kent Nelson's character was killed off in the original limited series, replacing him with Eric and Linda Strauss. DC Comics would soon begin the first Doctor Fate ongoing comic series by J.M. DeMatteis and Shawn McManus in winter of 1988, where the character's body and name is used by the Lord of Order, Nabu.[21] Within the 25th issue of the series, William Messner-Loebs and the character was revived from the dead. The later issues of the series saw Kent's wife Inza take over as the new Doctor Fate. The series ended with issue #41 although Kent and Inza made sporadic appearances.[22] Following the Zero Hour! event, which was used to reconcile continuity issues that emerged from Crisis on Ininite Earths, Kent and Inza would be killed off and replaced by Jared Stevens.[23] The character's demise would later be revised in the Book of Fate comic book series and Kent continued making posthumous appearances. In 1999, the revival of the Justice Society in JSA allowed the character to be reworked again, creating the Hector Hall version of the character.[24][25] Although other versions of the character would appear, Kent make sporadic posthumous appearances.
New 52 onward
[edit]Within the new continuity established during the 2011 New 52 initiative, The character made cameo appearances before his major debut in the fourth Doctor Fate series, where he mentored Khalid Nassour as the new Doctor Fate. Following the series, he appeared in titles like Blue Beetle and participated in crossovers like Dark Nights: Metal. During the Doomsday Clock event, his previous history was restored, revealing Doctor Manhattan's role in altering it, including the exclusion of his Justice Society of America membership.
Kent Nelson continued to be a significant character in the 2017 Justice League Dark series, where his mentorship of Khalid Nassour persisted. It was revealed that although Kent had resumed the role of Doctor Fate, he mentored Khalid with the intention of passing the mantle to him. In a departure from his traditional heroic portrayal, Kent became a victim of Nabu, who possessed his body and acted as an antagonist in the early storylines of the series. Additionally, Kent made appearances in the Curse of Brimstone comic series, which ran concurrently with the Justice League Dark storylines. Eventually, Kent was freed from Nabu's control and expressed reluctance to assume the mantle again, instead encouraging Khalid to take over. He would join the team in a advisory capacity. Khalid would embraced the role in the subsequent storyline, with Kent providing support. Towards the end of the series in 2021, Kent stepped down from his advisory position in the Justice League Dark and distanced himself from Khalid, feeling that he had imparted all he could and desiring to explore the world independently of the Doctor Fate persona. However, Kent returned to aid Khalid and the team in their battle against the villain Upside-Down Man, sacrificing himself to deal a decisive blow.[26][27][28]
Despite being deceased in the main continuity, Kent Nelson continues to make posthumous appearances that reference past events, including the Great Depression, World War II, and the histories of the Justice Society of America. In the present-day context, the character of Khalid Nassour assumes the role of Doctor Fate. Kent Nelson plays a significant role in the New Golden Age storyline and the initial story arc of the 2022 Justice Society of America comic book series. These appearances reveal notable alterations to his history, such as the inclusion of his protege, Salem the Witch Girl, whose existence was erased from time, causing Kent to forget her. Salem is later revealed to potentially become a future adversary of Khalid Nassour's Doctor Fate. The associated storylines also restore the histories of previous Doctor Fates and introduce the concept that the "Doctor Fate" title was specifically created by Kent, despite there being previous bearers.[29] These developments align with earlier statements from the fourth Doctor Fate series and other sources that explore the roles of the Egyptian gods and Nabu, who have chosen different champions before Kent Nelson's initial tenure as Doctor Fate.[30][31]
Fictional character biography
[edit]Origin
[edit]Kent Nelson, the son of archaeologist Sven Nelson, accompanied his father on an expedition to the Valley of Ur. During their exploration of a temple, Kent inadvertently opened the tomb of Nabu the Wise, which resulted in the release of a poisonous gas that tragically claimed the life of Sven. Impressed by Kent's plight, Nabu took compassion upon him and assumed the role of his mentor, teaching him the art of sorcery over the course of two decades. Kent discovered that Nabu was a Lord of Order, representing the forces of order in the ongoing conflict between the Lords of Chaos and Order on Earth. In due course, Kent was bestowed with mystical artifacts including a helmet, amulet, and cloak, enabling him to assume the identity of the heroic Doctor Fate.[32][33]
Subsequent accounts of his origin introduced revisions to certain details. It was revealed that Kent learned the truth about his past much later in his life, prior to sharing it with Inza, his wife. According to these revised accounts, Sven's death was intentional on Nabu's part. Furthermore, instead of undergoing years of magical training, Kent received an instantaneous transfer of knowledge and abilities from Nabu, who expedited his training to wield the bestowed powers in a matter of days. Kent also discovered that Nabu, an exiled Lord of Order, sought a human host after his original physical body had deteriorated over millennia of combating the forces of darkness and evil.[5]
Earlier adventures
[edit]After returning to the United States, Kent Nelson embarked on a career as the sorcerer and superhero known as Doctor Fate, dedicating himself to fighting crime and supernatural threats. He established a base in Salem, Massachusetts, where he operated from a tower.[32][33] In 1940, Kent was one of the co-founders of the Justice Society of America, a team of superheroes.[34] In 1941, due to occasional possession by Nabu, Kent switched to a half helmet as Doctor Fate to gain control over his mental facilities.[35][36] In the following year, he pursued a career in medicine and became a physician.[37] In 1942, Kent enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a Paratrooper during World War II.[38] Eventually, in 1944, he resigned from the Justice Society of America and pursued a career as an archaeologist.[39][40]
Immortal Doctor Fate
[edit]Kent Nelson encountered various adversaries and faced formidable challenges. One of his early foes was Wotan, an enemy sorcerer who kidnapped Inza Cramer, Kent's love interest, as part of a plot to eliminate Doctor Fate. Although Wotan's attempt was unsuccessful, he faked his own death. To confirm Wotan's demise, Kent ventured into the Underworld, only to discover that Wotan's soul had not appeared there, indicating his continued existence.[1] Kent also confronted Khalis, an ancient priest who worshipped the Egyptian death god Anubis and once possessed the Amulet of Anubis. After Nabu defeated Khalis and claimed the amulet, Khalis sought to regain his lost power and sought revenge against Doctor Fate. With Inza's assistance, Doctor Fate learned Khalis' true name and used his magical powers to defeat and destroy him. Kent's marriage to Inza faced challenges due to his double life as Doctor Fate. Inza's growing frustration and loneliness while residing in the Tower of Fate strained their relationship. Kent battled Totec, a powerful Lord of Chaos, who used his powers to manifest Inza's jealousy as a physical creature capable of fighting Doctor Fate. In the ensuing conflict, Doctor Fate restored Inza to normal and ultimately defeated Totec.[1]
Another threat emerged when Kent sensed danger in Iowa and discovered a powerful jewel hidden in a cornfield. He encountered Ynar, a disillusioned Lord of Order, and Vandaemon, a Lord of Chaos from Gemworld. Ynar and Vandaemon sought to rule the universe independently. Inza, unbeknownst to Kent, encountered a curator named Vern Copeland, who harbored ulterior motives. Inza resisted Vern's advances but felt guilty about the encounter. As the conflict unfolded, Doctor Fate confronted Vandaemon and forged a connection with Inza, sensing her guilt and believing she had engaged in an extramarital affair. Determined to confront the situation, Doctor Fate incapacitated Vern and confronted Inza about her actions, leading to a heated exchange between them. Through a series of events and revelations, Doctor Fate realized that the human spirit, combining elements of order and chaos, possessed the power to resist the manipulations of the Lords of Chaos and Order. Kent, Inza, and Doctor Fate merged their beings, gaining the strength to defeat Ynar and Vandaemon. Inza gained a deeper understanding of Kent through the merging, and they both resolved to work through their trust issues.[1]
Crisis on Infinite Earths
[edit]During the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event, Doctor Fate played a role as one of the many superheroes enlisted by the Monitor to combat the Anti-Monitor. The storyline unveiled the existence of multiple parallel universes within the multiverse, with the Anti-Monitor seeking to dominate all realities. The Monitor aimed to merge the multiverse into a single, unified universe to strengthen it. However, he was killed by his protege, Harbinger, who had fallen under the influence of the Anti-Monitor. Doctor Fate was involved in the efforts to reconstruct the barrier separating the various Earths. In addition, he joined forces with other magic users to lend their powers to the Spectre in a confrontation against the Anti-Monitor. Despite their collective efforts, the Spectre was ultimately unsuccessful in stopping the Anti-Monitor's plans. Following the events of Crisis on Infinite Earths, Doctor Fate extended assistance to Amethyst, who had been blinded, and helped transport her to Gemworld, a realm of mystical significance.[41]
Despite the significant alterations to various histories resulting from the crisis, much of Kent Nelson's personal history remained largely unaffected, although much of the earlier stories during the Golden Age were retconned out.
Doctor Fate (1987, 1988-1992)
[edit]In the first miniseries, after serving as Doctor Fate for over four decades, Kent Nelson's physical condition had weakened, and his immortality spell, along with Inza's, began to falter, rendering him susceptible to death. Exploiting this vulnerability, various Lords of Chaos, including Typhoon, sought to kill Doctor Fate by targeting his human host. As a result, both Kent and Nabu, the ancient entity bound to the Doctor Fate mantle, were summoned by the Lords of Order. The Lords of Order urged them to relinquish their resistance, allowing the kal yuga to progress, thereby enabling the eventual restoration of the Lords of Order's dominion at the cost of universal destruction by the Lords of Chaos. With Kent on the verge of death from the strain of being Doctor Fate, he and Nabu were compelled to select a new successor. This successor turned out to be a mysterious ten-year-old child named Eric Strauss, who possessed heightened senses and a deep awareness of his destiny as an agent of the Lords of Order. Utilizing Kent's body, Nabu accelerated Eric's aging to adulthood. Unfortunately, Typhoon and his human host, Dr. Benjamin Stoner, stole the corrupted Artifacts of Fate, weakening Nabu's influence on Eric and transforming him into an evil version of Doctor Fate. Kent aided Eric and Linda, realizing that their shared destiny was to merge and become Doctor Fate together, akin to his own intended destiny with Inza. Despite Nabu's initial objections, he eventually accepted this arrangement. With the successful passing of the Doctor Fate mantle to Eric/Linda and their merger, the corrupted Typhoon retreated with Dr. Benjamin Stoner. With the immediate threat resolved, Kent requested release from his bond with Nabu, which Nabu granted. Following Kent's death, Eric and Linda Strauss became the new Doctor Fate. However, shortly thereafter, Nabu utilized Kent Nelson's body once again, as he had been banished from the Realm of Order due to perceived contamination from his interactions with humanity.[42]
In the second series, while Kent Nelson remained deceased, Nabu, still utilizing Kent's name and body, developed a deeper understanding of humanity and felt remorse for manipulating Kent and Inza for over a decade. It was later revealed that Nabu had sent the souls of both Inza and Kent into the Amulet of Anubis, knowing that within the amulet's afterlife, the deceased could live the lives they had always desired. Eventually, both Kent and Inza were resurrected by Nabu and reluctantly resumed their roles as Doctor Fate, following the demise of Eric and Linda Strauss. It was also revealed that the connection between Eric/Linda transcended their current lives, as they were reincarnated lovers from past lives and could assume the identities of Wendy and Eugene DiBellia, which was an unusual departure from their prior reincarnations where they had lived from infancy onward rather than assuming the lives of predestined adults fated to die.[43]
After the revival of Kent and Inza, they merged into a single being, similar to Linda and Eric, to operate as Doctor Fate. However, during a confrontation with the renegade Lord of Order, Shat-Ru, who sought to eliminate them due to the legacy's failure to cleanse chaos from Earth, Kent was unable to join Inza as Doctor Fate, and she inadvertently trapped Shat-Ru within Kent's aged body, formerly used by Nabu. For a time, Inza acted as the sole Doctor Fate with Kent providing guidance. Their relationship became strained as Inza's approach to heroism focused more on social issues and general superheroics, while Kent believed that Doctor Fate should primarily address significant supernatural matters. They also grappled with the challenges of leading a more ordinary life in an unfamiliar time period. Kent, specifically, pursued a career as an archaeology teacher despite lacking formal credentials, using Shat-Ru to pose as his grandson while Shat-Ru posed as his future self. Eventually, they discovered that much of their conflict and Inza's increasing dissatisfaction with her powers stemmed from her association with Chaos, a Lord of Chaos who presented himself as her benefactor. Chaos argued that even the Lords of Chaos were not inherently evil and claimed to desire making Inza a heroic Doctor Fate under his control, though he admitted to manipulating their emotions for his amusement. Despite initial animosity, Shat-Ru formed a bond with Kent and Inza and aided them in defeating Chaos. Through Shat-Ru's assistance, Kent became capable of operating as Doctor Fate independently, using a similar set of powers and wearing his original half-helmet costume. Simultaneously, he continued to work alongside Inza as Doctor Fate.
Death and post-death
[edit]During the Zero Hour crisis, Kent Nelson and Inza Nelson merged to become Doctor Fate.[44] However, Extant, a villain with time-manipulating abilities, reversed the magic that had kept the Justice Society of America (JSA) young. As a result, Kent and Inza rapidly aged by several decades. Additionally, the artifacts of Fate were transported back to Egypt, leaving Kent and Inza without their powers.[45]
In their original depictions of their death, aware of their limited time, the elderly couple sought out Jared Stevens, a smuggler who had obtained the helmet, cloak, and amulet associated with Doctor Fate. Unfortunately, before they could transform into Doctor Fate once again, Kent and Inza were killed when demons, working for the villain Kingdom, drained their remaining life force. Subsequently, their souls departed into the afterlife, leaving Jared as the new Fate.[46] In a subsequent reboot, an elderly Kent Nelson encounters Jared, whom he had been anticipating, and presents him with the artifact he had been searching for on behalf of his employer. Deceiving Jared into assuming the role, Kent and Inza are released from their duties and granted passage into the afterlife, while Jared becomes burdened with the mantle of being the new Fate.[47]
During the Blackest Night event, Kent is briefly resurrected as a member of the Black Lantern Corps.[48]
The New 52
[edit]Years after the Flashpoint crossover led to the retroactively rebooted continuity the DC Universe with The New 52, a newer version of Kent Nelson would appear during the DC You initiative. While still set within the new universe created from the New 52, the initiative was made to allow to emphasize storytelling over continuity. While Kent Nelson's first appearance in the fourth Doctor Fate series establishes him as the previous Doctor Fate to Khalid Nassour, much of his history remained unknown for a time.
Revised early history
[edit]In the revised history of Kent Nelson's superhero career, he maintains his familial connections, with Khalid Nassour being his grandnephew and Elizabeth Nassour (Khalid's mother) being his niece. Kent's influence inspired Elizabeth to pursue a career in archaeology. It is revealed that Kent's brother, who fathered Elizabeth, and their grandfather were Christian preachers.[49] The newly revised history also aligns closely with Kent's pre-Flashpoint version, with some additional details. One significant addition is the revelation of Nabu's manipulation in Kent's life. Kent's father, Sven, was manipulated by Nabu, resulting in the loss of his life savings and his credibility as an archaeologist. Furthermore, it is disclosed that Kent himself was physically manipulated on an atomic level to conform to Nabu's desired image, reflecting a darker aspect of Nabu's influence.[50]
Similar to his life prior, Kent Nelson is a founding member of the Justice Society of America and continues to face enemies such as Wotan and Khalis, and he is depicted as having married Inza Cramer. As in previous iterations, his time as Doctor Fate places strain on their marriage.[50] Kent also gains a sidekick named Salem the Witch Girl, a 10-year-old inhabitant of Limbo Town, the homeworld of Klarion the Witch Boy. Kent, immune to the "bad fates" curse that afflicts female runaways of Limbo Town, becomes his apprentice. However, Salem grows frustrated with her inability to break free from her curse, which causes misfortune and sometimes death to those she cares about. After the curse nearly kills Inza Cramer, Kent's girlfriend at the time, Salem disappears. Kent seeks assistance from the Justice Society Dark, but they are unable to locate her. For reasons yet unknown, Kent's memory of Salem is later erased from his mind.[30]
Doctor Fate (2015-2017)
[edit]In the final pages of the "Prisoners of the Past" storyline, Kent Nelson reappears and senses Khalid as the new Doctor Fate, although he initially claims to have seen him.[51] In the "Fated Threads" storyline, Kent learns about Khalid's early adventures as Doctor Fate. He explains his return, revealing that he abandoned the Tower of Fate and his role as Doctor Fate for years. However, he is drawn back when he senses a dark threat and believes Khalid is the agent capable of opposing it. Khalid pleads with Kent to take back the Helm of Fate so he can resume his normal life, but Kent declines, seeing it as a divine calling. Utilizing his powers, Kent assumes his Doctor Fate persona once again alongside Khalid. They work together to prevent a disaster caused by a mischievous demon, and Kent also begins mentoring Khalid as the looming dark threat approaches. When mummies start attacking Brooklyn, Kent appears to dispatch them while investigating who reanimated them. His investigation leads him to the source of the dark magic in Brooklyn: Osiris. During their confrontation, Osiris quickly defeats Kent as he sought out his grandnephew, believing Khalid has transgressed against Anubis. However, it is revealed that Osiris is unaware of the former's attempt to usurp his godly station. Later, Kent awakens and witnesses Bastet and the archangels explaining the misunderstanding to Osiris. Ultimately, Osiris allows Khalid to live.[49]
DC Rebirth
[edit]Blue Beetle (2016)
[edit]In the Blue Beetle: Hard Times storyline, taking place at some point prior to the events of the Doctor Fate fourth series, Nabu later appears before Ted Kord, warning him that the Blue Beetle scarab is the result of magic and not alien technology as previously thought. It is revealed through flashbacks that centuries ago, Nabu battled with Blue Beetle Scarab's intelligence, Khaji-Da, and nearly prevailed until the intervention of the ancient Atlantean sorcerer, Arion, who was seemingly driven insane by his exposure to it (later revealed to be the instead the result of the Death Force infecting his mind), allowing the scarab to escape and resulting in Nabu trapping Arion.[52] In the modern day, Kent Nelson is revealed to have been captured by Nabu and placed in some mystic stasis and preserving his body in the Tower of Fate, using him as some sort of anchor to the physical plane. When freed using his minions and an unsuspecting Nabu, Arion would defeat Nabu by severing the connection between the two characters, weakening Nabu by disallowing him to actively contribute and once more putting Nelson under stasis. Later, Terri Magus heals Nelson when she places the Helm onto him under the instruction of Nabu, the man now regaining control of his body. He later confronts Arion and helps Ted Kord and Jaime Reyes (Blue Beetle) defeat the sorcerer before trapping him within a coffin of imprison him within what is known as an "absolution crystal" for ten thousands years.[52]
Dark Nights: Metal
[edit]During the Dark Nights: Metal event, Doctor Fate assists the Justice League in defeating the Dark Nights. He forms a search team with Wonder Woman and Hawkgirl to find Nth Metal in the Rock of Eternity, where he is supposedly killed by Black Adam.[53]
Justice League Dark (2017)
[edit]Kent would make an appearance in the Justice League Dark's "The Last Age of Magic" storyline, revealing to have to have since taken in Khalid as his apprentice to teach him the ways of magic in preparation of officially becoming a fully-trained Doctor Fate. After the events of Dark Nights: Metal and Justice League: No Justice storyline, Kent's body was subsequently possessed by Nabu when he and Khalid decline to help him rid of magic by unleashing the Otherkind, a magical species that devour magic, having come to believe magic to be the source of the universe's problems. He would also turn Khalid into a vase and trap him within the Tower of Fate.[26] When the newly established iteration of the Justice League Dark visit Kent and the Tower of Fate to ask Nabu information about the Otherkind, they learn that Nelson's body has been hijacked by Nabu and his young protege was since trapped for opposing his plan to rid the universe of magic. While in Kent's body, Nabu begins targeting locations of mystic significance and destroying them before meeting both John Constantine and Swamp Thing. The two attempt to thwart Nabu by calling upon their most powerful spells and abilities to attract the attention of more powerful beings to get them to intervene. Their attempts to fight Nabu attracts the attention of the Phantom Stranger, the ensuring conflict causing Nabu to seal away both Constantine and the Phantom Stranger inside the Helmet of Fate alongside the trapped soul of Kent Nelson.[26]
In the "Lords of Order" storyline, the events that depict how Nelson came to be under Nabu's control once more; with the previous storyline having been stated to take place weeks before;[26] after the emergence of the Tree of Wonder and the Otherkind, Nabu and Kent fiercely debate about how to react to this new revelation, where Nabu states his intentions of wanting to rid the universe of magic. Opposing his plan, he attempts to curb further discussion of it in front of Khalid. Later that night, Nabu controls Kent's body while he slept to force him to put the helm on and subjugate him totally. When Nabu later meets his Lords of Order brethren to further discuss their plan and Khalid is discovered, Kent uses all his willpower to prevent Nabu from using his body to cast a spell capable of killing his grandnephew. Unable to deal a killing blow, he instead turns Khalid into a vase to remove him.[50] In the present time, directly after the Last Age of Magic storyline, Nabu and a band of the Lords of Order (having taken the bodies of various magic users as hosts) begin destroying various worlds connected to magic within the Sphere of Gods and eventually set their sights on Myrra, the dimension protected by the Blue Devil and the Nightmaster, in which said title has since fallen to Detective Chimp. As Nabu and the Lords begin destroying Myrra, survivors begin retreating even as they are pursued. Wiping out Myrra, the Lords also arrive at Kor and bargains with members of the Justice League Dark and other prominent magicians to erase their minds and power of magic in return for their lives. As the Lords continue their plans, they are interrupted by Wonder Woman and Zatanna, whom were granted chaos magic and became the new Lords of Chaos alongside others. With Zatanna empowering a weakened Jason Blood with the Demon Three, they free Kent Nelson and those trapped in the helm. Nelson then helps seal Nabu away into the helm but changes the criteria for his hosts, requiring a willing bearer to become Doctor Fate.[50] In the aftermath, Wonder Woman asks Kent Nelson to once more don the helm and act as a member of Justice League Dark. Having grown tired of the role and in light of Nabu's recent attack on the community, he declines and recommends Khalid instead, who declines on account of wanting to undergo further study and training before adopting the role. Instead, Nelson and Khalid agree to join the Justice League Dark as advisors.[50]
The Witching Hour
[edit]Now a member of Justice League Dark, Nelson and team come into conflict with the Injustice League Dark, the super-villain counterpart of their team led by Circe, having gathered the power of Hecate for herself, and enlisted other well known super-villains' of magical origin: Klarion the Witch Boy, Papa Midnite, Floronic Man, and Solomon Grundy. As Circe begins converting magical power sources to herself and rewriting the "rules of magic" and reality itself, the team struggles to battle Circe within her newfound power and allies, losing Swamp Thing in the process. As Circe's plan comes to fruition of hijackings Wonder Woman's body and enlisting Eclipso alongside her cause and Kent is vulnerable to her power. In a desperate act to save the team from Circe and Eclipso, Khalid reasons with Nabu and dons the helmet once more and turns the tide of the battle while the Lord of Order ceded his power to Kent's successor, allowing Wonder Woman the opportunity to barter Circe to be imprisoned in her own world with the power of Hecate residing within Wonder Woman.[27]
Dark Nights: Death Metal
[edit]In the pages of Dark Nights: Death Metal, the event taking place between the Witching War and A Costly Trick of Magic storyline, Nelson's version of Doctor Fate was with Green Lantern, Flash, and Wildcat when they were shown to be guarding the Valhalla Cemetery.[54] Later in the story, Nelson appears to fight the a magical version of Batman from the Dark Multiverse known as "Bat-Mage"
Justice League Dark: A Costly Trick of Magic
[edit]In the final storyline of the Justice League Dark title, Khalid, as the current Doctor Fate, leads the team alongside Kent Nelson to restore order among the elemental forces of the DC Universe. Together, they convene the "Parliament of Life" ritual, aiming to balance the elemental forces known as The Green, The Red, The Grey, and The Divided. After the successful completion of the ritual, Kent decides to retire from the team. He expresses his desire to embrace a normal life, free from the responsibilities and powers associated with Doctor Fate. Kent shares this sentiment with Khalid, offering his support and reasoning before bidding farewell and departing. Later, when Khalid and the Justice League Dark confront the malevolent leader of the Otherkind, the Upside-Down Man, both Kent and the ancient spirit entity Nabu make an appearance as Khalid faces overwhelming odds. Khalid nearly collapses, and Kent steps in to take his place in the battle. Together with Nabu, Kent begins casting a spell capable of damaging the Upside-Down Man, but it comes at the cost of the user's life force. While Khalid is unconscious, Kent unleashes the powerful blast, sacrificing himself in the process. Although the Upside-Down Man survives the attack, he is weakened enough for Zatanna to devise a strategy to ultimately defeat him.[28]
Posthumously appearances
[edit]Following the storylines of "Justice League Dark: A Costly Trick of Magic" and "Dark Nights: Death Metal," subsequent appearances of Doctor Fate occur chronologically prior to the character's depicted death in the final Justice League Dark storyline. These appearances serve to provide explanations for various events in the character's previous history. In the limited series "Doomsday Clock," Lois Lane receives a flash drive containing newsreel footage of the Justice Society, featuring Doctor Fate.[55] Later in the series, Doctor Fate is shown alongside the Justice Society as Doctor Manhattan reverses the experiment that had erased the Justice Society and the Legion of Super-Heroes from existence.[56]
The New Golden Age (2022)
[edit]In the first storyline of the Justice Society of America 2022 series, a younger iteration of Nelson is depicted during the formation of the team in the 1940s. Due to alterations to the timeline, Nelson experiences visions of lost children and a mysterious stranger connected to the events and meets the Huntress as he tried to ascertain the threat.[57] Throughout his lifetime, he would remember having a sidekick named Salem and is becomes aware of a plot of killing the Justice Society of America across time, including Catwoman's future daughter, Helena Wayne, who is the Huntress in a future. A one point in time, he attempted to warn Catwoman of this grim future during one of her heists, although she rebuffs the idea of having a family.[57] A past version of Nelson later is brought back to the present time by Khalid Nassour, who enlists him and another Doctor Fate from a farther future to help seal away Per Degaton, the villain responsible for killing the JSA across timelines.[57]
Jay Garrick: The Flash , Wesley Dodds: The Sandman, and Alan Scott: Green Lantern
[edit]During his career as a sorcerer hero and member of the Justice Society of America, he was present when Wesley Dodds was recruited into the JSA as Sandman.[58] In 1941, Nelson was among the group when entering an abandoned base in Wutach Gorge and fighting some robots and Ro-Bear. Doctor Fate used a spell to contact Flash into coming to their aid.[59] Doctor Fate and the JSA continue their search through the abandoned base. He and Green Lantern find that the people in the pods are dead. The JSA have their encounter with Doctor Elemental. With help from a time-traveling Boom, they repel Doctor Elemental who gets away by setting the base to self-destruct.[60] Doctor Fate and other members also came to aid of Green Lantern and Red Lantern when the city is attacked by the Crimson Host.[61] Doctor Fate and the JSA fight the Crimson Host until Green Lantern forms a green dome construct around him and the Crimson Host.[62]
In the "Knight Terrors" story arc, it is implied that in the past, Doctor Fate knew about the Nightmare Stone before anyone else of the Justice Society did. This is based on a conversation between Deadman, and a recently resurrected zombified Wesley Dodds.[63]
Characterization
[edit]The original version of Doctor Fate, Nelson is considered one of DC Comic's most powerful heroes whose reoccurring conflict involves both the overwhelming responsibilities associated with being an agent for the Lords of Order, it's profound effect on his interpersonal relationships (notably with his love interest, Inza Cramer), and Nabu's gradual possession of him, robbing him of personal agency in their efforts to combat against the forces of evil.[64] Nelson is also sometime depicted as being disillusioned with the role overtime, preferring to instead guide his successors and is more supportive of them within it (i.e Inza and Khalid).[57][49] Nelson's version of Doctor Fate is also regarded as the most powerful incarnation of the character.[65][66][67]
Kent Nelson
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e9/Kent_Nelson_Unmasked_001.jpg)
Doctor Fate's secret identity is Kent Nelson, who has been portrayed as both a archaeologist and physician[9], the former being more prevalent in most depictions of the character. While having been born during the early 1900s, the magical adventures of the characters has marked a complicated chronological history of the character within the universe. Regarded as a brilliant archaeologist whom has a doctorates degree, some have noted how Kent (and Inza) retain a youthful appearance despite their true ages being much older while unaware of Nelson's dual life as a sorcerer.[1]
Due to the character's comic book deaths and rebirths, Kent once attempted to reconsolidate his history with the government by posing as his own grandson inheriting a similar interest in archaeology and sought to be a university professor although this left him without his credentials. While eventually becoming a teaching assistant, Inza's tenure as Doctor Fate marked her as being outed by a magical villain and later coming to conflict with the United States government, thus causing controversy as educators realized Kent being the original Doctor Fate and having lied about his own origins. Subsequent portrayals from the New 52 beyond expressed Nelson to be exclusively a archaeologist[6] who eventually retired at some point.[49]
Personality and themes
[edit]Kent Nelson's portrayal is marked by his complex and antagonistic relationship with Nabu, which sometimes differ in media adaptations. Within the comics, Nabu's relation with Kent is marked by his frequent scheming of overriding Nelson's will with his own, which is depicted as being gradual throughout his life. This manipulation impairs his relationship with Inza, who desires a more socially actively life not afforded by being confined to the Tower of Fate as his assistant.[1] This capacity of manipulation is revealed to be intentional on Nabu, as the pair could fuse into a singular entity that could not be controlled by Nabu and thus, he suppressed Inza's role. This fact was only realized by Kent nearing the end of his first lifetime in which was later embodied by Eric and Linda Strauss's approach to Doctor Fate.[68] Alternatively, this manipulation is portrayed instead a result of a cold and indifferent mentorship of Nabu, whom seeks to make him a suitable vessel mentally and physically to the point he visually bears similarities to Nabu's human-like forms in the past. Consequently, Kent believes these manipulations unfortunately made him more akin to his mentor than he would prefer.[50]
In context of Doctor Fate as a legacy hero, the character is depicted as having several reoccurring views and characterization of the role, such as belief of Doctor Fate's powers best suited for more grander and cosmic problems. In his role as a mentor or guide to incarnations of other Doctor Fate, this viewpoint is sometimes juxtaposed with the successor's contrasting viewpoint in question.[69] The character is often disillusioned with the role of Doctor Fate overtime, with varying explanations ranging from Nabu's manipulations making it impossible to suddenly dissociate the role or the role being deemed too important in the grander scheme of things. At times, Kent has been depicted as attempting to reassert his own agency in the role to little success or relinquishing the role to another, even resorting to outright trickery.[47] In more benevolent examples, he is instead more forthcoming and supportive of the concept of heroes inheriting legacies of their predecessors.[57]
Familial and personal connections
[edit]Nelson's family relations play an important role in the character's background. Being both of Swedish and American origin, Kent's father, Sven, was a Swedish archaeologist dealing with professional difficulties due to his origins whose expeditions and ultimate fate left a impact on Kent.[70] The second Doctor Fate comic title revealed more of his maternal lineage. Celestine Babscock was a spiritual medium and native of Salem whose older brother, Aaron, imprinted his spiritual powers upon her to subconsciously avoid further disapproval of their father. It is expressed Celestine died after birthing Kent[71], which eventually making it more culpable for Nabu to manipulate the boy with the death of his father. Kent's character would also be implied to have siblings, one which resulted in his grand nephew Kent V. Nelson, named after Kent himself and coincidentally became a later successor to the Doctor Fate legacy.[72] However, the character's connection is later depicted to be questionable, with his true relation to the original Kent uncertain.[73]
Within the New 52 onward, it is established Kent has another unnamed younger brother who became a Methodist preacher and fathered Elizabeth, whose impact on her life inspired her to pursue a career in archaeology[69]. She would later Mohammed Nassour, a Egyptian and Muslim physician, and the pair would birth his great nephew, Khalid Nassour. Khalid's relationship with Kent was minimal during their childhood but as an adult, the pair are surprised to learn of their shared identities as Doctor Fate. At times, the pair work concurrently as Kent mentors Khalid into the role, with Kent believing the pair to be similar in many ways but differences still occur, such as Khalid's inclination to use his powers locally versus Kent believing such powers is best used for grander problems[69], a position he's also adopted previously with Inza Cramer in the role. The pair foster a deep connection with one another, cumulating with a disillusioned Kent to rather having Khalid take the role of Doctor Fate[28], giving the role a fresh accommodation.[74] Kent later sacrifices his life in place of Khalid during a decisive battle with a powerful foe, a act Detective Chimp claimed was possible because of his faith in Khalid's abilities.[75]
Powers, abilities, and resources
[edit]Granted various mystic enhancements by Nabu, Kent possess heightened invulnerability, an extended lifespan, and peak human mental and physical capabilities. He also possess Nabu's vast arcane knowledge and expertise.[65][50] While lacking in true magical abilities on his in earlier iterations, more recent stories granted Kent magical abilities on his lonesome and can draw power from the helm without it on his persons.[49] The character is also a skilled renowned for his brilliance in the archaeology, holding a doctorate degree.[76] Early iterations of the character also depicted him as a practitioner of jujutsu and a medical doctor with a medical degree.[77][78][79]
Mystical artifacts and resources
[edit]As Doctor Fate, Nelson is classified as a "sorcerer", employing magical artifacts to access a wide array of magical abilities and provide protection against the inherent risks associated with magic.[80] Together with various artifacts at his disposal, flight, teleportation, precognition, illusion casting, and spell-casting abilities widely regarded as being nearly unrivaled.[81][82][80] Chief among those artifacts, he often dons the Helmet of Fate, a potent artifact that grants him the ability to perform virtually any known magical feat.[65] Initially, the source of this power was explained as having a scientific basis, involving the conversion of matter into energy and vice versa.[83] However, it was later established that his abilities were predominantly supernatural in nature. The helmet essentially allows Nelson to embody the essence of the Lords of Order, enabling him to wield magic through the power of imagination and merge with a female bearer into a more powerful entity.[84] This retroactively allowed him to cast spells, particularly drawing from Egyptian cultural influences.[85] The Amulet of Anubis is another notable artifact bestowing upon its wearer a diverse array of abilities. These include the power of mind control, offering protection against psychic or astral probing, and amplifying the wearer's magical capabilities,[86] necromancy,[87] and contains its own universe.[88] Nelson also dons the Cloak of Destiny, a magical cloak with mystic properties that make it fireproof.[89]
Nelson also once used a self-created half-helmet that allowed him to operate as Doctor Fate while concealing his identity and avoiding mental interference from Nabu. Later within the second Doctor Fate series, it is bestowed magical powers from the Lord of Order, Shat-Ru, but allows him to retain his own agency. Possessing similar abilities to the Helmet of Fate, his magical powers stem from its ability to channel magical energies by drawing upon the forces of the Lords of Order, similar to how witches utilize familiars in their magic. [90] He also used the Orb of Nabu, a non-magical device used to detect and locate threats. It resembles a scrying glass, allowing him to uncover hidden information and peer into other realms. The orb's crystals, sensitive to radio signals, interact with Kent's brain. Doctor Fate combines its use with his magical abilities to reveal concealed truths.[91]
Weaknesses and costs
[edit]Wearing the Helmet of Fate makes him vulnerable to possession by Nabu, the ancient being associated with Doctor Fate. While wearing the helmet, Kent struggles to recall events from his time as Doctor Fate, retaining only key moments in his memory. When separated from the helmet, his powers significantly decrease.[92] He remains vulnerable to human weaknesses such as gas attacks and the need to breathe without the assistance of the helmet's magic.[93] Nelson's incarnation is also said to be bound by the "rules of magic." This limitation prevents him from casting counter-spells to nullify another spell after it has been cast. Instead, he can only utilize his powers to shield himself from the effects of the spell once it has taken effect.[82]
Other versions
[edit]Doc Fate
[edit]An alternate version of Doctor Fate, known as Doc Fate, is shown to exist on the pulp fiction-influenced world of Earth-20.[94][95] 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.[96]
Earth-2
[edit]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.[97]
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.[98]
Flashpoint
[edit]In the alternate timeline of the Flashpoint event, Kent Nelson works as a fortune teller in Haley's Circus. Kent tells his co-worker, trapeze artist Boston Brand, of his vision of Dick Grayson's death.[99] 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.[100] 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.[101]
Collected editions
[edit]Title | Material collected | Publication date | ISBN |
---|---|---|---|
The Immortal Doctor Fate | 1st Issue Special #9, backup stories from The Flash #306-131, and DC Challenge #11 | March 29, 2016 | 978-1401258764 |
In other media
[edit]Television
[edit]- Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate appears in series set in the DC Animated Universe (DCAU):
- Doctor Fate first appears in the Superman: The Animated Series episode "The Hand of Fate", voiced by George DelHoyo.[102] After initially refusing to aid Superman against Karkull due to being disillusioned by his endless fight against evil, Fate changes his mind after seeing Superman head off to battle Karkull despite knowing he will almost certainly die and helps Superman defeat him.
- Doctor Fate makes further appearances in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, voiced by Oded Fehr.[102] As of the latter series, he has joined the Justice League.
- Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate and Inza Nelson appear in the Smallville two-part episode "Absolute Justice", portrayed by Brent Stait and Erica Carroll respectively.[103] This version of Kent is a member of the Justice Society of America who primarily operated in the 1970s. In the present, he meets with Hawkman and Stargirl after Icicle II kills fellow JSA members the Star-Spangled Kid and Sandman. After restoring Martian Manhunter's powers, Fate is killed by Icicle II, who steals the Helmet of Fate from him.
- Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate appears in Batman: The Brave and the Bold, voiced by Greg Ellis.[102] This version is a member of an aged Justice Society of America.
- Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate appears in Young Justice, voiced by Ed Asner.[104] This version is a retired member of the Justice Society of America and mentor to Zatara. After Kent is killed in a conflict between the Team and Klarion the Witch Boy, the Helmet of Fate is stored within Mt. Justice. Over the course of the series, the helmet is temporarily taken up by Wally West in "Denial" and Aqualad in "Revelation". In both instances, Kent's spirit, choosing to reside in the helmet a while longer, convinces Nabu to release the host. However, in "Misplaced", after Zatanna dons the helmet to stop Klarion, Nabu refuses to release her due to the belief that the world needs Fate to protect the world against chaos until Zatara offers to become Nabu's host in her place.[105] This version is also seemingly more involved in Khalid's life compared to his comic book counterpart, with Khalid looking to him as inspiration.[106]
- Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate appears in Justice League Action,[107] voiced by Erica Luttrell as a child.[108]
- Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate appears in Stargirl as a member of the Justice Society of America who was killed by the Injustice Society.
Film
[edit]- Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate appears in the opening credits of Justice League: The New Frontier as a member of the Justice Society of America.
- An alternate reality variant of Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate appears in Justice Society: World War II, voiced by Keith Ferguson.[citation needed] This version is a codebreaker from Earth-2.
- Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate appears in Black Adam, portrayed by Pierce Brosnan.[109] This version is a member of the Justice Society and close friend and confidante to Hawkman.
- Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate appears in Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Two, voiced again by Keith Ferguson.[110]
Video games
[edit]- Doctor Fate appears as an NPC, later a playable DLC character, in DC Universe Online.[citation needed]
- Doctor Fate appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.[111]
- Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate appears as a playable character in Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham.[citation needed]
- Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate appears as a playable character in Injustice 2, voiced by David Sobolov.[112] In the story mode, Fate confronts the Green Arrow and Black Canary, but they remove the Helmet of Fate, allowing Nelson to regain control and warn them of an incoming threat to Earth. However, the Lords of Order force him to put the helmet back on and confront Superman and Batman on Brainiac's ship to ensure Brainiac's attack succeeds as it will restore order to the planet. After Superman and Batman defeat Fate, the former destroys the helmet, severing Kent's connection to the Lords of Order. He attempts to warn them to end their feud, but Brainiac kills him.
- Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate appears as a playable character in Lego DC Super-Villains.[citation needed]
- Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate appears as a playable hero in DC Legends.
- Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate appears as a NPC character in DC Heroes & Villains.
- Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate will appear as a playable hero in the upcoming game DC: Dark Legends.
References
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- ^ Fox, Garnder (1940). More Fun Comics #57. DC Comics.
- ^ Peyer, Tom; Messner-Loebs, William. Doctor Fate (1988) #36. DC Comics.
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- ^ a b c "Dr. Fate Voices (DC Universe)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved February 21, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its opening and/or closing credits and/or other reliable sources of information.
- ^ Eric Goldman (2009-10-19). "Exclusive: Two of Smallville's Justice Society". IGN. Retrieved 2011-01-16.
- ^ Tom Pugsley (writer) and Michael Chang (director) (February 18, 2011). "Denial". Young Justice. Season 1. Episode 7. Cartoon Network.
- ^ "SDCC 10: Young Justice is Assembled". IGN. 2010-07-25. Retrieved 2013-10-18.
- ^ Greg Weisman (writer) & Christopher Berkeley (director). "Kaerb Ym Traeh!". Young Justice. Season 4. Episode 13. (December 30, 2021)
- ^ Couto, Anthony (6 June 2016). "Characters Confirmed for Upcoming "Justice League Action" Animated Series". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
- ^ "Dr. Fate (Kid) Voice - Justice League Action (TV Show)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved February 21, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its opening and/or closing credits and/or other reliable sources of information.
- ^ Kit, Borys (24 March 2021). "'Black Adam': Pierce Brosnan to Play DC Hero Dr. Fate Opposite Dwayne Johnson (Exclusive)". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
- ^ Harvey, James (February 21, 2024). ""Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths, Part Two" Arrives April 23, 2024". The World's Finest. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
- ^ Eisen, Andrew (October 2, 2013). "DC Characters and Objects - Scribblenauts Unmasked Guide". IGN. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
- ^ Butterworth, Scott (2017-03-02). "Injustice 2's Next Character Is A Deep Cut From DC's Golden Age". GameSpot. Retrieved 2017-03-02.
External links
[edit]- Doctor Fate (Kent Nelson) at the Comic Book DB (archived from the original)
- Grand Comics Database: Doctor Fate entries
- Showcase #55: The Glory of Murphy Anderson