The recent Black Adam movie features the debut of DC’s premiere magic user, Doctor Fate, and gives the MCU's Doctor Strange competition as the most powerful spell caster on the big screen. In the comics, several characters have worn the golden dome of Fate, but what would happen if Doctor Strange actually did battle with Doctor Fate?

The two characters have many similarities when it comes to powers, allies, and origins. However, they also have fundamental differences that make one much more effective as a super-powered wizard. Being so similar on the surface, it's easy for the debate over which one is better to come down to publisher loyalty. But ultimately, the question of who is the better magic user doesn't lie in either of their powers or super-powered friends, but in their actions and character.

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Doctor Fate and Doctor Strange Were Empowered by Greater Beings

Doctor Fate made his debut in More Fun Comics #55 in 1940 (by Gardner Fox and Howard Sherman), when explorer Kent Nelson discovered the tomb or Nabu, the Lord of Order, and is granted the god's powers and mantle. Twenty-three years later in 1963, Doctor Strange debuted in Strange Tales #110 (by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko). When surgeon Stephen Strange's hands are injured in a car accident, he pursues and studies under the powerful magical entity, the Ancient One, eventually becoming the Sorcerer Supreme. Similar to Doctor Fate, Strange relies on magical items as he acquires the Eye of Agamotto and the Cloak of Levitation. However, in stark contrast to Fate, Strange has to work for and earn his title and powers.

Both Doctors were in some way empowered by a greater being, but Strange is a constant student of the mystical arts, still constantly learning and improving upon his skills. Fate, on the other hand, is a vessel for Nabu, a powerful Lord of Order who possesses virtually unlimited power. Although Strange has a fair share of innate ability, he also relies upon mystical artifacts and relics such as the Wand of Watoomb, the white magic Book of Vishanti, and its evil counterpart, the Darkhold to not only boster his powers but unlock new potential. This makes him somewhat more versatile in regards to the different types of magic he can potentially wield.

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Doctor Fate and Doctor Strange Have Powerful Allies and Villains

As part of the Golden Age of comics, Doctor Fate was a founding member of the Justice Society of America, putting him at the center of the DC Universe. Working with others and being responsible for them has created a strong moral compass that serves as a foundation for Fate's actions and powers. The best example of this was when Fate saved Green Lantern Hal Jordan's life in the Brave and the Bold #30 (by J. Michael Straczynski and Jesus Saiz). This altruistic gesture ultimately led to the death of Kent Nelson and his wife.

Strange is also no stranger to teamwork as he is a member of both the Avengers and Marvel's Illuminati, which he helped form. Strange was instrumental in Marvel events like the Incursion and World War Hulk, both of which ultimately ended in mass destruction and loss of life. Doctor Strange has no problem making morally questionable decisions as long as it serves the greater good, something Doctor Fate would never do. Although their powers are very similar in scope, it is the use of those powers that defines them. Both are heroes within their respective universes, but Doctor Fate exhibits a much stronger moral compass and level of humanity that makes him a far more powerful wielder of magic, and the most supreme sorcerer in comics.