Comic books are fraught with mystical threats, and to combat these dark forces there are almost always heroes who fight with magic more than might. There are always going to be those who stand tall above the rest, that command a level of respect by their title alone. For Marvel, this is the Sorcerer Supreme, a mantle which is most often associated with Stephen Strange, but which has been passed along from time to time.

In the DC Universe, the title of Doctor Fate embodies the righteous side of the mystic arts, but that title has moved around a lot over the years. So much, in fact, that it's about time for a refresher on those who have worn the helm of Doctor Fate, at least those most well associated with it.

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Original Doctor Fate Kent Nelson

The original Doctor Fate, Kent Nelson traveled with his father on archaeological expeditions. On one of these adventures, the two unearthed the ancient alien Nabu from an underground pyramid. A trap killed Kent's father, Sven, and so Nabu took the boy in as an apprentice of sorts, teaching him the secrets of the universe. Eventually, Nabu would gift Kent with a mystical amulet, cloak, and helmet, through which he would become Doctor Fate.

Eric and Linda Strauss Combined to Become Doctor Fate

When Kent Nelson needed a successor to take his place as Doctor Fate, he found ten-year-old Eric Strauss. Once Eric understood that he was the next in line to act as the host for Nabu's power and agreed to take on the role, Nabu aged the boy to adulthood through magic and began his training as Doctor Fate. When the powers proved too great for a single host, Eric merged with his stepmother, Linda Strauss. The two acted as one until Eric suffered from a terrible illness, leaving Linda to act as Doctor Fate on her own.

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Doctor Fate's Wife, Inza Cramer-Nelson

Inza's connection to the planet made her of particular interest to Kent Nelson, as well as his nemesis Wotan, who attempted to murder her as a way of tormenting Doctor Fate. Of course, Inza would be rescued, and she soon found herself as Kent's regular partner. Shortly after Kent revealed his identity, the two were married. When Kent passed away from rapidly aging, so did Inza. Eventually, they would both be resurrected, and Inza would take on the role of Doctor Fate before the two could share the power much as Eric and Linda had.

Jared Stevens' Fate

Jared Stevens, an art smuggler, had been hired by an enigmatic client to steal several artifacts. Everything was going according to plan until his couriers turned on him, and Jared had to make a daring escape from gunfire and explosions. Kent and Inza Nelson, who had lost the artifacts during the events of "Zero Hour" attempted to bond with them once more but were killed by a demonic assault. Stevens would survive the encounter and go on to fashion new weapons from the old artifacts. Thus, Jared Stevens took on his new role, dropping the "Doctor" to be known simply as Fate.

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Hawkman's Son Hector Hall Became Doctor Fate

Carter and Shiera Hall, the Golden Age incarnations of Hawkman and Hawkgirl, though suffering from an ancient curse, were able to have a life and family together. Unfortunately, their son, Hector, was born without a soul so that he could act as the host to the Silver Scarab, an avatar of vengeance. When the Silver Scarab came for him, Hector was killed in a battle with Infinity, Inc. while under the Scarab's control. Like his parents, though, Hector was trapped in a cycle of reincarnation, one that would eventually lead to him becoming the new Doctor Fate.

Doctor Fate's Descendant, Kent V. Nelson

When Hector Hall died and Nabu was killed by the Spectre, there was no obvious choice to take up the mantle of Doctor Fate. So, Captain Marvel left it up to fate itself and threw the Helmet of Fate into space just to see where it would land. After passing through several hands, the helm would find itself in the possession of Doctor Kent V. Nelson, the grand-nephew of the original Doctor Fate and a psychiatrist with a thriving practice. A downward spiral would bring Kent V. Nelson to the brink, and the Helmet of Fate would find him and walk him back across the threshold.

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DC's New 52 Doctor Fate, Khalid Ben-Hassin

After the introduction of DC's New 52, the story of Doctor Fate was given a new spin. On Earth-2, Khalid Ben-Hassin was hired to find the tomb of Nabu along with Kendra Munoz-Saunders, who herself would become Hawkgirl during their trek. Khalid would indeed find the Helmet of Fate and became Doctor Fate in the process. His near-constant mental link with Nabu and the mental toll of wearing the helmet caused Khalid serious psychological anguish, leaving him with random bouts of insanity when he isn't wearing it.

The Latest Doctor Fate, Khalid Nassour

An Egyptian-America med student, Khalid went to the Brooklyn Museum in search of a gift and stumbled across the Helmet of Fate. Initially, Khalid believes that he is under the influence of drugs when he first puts on the helmet, but soon finds himself sucked into a world of magic beyond anything he could have ever imagined. Along his journey he would meet and be mentored in the mystic arts by his great uncle, the first Kent Nelson.