Doctor Fate (Khalid Nassour)

At the conclusion of the Convergence limited series in June 2015 and the launch of the "DC You" line, DC Comics introduced a new ongoing Doctor Fate series written by Paul Levitz and illustrated by Sonny Liew. This series featured Khalid Nassour, an Egyptian-American medical student, as the newest Doctor Fate. Levitz noted that Dan DiDio and Jim Lee aimed for a different approach compared to the original incarnation created by Gardner Fox during the Golden Age of Comic Books, with Levitz expressing particular fascination with the Egyptian connection of the character:^[2]

So looking at the kinds of diversity we have today, and remembering a bunch of my conversations with Egyptian Americans, I just thought, what if a person who gets the helmet this time, in this world, is an Egyptian American young man?^[2] And for a visual look, the guys really wanted something fresh - not the standard superhero approach that's been going on for the last few years. I liked Sonny Liew's work years ago on My Faith in Frankie, and ran into him in Singapore a few years ago when I got the chance to be the guest of honor at a convention there. And I've watched his work and stayed aware of it in the years since.^[2]

First appearing in Convergence: Aquaman #2 as part of a preview, the first issue of the Doctor Fate series was released in June of 2015^[10] and ran until its cancellation in November of 2016,^[11][4] surrounding the character's origin story and early adventures, which included his connection to the original Doctor Fate Kent Nelson, who made his New 52 debut within the same series.^[5][12] The character also made minor appearances in other titles in between 2015 and 2016. Afterwards, the character was absent for nearly two years and Kent Nelson's character returned to the role for a time.^[4]

In June of 2018, Nassour's character was revealed to be a major character in the second Justice League Dark series written by James Tynion IV starring a new roster led by Wonder Woman^[13] and first appeared in the second issue of the series in August of 2018.^[14] The character would become a reoccurring support character throughout the run, culminating to him adopting the Doctor Fate mantle officially from the Kent Nelson character officially and was redesigned with a new Doctor Fate costume. While the original 2018 series was cancelled in 2020, the Justice League Dark series was instead re-purposed as a backup issue to the mainstream Justice League title, the backup issue written by award-winning author Ram V featuring a new storyline with Khalid remaining a reoccurring member of the Justice League Dark subdivision.^[15] The character also made notable appearances in several title crossovers and Bendis's run on the Justice League title.^[16][17]

In late 2022, Nassour was revealed to be among the cast of characters in Geoff John's upcoming Justice Society of America limited comic book series, which would include the exploration of the character as a legacy hero and continue the story established from V's backup issues of Justice League Dark.^[18] The title addresses timeline discrepancies, noting events like "Zero Hour" occurred eight years earlier and the 2015 Doctor Fate series is set one year prior.^[19] However, Khalid's appearances in other titles^[20][21] and in the series suggest a tenure longer than four years, as he is depicted as a first-year resident physician.^[21] The character would later appear in several other company crossovers, including Dark Crisis alongside its spin-offs.^[22][23] In 2023, the character made several appearances in Knight Terrors. In the same year, the previous histories of Doctor Fate was later restored, retroactively making the character the eighth person within the DC Universe to adopt the mantle, wheras past stories imply he is the second succeeding Nelson.^[24]

In 2024, the character appears in the Absolute Power crossover.^[25][26] Coinciding with the DC All In initiative, a new JSA series was announced in July with writer Jeff Lemiere and illustrator Diego Olortengui as part of the creative team.^[27] Lemiere revealed Nassour as a important character within the series.^[28]

In the character's origin story "Blood Price", Khalid Nassour is a twenty-two year^[29] old summa cum laude graduate and aspiring physician who is chosen by Bastet to inherit the Doctor Fate mantle. With the support of the Egyptian deities, archangels connected to his Muslim faith, and the spirit within the helmet, Nabu the Lord of Order, he is tasked with overcoming the foe, Anubis. While initially reluctant to take the role, he accepts the role and manages to defeat the god, the victory marks the beginning of his journey as Doctor Fate.^[1]

Struggling to balancing his dual life due to his limited supernatural knowledge as he battles various foes interconnected to those around him, Nassour encounters his great uncle, who reveals himself as his predecessor.^[5] Nassour is subsequentially mentored by Nelson, with his skills improving and managed to prove worthy to Osiris and defeats another foe with power over manipulating the fate of others.^[12] Sometime later in the second Justice League Dark comic book series featuring a new incarnation of the team led by Wonder Woman, Nassour's apprenticeship is interrupted for nearly a year when he is sealed by Nabu following hijacking Nelson's body in response to a growing threat from the otherworldly creatures known as the Otherkind, known to feed on magic.^[30] Nassour is freed by Kirk Langstrom, explaining to both Justice League Dark team members and allies of Nabu's plan to destroy the Sphere of the Gods, the source of magic and various mystical dimensions in the DC Universe, to kill off the magic-eating Otherkind and is assisted by other Lords of Order. With the efforts of a chaos magic-empowered Justice League Dark and other allies, Nabu and the Lords of Order are defeated. In the aftermath, Nassour joins the team on a consultant basis but rejects the idea of being Doctor Fate in place of Nelson even at his mentor's insistence.^[31]

 

The sorceress supervillain Circe founds the Injustice League Dark and strikes at the team with her newfound power, possessing Hecate's mystical power, revealed to be a progenitor of magic in the DC Universe. When she strikes a powerful blow to the Justice League Dark, Nassour responds by donning the helm once more, officially succeeding Kent and plays a critical role in defeating the Injustice League Dark and later bringing balance of the elemental forces.^[32] As the sole Doctor Fate, Nassour is a trusted member of the Justice League and Justice League Dark.^[33]

Nassour becomes involved in the efforts to defeat Upside-Down Man but is rendered unconscious in the battle and is replaced by Kent, who sacrifices himself and depletes the helm in the process but allows an opportunity for Zatanna to ultimately defeat the villain.^[34] Nassour later partners with Langstrom to restore power to the helm but becomes inhabited by Hauhet, who replaces Nabu and grants him disturbing visions of his impending defeat and destruction of the Tower of Fate. He helps the JLD battle a evil Merlin who seeks to control magic and resurrects Arion, a Lord of Order intimately connected to a nearly uncontrollable source of magic.^[35] He also helps various heroes (Flash,^[36] Superman,^[37] Naomi,^[38] etc.) with both his mystical and medical expertise while taking in Stitch, a teenaged, animated, non-binary ragdoll as his apprentice and sent them to Teen Titans Academy to learn the values of heroism.^[39]

During a team-up to battle reoccurring foe Xanadoth, Nabu temporarily returns to aid the Justice League and Justice League Dark when the Lord of Chaos possess Black Adam.^[40] Shortly afterward, following the seemingly death of the Justice League's core members, he joins the Justice Society and helps in efforts to defeat Pariah and the Great Darkness.^[22][23] In Lazarus Planet, Batman deduces Doctor Fate to have been defeated by Nezha to acquire the helm for his purposes, explaining his mysterious disappearance noted by other heroes. The new hero Dreamer discovers he was entrapped by Nezha in his subconscious when enlisted by Batman to track him down, her actions eventually freeing him.^[41][42]

Sometime afterward, Nassour graduates from medical school and becomes a first-year intern. While seeking to learn more about Hauhet, Nassour becomes entangled in Per Degaton's scheme to replace the JSA with a ritual and is targeted but meets future Huntress, who recognizes him as a teammate of her time. Although Degaton underestimates him, Nassour manages to seal the villain with the help of Doctor Fates and JSA members from across time, as Degaton's time paradox nature makes him unkillable.^[43] Nassour also meets Salem the Witch Girl, Nelson's arrogant sidekick who was previously erased from history. The witch proves hostile due to his placement in the legacy of Doctor Fate, causing him to place Salem under the JSA's care until the pair can reconcile and is taken to the future to help the Legion of Substitute Heroes.^[44][45]

Nassour is also involved in the Knight Terrors and Absolute Power crossovers, among the heroes captured in the latter by Amanda Waller's Amazo robots.^[25][26] Sometime after Absolute Power, Nassour is among the expansive members of the now rebranded Justice League Unlimited, focused on strengthening the connections within the superhero community with a larger number of members. He assists in defeating Darkseid, who has bonded with the Spectre using a Miracle Machine although the League inadvertently helps the villain create the Absolute Universe.^[46]

 

Doctor Fate's secret identity is Khalid Nassour, a Muslim Egyptian-American physician.^[47] In his earlier appearances, the character was depicted as a medical student^[33] with a history as a former emergency medical technician and a college graduate majoring in organic chemistry.^[5] As the recently chosen Doctor Fate, the character grapples with both the immense power of the helm and its responsibilities as a defender against evil and chaos, striking a balance between his dual life as a sorcerous superhero. Nassour also comes to terms with the implications of his role within his religious beliefs, as both figures of Islamic faith and the ancient Egyptian deities co-exist.^[1] More recent depictions of the character showcases an evolution into a more seasoned hero continuing to shoulder the overwhelming responsibilities, now a trusted and reoccuring member of the Justice League, Justice League Dark, and Justice Society of America.^{[48][17][35][49]} He is assisted by Stitch, a non-binary animated ragdoll character who serves as his apprentice and surrogate child.^[50] At times, the character uses his medical expertise to assist others, having served as Superman's therapist.^[16][51]

Levitz drew inspiration from iconic characters such as Spider-Man and Doctor Strange, particularly influenced by his collaborations with Steve Ditko throughout his career. Khalid, like these characters, is portrayed as a young individual burdened with significant responsibilities, embarking on a journey of self-discovery within a world reminiscent of Doctor Strange's mystical realm. Notably, Khalid's early depiction as a medical student was done to make him distinguishing from traditional college-aged superheroes.^[2][29]

As Doctor Fate, the character is considered among the most powerful superheros and sorcerers on Earth.^[52] At times, the character is considered such alongside fellow superhero Zatanna.^[53]

Khalid was designed with a specific focus on the Egyptian aspect of the Doctor Fate mythology. Levitz incorporated elements of bi-racial heritage into Khalid's character, blending Egyptian and White American backgrounds. This approach aimed to emphasize the character's connection to the Egyptian origins of the Doctor Fate legacy.^[2][29]

Regarding Khalid's rise to superhero status, Sika A. Dogbovie-Mullins, an author from Mixed-Race Superheroes, expressed the opinion that his mixed-race heritage does not serve as the primary catalyst for his transformation into a superhero. Instead, Khalid's heroic journey is linked to his lineage and the concept of a "divine right of kings," aligning with a Chosen One archetype. Unlike iconic American superheroes like Batman or Superman who fight for truth, justice, and the American way, Khalid is chosen to fight for truth, justice, and the "(ancient) Egyptian ways."^[54]

 

In illustrating Khalid's physical appearance, artist Sonny Liew focused on representing his heritage through physical attributes such as hair, nose shape, and skin tone. Unlike conventional superheroes, Khalid was depicted with a more average physique, diverging from the muscular physiques often associated with superhero characters. Over time, Khalid's appearance in subsequent comic book series within the DC Comics universe began to portray him with a more toned physique.^[55][56][57]

As Doctor Fate, the character has been depicted wearing distinctive costumes through his publication history. In the 2015 Doctor Fate series, the character initially wore contemporary clothing comprising a blue hoodie and jeans while donning the Helmet of Fate and Amulet of Thoth. Originally, the intention was for the character to gradually acquire pieces of the original Doctor Fate costume over time within the series. However, due to the positive reception of the contemporary design, editorial decided to maintain the character's modern appearance.^[1] During the DC Rebirth initiative, the character underwent a design change during the second story arc of the second Justice League Dark series. The revised design features a dark blue jumpsuit, a combination of a golden or yellow belt and loin cloth, a golden cape secured by the Amulet of Anubis, and golden or white-colored sneakers. This design is notable for incorporating the classic colors associated with Doctor Fate, blending elements of ancient Egyptian aesthetics with contemporary American attire.^[32]

While the character's default appearance usually consists of a his attire from the Justice League Dark series, he is occasionally depicted wearing the same outfit associated with modern renditions of Kent Nelson. This alternative attire typically includes a blue jumpsuit, golden gloves, golden boots, and a golden belt. In some instances, the presence of the Amulet of Anubis is accompanied by a Usekh collar, which also holds a golden cape, while in other depictions, the collar and amulet may be absent.^[56][55]

During the character's first debut, he is expressed by creator Paul Levitz to be twenty-two years old, believing the character being older than typical college aged superheroes would make him more distinguishable.^[2][29] Thus far, the character's age is subjected to inconsistencies; while Geoff John's timeline in his Justice Society of America run established the character to be twenty-three, the character's recognition as a first-year resident physician in the same series,^[6] his appearances in other titles,^[32][16] and the advancement of certain characters whom he debuted older than but interacted in later instances with their own progression (Dick Grayson and Raven),^[58] implies the character to be older.

Nassour possess natural magic powers derived from his pharaoh lineage,^[33][59] capable of various abilities such as flight, telekinesis, and time manipulation.^[47] He also possess supernatural senses, allowing him to perceive souls (in the perspective of a ba) and sense the fates of others, complimenting his role as Doctor Fate,^[12] and is remarked to be immortal.^[59] In addition to his powers, Nassour is also highly intelligent, knowledgeable in the occult under Kent Nelson's mentorship,^[34] graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Organic Chemistry,^[5] has extensive training as a EMT,^[1] and holds a doctorate degree in medicine.^[43] He also possess some skill in hand-to-hand combat.^[17]

As Doctor Fate, Nassour possesses a collection of artifacts in which enhances his natural abilities. serves as protective measures against the consequences of utilizing certain magical practices,^[60] and helps to channel and focus his power.^[47] Chief among them is the Helmet of Fate, a powerful artifact that bestows godlike magical powers and knowledge.^[61] Under his portrayal, the grants him incredible element-controlling powers, allowing him to manipulate the elements (air, earth, wind, fire, and lightning) and other magic abilities powered by the elements, such as intangibility, projecting mystic bolts, flight and healing.^[62][63][52] These abilities have originated from several different patrons, including Thoth^[1] and Nabu.^[32] When later inhabited by the spirit of Hauhet, Nassour retains his abilities but is able to see into the future and has heightened awareness that enables him to break the fourth wall.^[64] Khalid also possesses the Amulet of Thoth and Cloak of Destiny,^[47] the latter which traditionally grants invulnerability, superhuman strength, and flight.^[65] It is also fireproof and counters magic originating form the Lords of Chaos.^[66][67]

Nassou possess artifacts not typically carried by other incarnations; The Staff of Power, an artifact gifted to him by Thoth, allows for energy manipulation and is powered by his blood.^[33][1] The Eternity Book, formerly owned by Merlin, contains a vast reserve of mystic energies and has a comprehensive record of the history of the DC Universe. Nassour's base of operations as Doctor Fate is the Tower of Fate, a nexus of magic that lacks physical doors and can only be accessed by magic.^[33] The tower itself houses an collection of mystic artifacts^[68] and possess powerful wards capable of repelling powerful magic, alien energies, and physical strength from beings such as Kryptonians.^[69]

The character was once considered less powerful than other Doctor Fates prior to the New 52 before his training.^[52] His healing powers were also ineffectively divine and ghostly forces^[5] and is considered inferior to the Spectre in power as an incarnation of Doctor Fate.^[70] As a cost for using the helm to see into the future, Nassour has impaired vision.^[35]

Among key supporting characters in the 2015 Doctor Fate series were Muhammed and Elizabeth Nassour (née Nelson), Nassour's parents. Muhammed was a Egypt-born Muslim, former physician, and taxi driver who becomes aware of his son's dual life and supports him, being a source of inspiration for him. His mother, a well-regarded archeologist and of Christian faith known to possess a more worrisome personality, initially is left unaware of her son's dual life by both him and Muhammed but manages to learn of it on her own. The family pet cat, Puck, is the frequent vessel for Bastet.^[1][12] Kent Nelson, his maternal granduncle and brother to Elizabeth's father, becomes his mentor after learning of his destiny as the new Doctor Fate. While a strict and stern mentor, he is also encouraging and the pair develop a deep bond. Nassour's childhood best friend is Akila, who often encourages him towards activism but is unaware of his dual life and is subjected to various mystical mishaps. She also has romantic feelings for Nassour, a fact he was unaware of.^[1][12]

Outside his series, Nassour adopted non-binary animated ragdoll, Stitch, as both his child and apprentice.^[56] Nassour is a friend of several heroes such as Superman (serving as his therapist),^[16] Flash (Wally West),^[17] Kirk Langstrom,^[31] and Zatanna (assisting in her business endeavors).^[71]

As Doctor Fate, Nassour's allies include the Egyptian deities, who act as his patrons.^[33] Chiefly, the character was chosen by Bastet, who guides and supports Nassour due to his connection to pharaohs, giving him mystical powers. While doubtful at times due to his age, her support of him is firm and she intervenes often to ensure his social life is not ruined by his duties and protects his secret identity.^[5] He is also supported by Thoth, whose power is granted through the helm in earlier stories,^[12] and archangels disguised as humans who advise both in his personal life and his work as Doctor Fate. The angels work in tandem with the Egyptian deities (considered a variant of angels), both answering to the DC Comics' depiction of Allah, the character known as the Presence.^[1][12]

He is also supported by Nabu although unlike his arrangement with Nelson, he is akin to a "combination of a GPS system and the movie version of Iron Man's J.A.R.V.I.S." under Khalid and the patronage of the Egyptian deities, giving him advise in mystical situations but is often vague, making Khalid figure out certain situations.^[72] Later stories make him the prime patron like similar to traditional stories, although Nabu favors Khalid and cedes control to him.^[32] Nabu is later replaced by Hauhet, who takes his role and is supportive although her motives are currently unclear. As his patron, she allows Khalid to see into the future for a cost.^[35]

Shaya Halim, a fellow aspiring physician, serves as the character's love interest in the 2015 Doctor Fate series.^[5] A possible future also hinted at a significant (possibly romantic) connection with Power Girl later in the present.^[73]

Over the character's publication history, Nassour has several reoccurring adversaries. Chief among them is Anubis, the fictional depiction of the god of the same name, whom was Khalid's first adversary and most significant enemy, seeking to elevate his divine station. He targets the Nassour family due to their bloodline and relation to the pharaohs able to invoke influence over him.^[1][5] Another notable adversary is Xanadoth, a Lords of Chaos who often seeks to supplant her "brand" of chaos by absorbing the power of the Lords of Chaos and Order, adding them to her already overwhelming power.^[40][16] In team settings, he also frequently encounters Eclipso, the former Spirit of Vengeance.^[21][17]

• In Future State, several years after the events of the Great Wickedness storyline, an older Khalid managed to mend the broken Helmet of Fate and lived through several timelines to learn how to defeat Merlin. He is ultimately found by his teammates disguised as a blind old man. Shortly after being revealed by Etrigan, Merlin's forces arrives to dispatch the Justice League Dark, now a resistance group against his power. With Enchantress and Jason Blood as his lieutenants, Khalid makes a deal to act his oracle but imparts a careful gambit in defeat Etrigan, reminding him of the demon's abilities to perceive time differently.^[74] The ultimate fate of this future timeline is unknown.
• In a possible future revealed in The New Golden Age storyline taking place two decades from the Prime Earth, Khalid is one of the few old legacies of the JSA active. The de facto team leader, he is an enemy of the future Salem the Witch Girl, now a Lord of Chaos. Approving of future Huntress's recreating the JSA under rehabilitated former enemies of the team, he is killed by Per Degaton. Empowered by Salem's ritual, Degaton seeks to destroy the team across all time While Degaton's efforts is thwarted by his present self, the future version of Khalid is erased due to Helena Wayne's actions in the present time alongside all her teammates and reality.^[75][6]
• Khalid Nassour makes a cameo appearance in the Batman: Full Moon DC Black Label series.

Nassour's character has been generally well received by critics; Book Riot's Jessica Plumber noted similarities between Khalid and Marvel Comics' Kamala Khan, both of whom represent important additions to the underrepresented demographic and praised the character's design and significance of diverse representation in the comic book industry, commending the creators for addressing the gap.^[4] IGN writer Levi Hunt viewed the character as a positive step in establishing diversity within DC Comics and appreciated the incorporation of Egyptian mythology, which deviates from the commonly used Greek and Roman mythological themes prevalent in comics.^[7] Charli Snow of CBR also positively viewed Khalid's character in several storylines pertaining to both the 2015 Doctor Fate and 2018 Justice League Dark comic book series, also noting the character's heritage in relation to Doctor Fate's Egyptian connections, more accessible storylines, and noted his ascension to leadership in the latter series.^[76]

However, Plummer expressed certain criticisms regarding certain aspects of the character. She believed that the Doctor Fate comic featuring Khalid did not feel innovative or culturally authentic and suggested the need for a Muslim-led writer to bring a more genuine perspective. Additionally, Plummer was critical of the character's storyline in James Tynion IV's run in Justice League Dark, where Khalid's fate involved being trapped within a vase by Nabu. She interpreted this plot development as an unintentional metaphor, considering Khalid, an Egyptian-born character, being reduced to a hieroglyphic confined within an ancient vase.^[4] Adrienne Resha, a researcher for Comic Studies Societies, raised similar concerns about the character's portrayal and design in the Justice League Dark comic title. Resha pointed out inconsistencies in how the character was drawn, characterized, and colored, particularly in relation to his age and skin tone. The researcher also noted that Khalid was often sidelined in favor of other characters, including his predecessor Kent Nelson, despite being the only clearly identifiable person of color in the team also criticized the character for frequently invoking Egypt's ancient past instead of exploring its modern history.^[9] Comic historian Tim Hanley also highlighted Nassour's character as having a short-lived ongoing series before being regulated into a secondary character in team books since the series conclusion, arguing that characters of colors existing within DC Comics and Marvel Comics are frequently sidelined, exist as backlist team members, or fade into obscurity.^[77]

Ashley Hurt of CBR expressed the character's age diminishing the struggles of Nelson's Doctor Fate and believed the character being older and a design reminiscent of a traditional Doctor Fate costume would help the character.^[8] Although Hurt's assessment of the character stated him to be of college age,^[8] the character's age slightly older during his debut, thus deviating from her statement.^[29]

• CBR included Khalid Nassour in their list of the "10 Most Powerful Golden Age DC Legacy Heroes".^[78]
• Gizmodo featured Khalid Nassour's comic and Young Justice versions in an article highlighting other Muslim heroes.^[79]
• Egyptian Streets featured the Khalid Nassour version of Doctor Fate in a list of Egyptian comic book superheroes.^[80]
• Motivate Media Group's Whats On highlights Khalid Nassour's Doctor Fate in a list of Arab superheroes.^[81]
• David Harth of CBR included Khalid Nassour in "10 B-List DC Heroes Who Deserve Better".^[82]

• Khalid Nassour appears in the fourth season of Young Justice, voiced by Usman Ally.^[83] This version is a homo magi, protégé of Zatanna, and a member of her Sentinels of Magic. Additionally, he can perform magic by speaking his intent in a combination of Latin, Ancient Greek, and Arabic.^[84] Over the course of his time as a Sentinel, he and his peers are tested as and would later become Doctor Fate as part of a rotational agreement between Nabu and Zatanna.^[85]
• Khalid Nassour appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.

• Zachary, Brandon (26 September 2019). "Khalid Nassour: What Happened to DC's Last Doctor Fate?". CBR. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
• Harth, David (16 August 2022). "10 B-List DC Heroes Who Deserve Better". CBR. Retrieved 11 November 2023

• Doctor Fate at the DC Database