Doctor Fate (Kent Nelson)

Kent Nelson
Doctor Fate
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
Publisher	DC Comics
First appearance	More Fun Comics #55 (May 10th 1940)
Created by	Gardner Fox; Howard Sherman;
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; Ageless Archmage; 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.;

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.

^ ^a ^b Pasko, Martin; Giffen, Keith; Simonson, Walt (1985). The Immortal Doctor Fate #1-#3. DC Comics.
^ 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)
^ McLauchlin, Jim (2006-12-03). "A Twist of Fate". Wizard. Archived from the original on 2007-12-12. Retrieved 2007-02-11.
^ McLauchlin, Jim (2006-12-03). "A Twist of Fate". Wizard. Archived from the original on 2007-12-12. Retrieved 2007-02-11.
^ Levitz, Paul (1978). DC Special Series #10. DC Comics.
^ 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)

[:4-1] 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)

[:022-3] McLauchlin, Jim (2006-12-03). "A Twist of Fate". Wizard. Archived from the original on 2007-12-12. Retrieved 2007-02-11.

[:023-4] McLauchlin, Jim (2006-12-03). "A Twist of Fate". Wizard. Archived from the original on 2007-12-12. Retrieved 2007-02-11.

[:0-5] Levitz, Paul (1978). DC Special Series #10. DC Comics.

[:02-6] 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)

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]