DC Comics has announced that they are ending the New 52 comic re-launch. The way this is going to end is that 25 comics are going to continue as they currently are. 24 Comics are going to be added to the current line up, totaling 49 comics all together. One of the comics that grabbed my attention is Dr. Fate, a new title for DC that will come out in June 2015. Paul Levitz will write the Dr. Fate comic. He is a writer, editor, and the former President of DC Comics. Sonny Liew will draw the art for the comic. Before June you can catch up on Dr. Fate here.
Dr. Fate first appeared in More Fun Comics #55, May 1940. The story of Dr. Fate begins with a tragedy for Kent Nelson. Sven Nelson and his son Kent Nelson were exploring in the valley of Ur in Mesopotamia. The two discovered Nabu, who many centuries before placed himself in a state of animation. As a result of the discovery Nabu was awakened and deadly gas filled the chamber and killed Sven. Nabu then took Kent under his wing and granted him powers.
The powers that Kent was granted varied. The first power was Kent’s transformation to an adult. After his immediate transformation Nabu trained Kent in the way of sorcery. Nabu after may years granted Kent, now Dr. Fate, his amulet, helmet, cape, mystical talismans and extraordinary might. As a result of being given these items and abilities Dr. Fate is nearly invincible, able to fly, and one of the world’s greatest sorcerers.
The story of Dr. Fate goes through many transitions. Dr. Fate, while working for the Lord of Order known as Nabu, comes across the warlock Wotan. He fights and saves Inza Cramer and marries her. During World War II he became a founding member of the All-Star Squadron, Allied Super Power Heroes. Decades after the end of World War II Dr. Fate and his wife have remained young due to his magic, and he continues to battle creatures in the different realms. Unfortunately Kent’s magic dwindled and led to his and his wife’s death.
Nabu then bestowed the power onto Eric Strassus and his stepmother to carry on as Dr. Fate. Eventually Eric and his stepmother died in a battle forcing Nabu to restore Kent and Inza. The result of this resurrection was that both Kent and Inza took up the mantle of Dr. Fate. The team of Kent and Inza eventually fell apart during the battle of Zero Hour crisis. The talismans belonging to Dr. Fate became forged into a mystical dagger by Jarred Stevens. Ultimately, Jarred Stevens was killed by Mordu the sorcerer. Hector Hall, the son of Hawkman and Hawkgirl, was a spirit that Nabu had saved and made into his champion, the New Dr. Fate. Hector’s life was cut short by the Spectrum, who leads to Nabu’s death. The helmet, now free of Nabu’s influence, fell onto the grandnephew of the original Dr. Fate who claimed the same title as his great uncle.
In the New 52 Nabu has chosen a new person to be Dr. Fate. This new person is Khalid Ben-Hassin. Wotan transports Khalid and the Flash and his Mom, in Earth 2, to Nabu’s realm. Wotan is beating the Flash, which forces Khalid to put on the helmet and to become Dr. Fate. Khalid has a personal struggle with his thoughts and sanity while wearing the helmet. Khalid slowly gains control of his powers and his sanity to become Dr. Fate.
His personal growth is an important part in the battle with Steppenwolf. The World Army is going to war with the earth’s greatest enemy. Dr. Fate’s allies are defeated so he heals their injuries. Furthermore, during this battle Dr. Fate works with Jay Garrlick, The Flash, allowing him to transport injured soldiers to medical stations through portals. After the events with Steppenwolf, DC Comics provides a 5-year look into the future between Constantine and Khalid-ben-Hassin. These two come face to face as Constantine wants the Helmet of Fate and uses his ability and wit to kill Dr. Fate, ending Dr. Fate’s run in the New 52.
The new title of Dr. Fate is part of a mini re-launch by DC Comics. The paragraphs above only begin to scratch the surface of the recognizable character. Dr. Fate will be explored again in his own comic in June 2015.
