10 Best DC Comics Starring Doctor Fate

Doctor Fate is one of the oldest characters in DC Comics, first debuting in More Fun Comics #55 in 1940 with Kent Nelson wielding the mantle. Since then, eight heroes have donned the golden helmet and taken up the title of Doctor Fate. Whether it’s Hector Hall or Inza Cramer, each Doctor Fate brings their unique flair to the long legacy of the character.

Using the many powerful abilities granted by the Helmet of Fate, every iteration of Doctor Fate is a formidable hero and one of the strongest magic users in the DC Universe. The current Doctor Fate, Khalid Nassour, will be on the JSA roster in November 2024 as part of DC’s All-In Initiative, making now a perfect time to catch up on Doctor Fate’s most important stories.

10 The Immortal Doctor Fate Reprinted Classic Stories

The Flash Vol. 1 #306-313

Doctor Fate was rarely given the spotlight in his early history. Despite gaining decent recognition with readers over the years, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the mystic master was finally given a chance. He began appearing in the backup stories for The Flash’s ongoing series as part of an effort to breathe new life into the character. After spending years almost exclusively in team-up stories without significant character development, Kent Nelson was able to shine on his merit in these short but sweet tales of sorcery.

The effort proved successful, as these adventures were reprinted as part of The Immortal Doctor Fate miniseries in 1985. After playing a small but important role in the iconic Crisis on Infinite Earths, he got his own solo book in 1987, which brought even more fans to Doctor Fate and led to the astonishing lore today.

The Helmet of Fate Miniseries

The Helmet of Fate is a story that happened across five one-shot comics, each centering on obscure occultists throughout the DC Universe. Nabu’s Helmet went on a lengthy journey and ventured deep into the supernatural world to find its new champion. From Black Alice to Detective Chimp, no stone was left unturned.

This set of stories took a unique approach, as every issue was given its own special touch with a different writer and artist for each one. Despite its extensive efforts, the helmet was ultimately unable to find a new host by the end of this series as was originally planned for the book. Instead, this was picked up in Countdown to Mystery, where Kent V. Nelson would be tasked with the responsibilities of Doctor Fate.

8 Inza Cramer Became The New Doctor Fate

Doctor Fate Vol. 2 #25-41

Following J.M. DeMatteis’ initial run on Doctor Fate, the series was given a soft reboot with Inza Cramer becoming the titular hero. Inza was the girlfriend and eventual wife of Kent Nelson, who had already become well-acquainted with the mystical threats to the universe and the dangerous duties of Doctor Fate.

Unlike Kent’s take, she used her newfound abilities to further help on the street level by preventing corruption and fighting inequality on the streets of New York. She would take more proactive measures to prevent problems instead of the usual reactive approach her spouse used. Eventually, Kent Nelson would regain the powers of Doctor Fate, and the two carried on using the mantle until the “Zero Hour” crossover event, which completely shook up the DC Universe.

7 The Spectre Went Rogue and Fought Doctor Fate

Day of Vengeance

As part of the lead-up to “Infinite Crisis,” this limited series saw a rampaging Spectre attack all magic as he became convinced it was a source of evil in the universe. Without a host, the villainous Eclipso was able to manipulate him and create this entire plot. After he killed hundreds of sorcerers, the magic world knew they had to make a final stand and formed the Shadowpact.

Although short-lived, Doctor Fate played one of the most crucial roles in the series, which had a lasting effect on the character. When his fellow Lords of Orders were targeted, he had to face The Spectre in a battle for the ages. Nabu would also fight The Spectre in Day of Vengeance: Infinite Crisis Special a short time later.

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6 Eric Strauss Replaced Kent Nelson as Doctor Fate

Doctor Fate Vol. 1

In the aftermath of Crisis on Infinite Earths, DC faced the monumental task of sorting out this new continuity. With a successful stint in the Justice League and reprinted stories selling well, interest in Doctor Fate was at an all-time high. This led to the character’s first solo series and a new origin for someone else to take the mantle.

Enter Eric Strauss, a 10-year-old kid minding his business when Nabu selected him off the playground as his new host to continue his fight against the Lords of Chaos. It turned out that Kent Nelson could no longer control his powers and had become completely burnt out from his time as Doctor Fate. Through unexplained mystical means, Eric was transformed into the body of a 20-year-old and was then ready to take on any challenge that came his way.

5 Hector Hall Embraced His Role as Doctor Fate

Doctor Fate Vol. 3

After making his debut in JSA, this limited series further explored Hector Hall as he had to face the challenges of being Doctor Fate, including those set by the helmet inhabitant Nabu. Tasking that with his complex life and family set an interesting stage for this character.

Before becoming Doctor Fate, Hector Hall went through multiple lives just like his parents and took the role of protector in many of those past lives. Whether as Silver Scarab, Sandman, or Doctor Fate, Hector Hall proved himself a hero in every life. As the perfect balance of order and chaos, he was the ideal candidate for Nabu. Hector’s extreme willpower and mental strength helped him fight off Nabu’s influence, and he remained mostly in control for his tenure as Doctor Fate.

4 Kent V. Nelson Quickly Adapted to the Powers of Doctor Fate

Countdown to Mystery

Steve Gerber sought to revitalize the character with a brand-new depiction of Doctor Fate. This story strays away from the usual Egyptian mythology and The Lords of Order and Chaos due to them being killed off in Infinite Crisis. It shows a new Doctor Fate mastering his powersto defeat the Devourer of Souls.

​​​​​​Kent V. Nelson is the grandnephew of the original Kent Nelson, whom he was named after. Unfortunately, he was often down and out of luck and faced many hardships. Thankfully, he was given the chance to wear the Helmet of Fate and became a superhero, going on to join the JSA. However, when Flashpoint occurred and the New 52 came along, he was wiped from existence and replaced with Khalid Nassour. Eventually, he was brought back in the “New Golden Age” crossover event.

3 Doctor Fate Teamed Up with Justice League Dark

Justice League Dark Vol. 2

Khalid Nassour worked with his mentor Kent Nelson throughout this series, along with the rest of Justice League Dark. They fought to take on the world’s many magic-based and supernatural threats. James Tynion IV used these stories to bring a refreshing lean into the darker and horror-filled parts of the DC Universe.

​​​​​​By the end of this series, Khalid becomes the team leader and restores order to the complex magical forces that exist throughout the world. Doctor Fate’s stories are typically limited when put into teams with other popular heroes. In this case, it worked perfectly, as Justice League Dark is a team that explores the situations in which the mighty sorcerer specializes. After the death of Kent Nelson, Khalid Nassour took all he learned and was prepared to face anything as the sole Doctor Fate.

2 Khalid Nassour Fulfilled His Destiny as Doctor Fate

Doctor Fate Vol. 4

Khalid Nassour brought a huge new step to Doctor Fate with an easy story for fans to hop into. In this series, Kent Nelson worked as a mentor figure to help Khalid adapt to his new life, and it’s later revealed that Kent is his great-uncle. Even Nabu experienced character growth as he toned back his more unethical ways and became a much more tolerable part of the story.

This incarnation cemented ties to the Egyptian aspects of Doctor Fate, with Khalid’s heritage and a playback into ancient mythology. This series hooked readers instantly with relatable storytelling and beautiful visuals on every page. In addition, Khalid Nassour is the first Muslim character in DC Comics to headline a solo series. He has since played vital roles in several other titles and been part of multiple team-ups.

1 Doctor Fate Guided a Young Generation of Heroes

JSA Vol. 1 #1-59

The revival of the Justice Society of America reworked Doctor Fate with the Hector Hall version guiding the team. Hector Hall has to deal with the weight of multiple legacies as he is also the son of the Golden Age heroes Hawkman and Hawkwoman.

​​​​​​Hector Hall quickly became a fan favorite and led this story as the de facto main character throughout this run. Navigating his worthiness of the mantle and preparing a young generation for their battles, this run is filled with drama, action, and fun. Kent Nelson was one of the founders of the first JSA team, making this a perfect mirror of the old and new Doctor Fates as each incarnation gravitates toward the team.