Doctor Fate (Kent V. Nelson)

Dr. Kent V. Nelson is a superhero in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Steve Gerber and Justiniano, he first appeared in Countdown to Mystery #1 (November 2007) as the seventh person to take on the Doctor Fate mantle. Unlike previous incarnations, this version of Doctor Fate deviates from traditional elements such as connections to Nabu, the Lords of Order, the Tower of Fate, and Egyptian mythology. This intentional departure was aimed at revitalizing the character and simplifying their backstory.

In the DC Universe, he is the grandnephew of the original Kent Nelson. Initially an accomplished psychiatrist, his life took a downward turn due to personal issues, including an extramarital affair, depression, and the loss of his medical license. Despite these struggles, he was chosen to become the new Doctor Fate. As Doctor Fate, Kent faced challenges in mastering magic, highlighting his limited expertise in the field. He joined the Justice Society of America and fought alongside other well-known superheroes. However, with the New 52 reboot, his character was replaced by Khalid Nassour and removed from continuity. In 2023, the character's history was restored in The New Golden Age storyline.

Publication history
In early 2007, DC published a bi-weekly run of one-shots depicting the search for a new Doctor Fate. These were intended to be followed by a new Doctor Fate ongoing series in April 2007, written by Steve Gerber and illustrated by Paul Gulacy, featuring the new Doctor Fate. However, the series was delayed due to extended production and creative difficulties. Gerber said in an interview for Newsarama that the story intended for the first arc of the Doctor Fate ongoing series had been reworked to serve as the main story for Countdown to Mystery, a dual-feature eight-issue miniseries with Eclipso as the second feature. The first issue of Countdown to Mystery, with art by Justiniano and Walden Wong rather than Gulacy, was released in November 2007. Due to Gerber's death, the seventh issue was written by Adam Beechen using Gerber's notes. The final issue was written by Beechen, Gail Simone, Mark Waid, and Mark Evanier, who each wrote a different ending to the story. The character then appeared in the Reign in Hell miniseries and in Justice Society of America (vol. 3) #30 (August 2009), featuring in the book until its cancellation with #54 in August 2011.

During the New 52 reboot, the character's history and existence underwent retcons alongside other incarnations, with the exception of the Kent Nelson incarnation. This resulted in Kent Nelson being established as the original Doctor Fate and Khalid Nassour as the second in the new continuity. This setup remained in place until 2023, when Geoff Johns restored the character's history within the mainstream continuity. The restoration positioned the character as the Doctor Fate who preceded Khalid Nassour while the original Kent Nelson also reclaimed the helm to train the character as an official successor. In the newer continuity, the character's true relation to Kent Nelson and ultimate fate is considered unknown.

Countdown to Mystery (Origin)
In his debut storyline, Kent V. Nelson, a respected psychiatrist, undergoes a series of personal and professional setbacks. Following an extramarital affair, he experiences divorce and a malpractice lawsuit for failing to intervene in a client's harmful actions. This leads to the loss of his home, possessions, and professional license, leaving him homeless and desperate. However, Kent's life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers the Helmet of Fate and assumes the mantle of Doctor Fate. As Doctor Fate, Kent encounters Negal, an antagonist intent on killing him. Kent manages to escape and endeavors to improve his situation by selling the helmet and the spoils of his battles. Eventually, he secures a meager job and temporary accommodations in a hotel. However, the Helmet of Fate returns to Kent, leading to a fateful confrontation with Negal, a denizen of Charn who thrives on the suffering of souls. Negal reveals himself as a prior adversary of Doctor Fate and tries to establish a connection by kidnapping Burr, an individual who had harmed Kent in the past.

Refusing to compromise his principles, Kent rejects Negal's offer. Underestimating Kent's strength, Negal is once again defeated, and Burr is liberated. Meanwhile, Kent seeks to understand the depths of power bestowed by the helmet. He encounters Maddy, an occultist who operates a mystical store, and delves into a book from her collection. This experience triggers a trance-like state, propelling Kent into a journey of self-discovery within another dimension. After awakening, Kent shares his transformative encounter with Maddy, who feels frustrated by her own lack of magical prowess compared to Kent's empowered state. One night, while under the influence and employing the helmet's magic to fly, Kent falls into a river and is saved by Inza Fox, an independent comic artist and the creator of "Killhead." A connection is revealed between Kent and Inza through their shared namesakes. Inza offers Kent shelter and assistance, but abruptly vanishes before his eyes, abducted by an enigmatic force. Kent is unable to intervene as he is not wearing the helmet at the time. Suspecting Negal's involvement, Kent recognizes that Inza's anguish is likely the reason for her targeted abduction.

Through Inza's comic, "Killhead," Kent gains insight into her coded autobiography. He returns to Maddy, who informs him that the helmet once belonged to a founding member of the Justice Society of America named "Doctor Fate." This sorcerer and superhero was renowned for their extraordinary exploits. Back at the hotel, Kent finds himself confronted by powerful illusions, facing distorted versions of JSA members and The Spectre. Overwhelmed, he decides to relinquish the helmet to Maddy, who aspires to become a capable practitioner in her own right. Unfortunately, Maddy falls victim to Ymp, one of Negal's servants, while Kent is transported to Negal's realm.

Endings
In the final issue, the series presented several endings based on Steve Gerber's notes:


 * In one ending, Maddy harnesses the helm's powers to rescue Kent and Inza. She brings Inza's fictional characters to life, defeating Negal and Ymp in the process. Afterwards, they return to Las Vegas, and Maddy returns the helm to Kent, believing their combined efforts were necessary to defeat Negal.
 * In another ending, Kent regains consciousness and rebels against Negal, asserting that the idea of Doctor Fate is indomitable. He confronts Negal with the notion that he can never truly overcome the concept of fate itself. This causes Negal to combust, as he is tied to the suffering of others, particularly those consumed by self-loathing. Maddy and Inza's lives are restored, and they have no recollection of the events that transpired.
 * In a different ending, Maddy attempts to awaken Kent, who finds himself in a dream-like state where he converses with a man named Mardilo. Mardilo explains Negal's demonic nature, his goals, as well as the meaning of fate and destiny. Upon regaining consciousness, Kent reclaims the helm and becomes Doctor Fate once more. He departs with Inza and Maddy, but this time chooses not to engage in battle with Negal.


 * In the final ending, Maddy frees Kent and gives up the helm. Unfortunately, Inza is disfigured by demonic forces. Despite the uncertainty of restoration, Inza chooses to embrace life. Kent confronts Negal, exposing his futile pursuit of inflicting suffering. Surprisingly, Negal accepts Kent's offer of help, leading to his rehabilitation. During their sessions, Negal kills Ymp. Maddy remains Kent's friend and researches a solution for Inza's transformation. Kent maintains optimism, seeing this complex situation as a form of a happy ending.

Reign in Hell
In the "Reign in Hell" storyline, Kent V. Nelson, along with other notable sorcerers and mystic figures, becomes involved in a resistance movement against Neron, the current ruler of Hell. Zauriel calls for an alliance, concerned about the potential negative consequences their ambitions for Hell may have on reality, given its celestial nature and inherent checks and balances. As the alliance navigates through Hell and works to address the ongoing situations, Kent confronts Blaze and Satanus, seeking to quell their influence. During the confrontation with Blaze, Kent discloses his intention to supplant the sibling duo, considering Neron to be the lesser of two evils. Engaging in battles with demons and subsequently with Blaze, Kent faces challenges due to his limited combat experience, which Blaze taunts him over. However, Kent manages to tap into his power and inflicts a significant injury on Blaze, although she survives. Subsequently, Kent grapples with finding an exit from Hell, relying on the experience and knowledge of the rest of the alliance. With the assistance of Doctor Occult and Nightshade, Kent and the group ultimately manage to escape Hell, despite interruptions from Lobo and the sacrifice of Sargon the Sorcerer. As the group successfully exits Hell, Lady Blaze assumes the position of the new Ruler of Hell, overthrowing her brother, Satanus.

Justice Society of America
Later, Kent would help the Justice Society when they were targeted by various villains trained specifically to fight their members, using the reputation of Doctor Fate's power in order to grant them an advantage. He also works to save Mister Miracle's life when he receives fatal injuries. Later, his body is possessed by Mordru briefly in another attack on the JSA despite their preparations for it. With Kent's help, the team once more beats Mordru and the sorcerer sets out to study more about his abilities. Kent would also return to help the Society fight against the resurrected Starheart although he is brought under possession and control from the Starheart's will manifesting through Alan Scott for a time. He also helps the team fight against the new threat known as Scythe.

Dawn of DC
In the aftermath of the New Golden Age storyline, Kent V.'s tenure as Doctor Fate was reintroduced into the mainstream continuity, establishing him as the Doctor Fate who preceded Khalid Nassour. While Khalid acknowledged Kent's time as Doctor Fate, he expressed uncertainty about their familial relationship to Kent (which also retroactively possibly makes the two characters cousins or otherwise related to one another) or the ultimate fate of the younger Kent. A past version of the younger Kent also suffered the consequences of the time-traveling Degaton, who was empowered by a Lord of Chaos and sought to replace the Justice Society of America with his own, leading to the death of Doctor Fate in various timelines.

Personality and themes
In his debut storyline, Kent V. was initially portrayed as a compassionate individual with exceptional skills in psychiatry, effortlessly assisting others. However, his affair led to the separation and divorce from his wife, resulting in depression and making it increasingly challenging for him to empathize with the problems of others. This downward spiral eventually led to a loss of status and homelessness. Upon obtaining the helm of fate, Kent resorted to using its powers for gambling, seeking to regain financial stability. He even employed magic to cheat, although he maintained a moral boundary and refused to stoop to stealing from others. Notably, the character demonstrated a strong inclination towards science, influenced by his background in western medicine and adherence to the scientific method. This skepticism towards magic changed when he encountered the helm of fate and experienced its power firsthand. One of the possible endings in his debut storyline also showcase the character willing to use his mystic abilities and psychiatric abilities to help others, including demonic entities.

Differences from other incarnations
Intentional changes were made to the incarnation of Doctor Fate in an effort to simplify and provide a clearer definition of the character. These changes include:


 * According to Steve Gerber, the character of Doctor Fate was intentionally detached from Egyptian mythology and other cultural influences. In this new incarnation, the Helmet of Fate no longer granted instant mastery or understanding of magic. Instead, the character had to learn sorcery in a more conventional manner. Gerber also intended for Doctor Fate to possess a consistent arsenal of spells and charms, each consistently demonstrating the same effects when cast. Despite this limitation, Gerber portrayed the helmet as capable of suggesting certain basic spells. Bill Willingham further expanded on this concept by introducing the idea that the Helmet of Fate contained a library of spells that the character could access for assistance.


 * The character of Doctor Fate in this incarnation did not have any connections to the Lords of Order or Nabu, as they were described to have been killed by the Spectre during the Day of Vengeance storyline. This meant that Doctor Fate also lacked the Tower of Fate as a base of operations, with the explanation that the tower no longer existed after the events of Infinite Crisis. Additionally, the abilities of the Helmet of Fate to store pocket universes, as mentioned by Nabu in the Day of Vengeance: Infinite Crisis Special, were not present in this iteration of the character.

Powers and abilities, and resources
Kent V. Nelson, as Doctor Fate, does not possess innate superhuman abilities, but was formerly a renowned psychiatrist, leveraging his expertise to analyze others. Witihin the DC Universe, Kent is classified as a member of the "Sorcerer" class of characters. To amplify his abilities and safeguard himself from the inherent risks of magic, he utilizes enchanted objects. Initially, Kent also relied on the reputation of Doctor Fate to gain an edge in combat and was limited to casting basic spells and incantations. Following an encounter with Mordru he embarked on a path of dedicated study and steadily grew in magical prowess. As a result, he has been recognized as a "Sorcerer Supreme," reflecting his elevated status and exceptional command over the mystic arts.

Mystical artifacts
By wielding the renowned artifacts associated with Doctor Fate, Kent V. Nelson ranks among the powers formidable sorcerers in the DC Universe. These powerful relics surpass the abilities of even potent warlocks, sorceresses, and practitioners of dark and demonic magic such as Sebastian Faust and Lady Blaze. After gaining some experience as a heroic sorcerer, the character would be hailed as "Sorcerer Supreme", a testamaent to his might.


 * Helmet of Fate: By donning the Helmet of Fate, Kent V. Nelson gains access to a diverse array of magical abilities, with spellcasting being the primary focus. While he possesses a foundation of general and basic spells, the helmet bestows upon him the ability to tap into a vast library of advanced spells housed within the artifact. This allows Kent to expand his magical repertoire and utilize more intricate and potent incantations. Additionally, the Helmet of Fate enhances his mystical senses, granting him heightened perception and awareness in matters related to the supernatural.
 * Amulet of Anubis: The Amulet of Anubis, a significant artifact in Doctor Fate's arsenal, serves multiple functions. It offers protection against psychic and astral probing, safeguarding the wearer's mind from intrusive influences. Additionally, the amulet grants the ability to exercise mind control, enabling the user to manipulate the thoughts and actions of others. Furthermore, the amulet possesses the capability to enhance the user's magical power, amplifying their abilities and allowing for more potent and effective spellcasting.
 * Cloak of Destiny: The Cloak of Destiny is fireproof and highly resistant to magical attacks.

Weaknesses
Despite his status as a formidable sorcerer, Kent suffered from some limitations. With no inherent connection to the Lords of Order or Nabu, Kent had to rely on personal experiences to understand the functions of the helmet. This presented a significant challenge as he struggled to fully comprehend the extent of its abilities. Moreover, Kent initially believed that his power was not as formidable as that of the original Doctor Fate. In early appearances, Kent's abilities were limited, and he was susceptible to being possessed by powerful entities such as Mordru and the Starheart. He was also unable to escape Hell independently and struggled to utilize powerful to subdue adversaries like Lobo. However, over time, the character addressed these limitations by delving into the vast library of spells contained within the helmet. Additionally, he underwent training to refine and enhance his abilities, gradually growing more adept as a practitioner of magic.

Furthermore, the helmet and its associated artifacts serve as the central source of Kent's power, rendering him powerless if he is deprived of them.

In other media
Kent V. Nelson / Doctor Fate appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure via the "Mega Pack" DLC.