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Dr. Fate
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Creation & Design

Doctor Fate was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, debuting in 1940. He was inspired by the mystical elements of ancient Egyptian mythology and the concept of a superhero who embodies the power of magic.

Early Years

Initially, Doctor Fate was a member of the Justice Society of America, where he fought against various supernatural threats. His character was known for his wisdom and powerful magical abilities, often serving as a mentor to other heroes.

Character Development

Over the years, Doctor Fate has evolved from a traditional superhero into a complex character representing the balance between magic and morality. His various incarnations have allowed for exploration of themes such as destiny, sacrifice, and the nature of power.

Cultural Reception

Doctor Fate has been well-received by fans and critics alike, often praised for his unique blend of superhero and mystical elements.

Character Details

Real Name:
Kent Nelson
First Appearance:
More Fun Comics #55
Aliases:
Doctor Fate, Nabu's Champion
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
Justice Society of America, Justice League, Sentinels of Magic
Abilities:
Magic, Flight, Telepathy, Telekinesis, Superhuman Strength
Equipment:
Helmet of Fate, Amulet of Anubis, Cloak of Destiny
Weight:
180lbs
Height:
6' 0"
Eye Color:
blue
Hair Color:
blonde

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More Fun Comics #55
DC ⋅ 1940
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More Fun Comics #55
 
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$3.5k
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Key Facts

1st appearance of Dr. Fate, Kent Nelson

Introduction of the Helmet of Fate, Amulet of Anubis, and the Cloak of Destiny

1st appearance of Wotan, an immortal sorcerer and enemy of Dr. Fate

More Fun Comics #56
DC ⋅ 1940
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More Fun Comics #56
 
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$1k
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Key Facts

1st appearance of Congo Bill

2nd appearance, origin and first cover appearance of Dr. Fate

All-Star Comics #3
DC ⋅ 1940
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All-Star Comics #3
 
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$7.5k
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Key Facts

1st team appearance and origin of the Justice Society of America, the first superhero team in history: Atom, Flash, Sandman, Spectre, Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Green Lantern, Hourman

3rd appearance of the Atom

All-Star Comics #4
DC ⋅ 1941
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All-Star Comics #4
 
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Key Facts

2nd team appearance of the Justice Society of America

More Fun Comics #67
DC ⋅ 1941
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More Fun Comics #67
 
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Key Facts

Origin of Dr. Fate

More Fun Comics #72
DC ⋅ 1941
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More Fun Comics #72
 
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Key Facts

Debut of new Dr. Fate helmet

Justice League of America #21
DC ⋅ 1963
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Justice League of America #21
 
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$80
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$800

Key Facts

First meeting of the Justice Society of America and the Justice League of America

First meeting of Green Arrow and Black Canary

First meeting and team-up of Alan Scott, the Golden Age Green Lantern and Hal Jordan, the Silver Age Green Lantern

1st appearance of Dr. Fate and Hourman in the Silver Age

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2nd appearance of Chronos

"Crisis on Earth" part 1

1st Issue Special #9
DC ⋅ 1975
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1st Issue Special #9
 
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Key Facts

Origin of Doctor Fate

1st appearance of Anubis, the Egyptian god of the dead

DC Special Series #10
DC ⋅ 1978
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DC Special Series #10
 
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$2
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Key Facts

Origin of Black Canary

Origin of Dr. Fate

All-Star Squadron #47
DC ⋅ 1985
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All-Star Squadron #47
 
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$3
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Key Facts

Origin of Dr. Fate

Saga of the Swamp Thing #49
DC ⋅ 1986
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Saga of the Swamp Thing #49
 
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Key Facts

Unofficial cameo team appearance of the Justice League Dark: Swamp Thing, Hellblazer, Deadman, Phantom Stranger, Dr. Occult, Etrigan The Demon, Zatanna, The Spectre, Sargon and Dr. Fate

1st cameo appearance of the Great Evil Beast aka the Great Darkness

Legends #6
DC ⋅ 1987
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Legends #6
 
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Key Facts

1st team appearance of the Justice League International: Batman, Booster Gold, Blue Beetle, Dr. Fate, Dr. Light, Guy Gardener, Martian Manhunter, Mister Miracle

Dr. Fate #1
DC ⋅ 1987
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Dr. Fate #1
 
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Key Facts

1st appearance of Dr. Fate, Eric Strauss

1st appearance of Linda Strauss, Eric's stepmother who later merges to become Dr. Fate with Eric Strauss

Justice League America #31
DC ⋅ 1989
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Justice League America #31
 
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Key Facts

Cover art by Adam Hughes featuring Dr. Fate

Supergirl #33
Recalled ⋅ DC ⋅ 2019
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Supergirl #33
 
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Key Facts

1st cameo appearance of Dr. Fate, identity unknown

1st cameo appearance of X-Ray Girl

One of four covers that Diamond Distributors ordered to be destroyed due to the Year of the Villain banner shown on the cover which did not apply to these issues

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