Doctor Fate, aka Kent Nelson, is an integral character within the DC Universe. Doctor Fate's long history dates back to the golden age, and his first appearance was in the 1940s More Fun Comics #55 by Jerry Seigel and Bernard Baily.
Doctor Fate isn't the first hero to spring to mind when compared to more popular characters such as SHAZAM!, John Constantine, and Swamp Thing. However, Doctor Fate has remained a supporting member of a vast pantheon of DC Comics heroes for well over 82 years. With James Bond alumni Pierce Bronson poised to don the Helmet of Fate in the Warner Bros. film, Black Adam, now is the perfect time to dive into little-known facts about Dr. Fate.
10 His Profession As A Medical Doctor Preceded His Career As An Archeologist
Kent Nelson's mantle of Doctor Fate was bestowed upon him in his pre-teen years. However, he later went on to pursue a career in medicine. Kent was an accomplished Physician who ran a private practice with his long-time wife Inza, who was also a nurse.
After retirement, Kent continued to expand his civilian career achievements by becoming an archeologist. Although other characters have assumed the mantle of Doctor Fate, the only one who was also a medical practitioner was Khalid Nassour.
9 Doctor Fate's Wife Plays A Pivotal Role In His Stories
Inza Cramer Nelson is the long-time love interest turned wife of Kent Nelson, who's the first person to carry the mantle of Doctor Fate. Inza transcended her role as 'wife' in the comics by becoming a magic wielder herself.
On one occasion, Inza and Kent Nelson had to mystically fuse themselves together to become Doctor Fate. Inza has also taken on the role of Doctor Fate herself, donning the Helmet of Nabu and transforming into a powerful being. Whether separate or together, the marriage of Inza and Kent is anything but a typical romance story.
8 Doctor Fate Is A Vessel For Nabu The Wise
Kent Nelson discovered Nabu The Wise was immortal as a boy. When he awoke the Mesopotamian demigod from a deep sleep, the awakening accidentally killed Kent's father, forcing Nabu to take him under his wing until adulthood.
Under Nabu's tutelage, Kent was fortified as a warrior and essentially became his avatar via spiritual procession. Nabu has the ability to fully retain control of a person while they wear his helmet, although Kent and others are sometimes able to suppress him.
7 Fate Is A Member Of The Lords Of Order
Along with the mantle of Doctor Fate comes the title and duty of being a member of The Lords of Order. As Doctor Fate's benefactor and power source, Nabu offers his abilities to the group to maintain cosmic balance across the universe.
Not much is known about the order; however, it's theorized they function much like watchers, helping to keep the overall workings of the galaxy peaceful. The Lords of Chaos' purpose is to throw the universe into disarray, which makes them natural enemies of Doctor Fate's Lords of Order.
6 Fate Became Edgier In The '90s
An elderly Kent Nelson hired smuggler Jared Stevens to recover missing Nabu artifacts. However, things went awry when Stevens attempted to fight a demonic entity. He haphazardly wielded many of the artifacts to defend himself and was disfigured in the process.
Stevens used Nabu's cloak to heal his more severe wounds; however, his Ankh was burnt into his face following the donnybrook. He later decided to melt down the other items to fashion a sword and some throwing stars. With this act, he went on to become next in the line of mystical defenders, but he branded himself 'Fate.'
5 He Once Became Doctor StrangeFate
Doctor Fate once merged with Professor Charles Xavier and Doctor Strange in a one-time comic book crossover event called Amalgam Comics. In the crossover, heroes and villains from Marvel and DC Comics merged with their counterparts.
Doctor StrangeFate was arguably the strongest sorcerer imaginable, and his duty was to hold both universes together. StrangeFate was eventually usurped by Doctor Strange and the world's de-merged. Strange even sent Fate to a pocket dimension for a short time to make sure things went back to normal.
4 Kent Nelson Is A Founding JSA Member
In 1940, Kent Nelson became a member of the original Justice Society of America in All-Star Comics #3 by Gardner Fox, Sheldon Mayer, Martin Nodell, and Bernard Baily. Kent was introduced to the group through his layered relationship with The Spectre.
As Doctor Fate, Kent served as a supernatural advisor and warrior for the team. He did so until the late 1960s, after which he briefly left to help launch the Justice League of America. Kent frequently took sabbaticals from both teams during periods Nabu was overbearing.
3 Fate's Archenemy Is Wotan Who Uses Dark Magic
Nelson's oldest foe and archrival, Wotan debuted alongside him in the 1940s More Fun Comics #55 by Jerry Seigel and Bernard Baily. Wotan is most notable for his grasp of dark magic but is notorious for his mastery of engineering and invention.
Wotan has frequently swapped bodies since his inception during the prehistoric era, which was when he first discovered dark magic and used it to get revenge on his tribesmen. Wotan has learned to extend his life thanks, in part, to his knowledge of soul transference.
2 His Weapons, Headquarters, Helmet & Abilities Are Mystically Powered
Nabu offered a number of gifts to Kent Nelson upon completion of his training to bear the mantle of Doctor Fate. Fate's most important and prized procession is the Helmet of Nabu, which serves as the source of his immense mystical powers. Without the helmet, Nelson is simply an ordinary human.
Nabu fused his soul inside the helmet, which empowers it for the wearer. With the combined power from the Cloak of Destiny and the Amulet of Anubis, Doctor Fate has a range of supernatural abilities such as illusion casting, flight, invisibility, phasing, astral projection, and levitation. Nabu's helmet also provides entry into the Tower of Fate, which serves as an interdimensional base of operations.
1 Doctor Fate Shares A Special Connection With The Spectre
Doctor Fate and The Spectre share a storied history, dating back to their very inception. At various times through their long-running history, they've worked together as close friends and also on opposite sides – sometimes even fighting each other.
Although Doctor Fate often puts up a good fight in these bouts, he's usually on the losing end. In Day of Vengeance by Bill Willingham, Walden Wong, and Justiniano, The Spectre proves his superiority when he singlehandedly takes down The Lords of Order and traps Doctor Fate within a pocket dimension inside his own helmet.