Wikipedia

Doctor Fate (Khalid Nassour)

Dr. Khalid Nassour (Arabic: نصّور خالد) is a superhero featured in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Levitz and artist Sonny Liew, the character first appeared in Aquaman: Convergence #2 (July, 2015). Being the eighth character to have adopted the Doctor Fate codename, the character was created as a reimagining of the original version with inspiration drawn from other heroes such as Spider-Man and Doctor Strange. Unlike prior versions within the main continuity, the character has profound ties to the Egyptian aspect of the character[2] and is first Muslim[3] character in DC Comics to headline a solo series.[4]

Khalid Nassour
Doctor Fate
Khalid Nassour's design as Doctor Fate. Art by Álvaro Martínez Bueno.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceConvergence: Aquaman #2 (July, 2015)
Created byPaul Levitz
Sonny Liew
In-story information
Alter egoKhalid Kent Nassour[1]
SpeciesHuman (comics)
Homo Magi (select media)
Place of originBrooklyn, New York
Team affiliationsJustice League
Justice League Dark
Justice Society of America
Lords of Order
PartnershipsStitch
Doctor Fate (Kent Nelson)
Salem the Witch Girl
Patrons: Nabu, Bastet, Hauhet
JLD Partners: Man-Bat (Kirk Langstrom, Zatanna
Notable aliasesFate, Young Fate, Son of Pharaohs, Khalid Nelson, Kent
Abilities
  • Immortality
  • Mastery in magic, spell-casting, and knowledgeable in the supernatural; mystic artifacts (Helmet of Fate, Cloak of Destiny, Amulet of Anubis) bolsters and grants various additional magical powers, including fourth wall awareness
  • Skilled physician and hand-to-hand combatant

The character made his initial debut as a Brooklyn born-college graduate of Egyptian and White American heritage. While aspiring to become a physician, Khalid is chosen by ancient Egyptian deities and archangels to be the next bearer of the Helmet of Fate, making him the latest incarnation of Doctor Fate. As Doctor Fate, a legacy hero tasked with safeguarding the universe against supernatural menaces as one of DC Universe's foremost magical practitioners, he is supported by Nabu[1] and later mentored by the original Doctor Fate, Kent Nelson, who is revealed to be his great-uncle.[5] Since his debut in 2015, the character has been featured in various titles such as his Doctor Fate title and a reoccurring supporting character within the Justice League Dark and Justice Society of America, playing a pivotal role in several storylines. Overtime, the character later is depicted as a medical school graduate supported by the enigmatic Hauhet in place of Nabu, whose disappearance alongside her agenda remains a mystery.[6]

Reactions to the character has were generally mixed to positive. Some expressed the character to be a positive step towards representation in comics[4] and believed the incorporation of an Egyptian-born character to make sense.[7] Others expressed concerns of the character's age diminishing the original version's struggles[8] and the character invoking much of Egypt's past instead of modern history as well as his ultimate role in storylines.[9] Currently, he is the second longest-running incarnation of Doctor Fate to be published continuously.

Thus far, the character has made few appearances in media. He would make his first media appearance in the animated series Young Justice, voiced by Usman Ally. He would also appear as a DLC summon character in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.

Publication history

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After the conclusion of the Convergence limited series in June 2015 and the start of the "DC You" line, DC launched a new Doctor Fate ongoing series, written by Paul Levitz and drawn by Sonny Liew. The title focused on the newest Doctor Fate, an Egyptian-American medical student named Khalid Nassour. According to Levitz, Dan Didio and Jim Lee wanted a different feel from the original incarnation when Gardner Fox created him during the Golden Age of Comic Books. Levitz said the Egyptian connection of the original is what fascinated him the most.

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]

The series ran for 18 issues from June 2015 to November 2016.[10] In the series, Khalid's origin story revolves around him coming to terms with his destiny to oppose the dark god Anubis, having been chosen by the Egyptian gods (Bastet notably) and Nabu himself as the next sorcerer in line to bear the mantle "Doctor Fate". Thrusted into conflict with Anubis, Khalid eventually embraces his destiny and pharaonic ancestry, defeating Anubis in the process and becoming the new Doctor Fate.[1] The series also featured stories involving Khalid using his powers to defusing riots at the United Nations while balancing his life as a medical student. It is also revealed his mother, Elizabeth Nassour, to be the niece of Kent Nelson, who he becomes an apprentice under.[5][11]

In 2018, DC launched a second Justice League Dark series written by James Tynion IV starring a new roster led by Wonder Woman. In this roster, Khalid was revealed to be an eventual new member of the Justice League as the lead Doctor Fate instead of Kent Nelson. The character also was redesigned with a new Doctor Fate costume.[12]

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.[13] Khalid would also appear in several title crossovers such as Superman, Teen Titans Academy, and The Flash.

In late-2022, it was revealed that Khalid was slated to appear in the upcoming Justice of Society of America relaunch title, with Geoff Johns stating his role will include the exploration of the Doctor Fate as a legacy character while Khalid's story and role will act as a continuation of Ram V's Justice League Dark.[14]

Fictional character biography

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Origin

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In the character's origin story "Blood Price", Khalid Nassour is a twenty-two year[15] 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. Although the victory marks the beginning of his journey as Doctor Fate, Nassour must now balance his sorcerous duties with his normal life.[1]

Early adventures and apprenticeship

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In subsequent storylines, Nassour balances his new lifestyle as Doctor Fate and his education as a medical student, struggling due to his limited supernatrual knowledge and the confusing guidance of Nabu. Nassour first battles a Egyptian general who resorts to necromancy to climb power. When his actions causes global protests and his usage of magic to create riots endangers childhood friend Akila, he faces the general, ghostly warriors, and the resurrected spirit of Julius Ceasear. Khalid also learns of his great uncle Kent Nelson, who reveals himself as the previous Doctor Fate.[5] Nassour is mentored by the older sorcerer but the pair finds themselves battling an afreet and Osiris, seeking vengeance for Anubis's defeat. With the intervention of Bastet and the archangels, Nassour's supposed crimes are cleared. he young sorcerer also battles the entity Clothorus, whose actions in manipulating the fates of others places Akila in danger once more.[11]

In 2018, following the release of the second Justice League Dark comic book series featuring a new incarnation of the team led by Wonder Woman, Nassour plays a pivotal role. It is revealed the character has continued apprenticeship under Nelson, whom is the main Doctor Fate while he mentors the character to officially succeed him. He is first revealed to be sealed in a vase by Nabu, who manages to warn the team about Nabu hijacking his body before being ensnared once more.[16] 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 race 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.[16]

The All-New Doctor Fate

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Khalid Nassour's redesign as Doctor Fate depicted in Batman vs. Robin #3 (February 2023). Art by Simone Di Meo.

During the "Witching War" storyline, the sorceress supervillain Circe founds the Injustice League Dark, the antithesis of the group, and strikes at the team with her newfound power, possessing the total power of the goddess Hecate, revealed to be a progenitor of magic in the DC Universe. When her surprise attack deals a powerful blow to the team, Khalid makes a deal with Nabu and officially succeeds Kent as Doctor Fate and plays a critical role in defeating Circe and her team. In the aftermath, Khalid becomes a full member of the team and first helps bring balance to the parliaments that govern the elemental forces in the DC Universe.[17] He also plays a pivotal role in the effort against Upside-Down Man when Nelson leaves the team and although Nassour is rendered unconscious in battle, Nabu has Nelson takes his place, who sacrifices himself to deal a decisive blow although Zatanna ultimately defeats him. The sacrifice, however, left the helm depleted of power.[18]

During the Infinite Fontier in 2021-2022, Nassour acts a member of the Justice League and Justice League Dark, teaming up with superheroes such as the Flash[19] and Superman, serving as the latter's therapist following his public identity being outed,[20] while acting in a secondary leadership role for the Justice League Dark.[20][19] The character is also revealed to have taken in Stitch, a non-binary effiy ragdoll, as his apprentice and sent them to Teen Titans Academy to learn the values of heroism.[19]

In Bendis's run on the Justice League, Nassour and both branches of the Justice League team up to battle Xanadoth, the Lord of Chaos foe whom he faced alongside Superman earlier as she sets her sights on usurping Black Adam's body and power as he new vessel.[21] Concurrently, Ram V's backup Justice League Dark pits the Dark team against Merlin, corrupted by Yuga Khan. With Langstorm's help, he manages to restore power into the damaged helm but learns a new spirit inhabits the helm and receives an alarming premonition. He helps the team combat Merlin in Atlantis, who revives the sorcerer Arion, and reveals his plans to control magic on Earth. In the aftermath, the new spirit within the helm is revealed by Wonder Woman to be Hauhet and Mister E both exposes Merlin's corruption and a way to defeat him for a price.[22] Nasoour also appears in the "Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths" crossover, where he joins the Justice Society and helps in efforts to defeat Pariah and the Great Darkness.[23][24]

In 2023 during the Dawn of DC period, Nassour is mentioned in both the prelude, main event of the Lazarus Planet crossover, and appears in the spin-off. Batman asserted he was defeated by Nezha in order for the villain to gain the helm, explaining his disappearance when notced by other heroes. Dreamer Dreamer discovers he is trapped in a dream-like state after being enlisted by Batman to help track him down.[25][26] He also makes appearances in Geoff John's 2023 Justice Society of America series, where Nassour helps the team and future Helena Wayne fight against Per Degaton's attempt to erase them from existence with the help of JSA members across time while a past Nelson reconciles the various alterations in his lifetime from Degaton.[27] 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.[28] However, Khalid's appearances in other titles[29][30] and in the series suggest a tenure longer than four years, as he is depicted as a first-year resident physician.[30] Nassour also meets Salem the Witch Girl, Nelson's arrogant sidekick whose erasure from time elminated his mentor's memories of her. 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.[31][32]

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.[33][34]

Characterization

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Khalid Nassour

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Khalid Nassour unmasked as seen in Justice League Dark (2018) #27. Art by Amancay Nahuelpan.

Doctor Fate's secret identity is Khalid Nassour, a Muslim Egyptian-American who is initially introduced as a medical student early in the character's publication history.[35][1] Within the solo series featuring the aforementioned incarnation, the character is also revealed to have been a former emergency medical technician (EMT) and a college graduate prior to the first issue and has an explicit interest in the medical field.[1] As a newly chosen Doctor Fate, the character grapples with both the immense power of the helm, striking a balance between his dual life as a sorcerous superhero, and coming 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]

Later depictions evolved the character into a more seasoned hero shouldering the overwhelming responsibilities of Doctor Fate, serving as a mystic consultant, a protector against evil, and uses his medical expertise to assist others[20][36] while assisted by Stitch, a non-binary animated ragdoll character who serves as his sidekick and surrogate child.[37] Nassour's character is a reoccurring member of the Justice League and Justice League Dark, serving as a premier hero comparable to Zatanna[21] and is sometimes portrayed a leadership position, especially in the absence of Zatanna and Wonder Woman.[19][22][38] He also shares dual affiliation with the Justice Society of America.[39]

Characteristics

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When designing the character, 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. 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 character was depicted as a medical student, distinguishing him from traditional college-aged superheroes.[2][15]

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."[40]

Design

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Khalid Nassour's designs throughout his publication history. The first two images depict the character's distinctive and consistent design exclusive to the character. The remaining images showcase the character's design shared with the Kent Nelson version.

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.[41][42][43]

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.[17]

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.[42][41]

Age

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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][15] 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 twentry-three, the character's recognition as a first-year resident physician in the same series[6], his appearances in other tites[17][20], and the advancement of certain charcacter whom he debuted older than but interacted in later instances with their own progression 0(Dick Grayson and Raven)[44], implies the character to be older.

Powers, abilities, and resources

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Khalid possesses magical powers that are derived from his royal pharaonic lineage.[35][45] These powers enable him to perform magic through commands and spell-casting, which are influenced by Egyptian traditions as well as the practices of the legendary wizard Merlin. In addition, Khalid has supernatural senses that allow him to perceive souls in the form of a ba and anticipate the impending death of others, complimenting his role as Doctor Fate.[11][17] Under the guidance of Kent and Nabu, Khalid's knowledge of magic was significantly advanced.[18] The character is also immortal.[45]

In addition to his magical powers, Khalid has undergone extensive training as an emergency medical technician and holds a doctorate degree from Weill Cornell Medicine. He graduated with top honors from Brooklyn College, specializing in organic chemistry. Moreover, Khalid has acquired proficiency in hand-to-hand combat.[19][46]

Mystical artifacts and resources

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As Doctor Fate, Khalid possesses powers similar to those of Kent Nelson's incarnation. With the assistance of magical artifacts, Khalid instead wields element-controlling powers[35] and is potentially capable of performing virtually any mystical feat as an incarnation of Doctor Fate.[47] The artifacts also serve a dual purpose, enhancing his magical powers while also serving as protective measures.[48]

Nassour chiefly dons the Helmet of Fate, a powerful magical artifact that bestows him with god-like magical energies and powers. In contrast to other versions, he draws his connections to ancient Egyptian deities (particularly from Thoth) and possesses the ability to control elements as well as drawing magical energy from elemental forces. The helm grants him a host of magical abilities, including healing, flight, intangibility, the projection of energy blasts, and enhances his awareness and senses.[35][1] When the Helmet of Fate is inhabited by the spirit of Hauhet, Nassour gains the ability to see into the future[45] and possesses heightened awareness that enables him to break the fourth wall.[49] Khalid also possesses the Amulet of Anubis, offering protections against psychic, astral-probing, and mind control. It also grants him necromancy, contains a pocket universe, enhance his magical power, and can discharge powerful beams of magical energies.[50]

Nassour also possess various other artifacts. The Staff of Power, an extraordinary artifact gifted to him by Thoth, the Egyptian deity. This staff grants Khalid the ability to control and project potent magical energy. It is powered by Khalid's own blood, a result of his pharaonic lineage. With the staff, Khalid can confront and defeat divine beings.[1][35] The Eternity Book was crafted by the legendary sorcerer Merlin and is known to contain vast reserves of magical energy. In addition to its magical properties, the book serves as a comprehensive record of the history of the DC Universe, chronicling various events, beings, and realms within its pages. Additionally, Khalid also has access to the Tower of Fate, the traditional base of operations for the Doctor Fate lineage. Serving as a nexus for magic on Earth, the Tower of Fate is unique in that it lacks physical doors and can typically only be accessed through magic. Although the tower has been breached on multiple occasions, Khalid eventually establishes formidable wards capable of repelling powerful magic users like Zatanna, alien energies, and overwhelming strength originating from powerful entities such as Kryptonians.[51] The tower also houses a collection of assorted mystical artifacts.[52]

Weaknesses

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While a formidable version of Doctor Fate, Nassour was once stated to be less powerful compared to previous versions before the New 52 reboot prior to his training.[53] 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.[47] As a cost for using the helm to see into the future, Khalid suffers a partial loss of his sight, resulting in impaired vision.[22]

Supporting characters

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In the original Doctor Fate 2015 series features a small cast of characters whom have an influence on Khalid's personal life and his activities as a superhero:

  • Mohammed Nassour - Khalid's Islamic and Egyptian father and former physician turned taxi driver, was born and raised in Egypt before moving to America after marrying his American wife and archaeologist. His father is aware of his endeavors as Doctor Fate, has knowledge of their family history, and supports his son in both his personal and superhero life as he yearns for him to be a physician, an opportunity Mohammed no longer has due to moving to the United States.[1][11]
  • Elizabeth Nassour (née Nelson) - Khalid's mother and Mohammed's wife. Like her uncle, Elizabeth became a well-known archaeologist. While initially unaware, she later learns of her son's double life and supports him.[1][11]
  • Kent Nelson: Khalid's grand uncle, mentor, and the original Doctor Fate. Nelson is also characterized as a strict and stern mentor, encouraging him to fix his own mistakes regardless of how he feels. Overtime, the two develop a deep familial bond.[1]
  • Lords of Order and Egyptian deities: Khalid's connection as Doctor Fate and patronage are facilitated by the deities of Egypt, whom appear to possess some connection with the Lords of Order enough for him to be recognized as an agent. Unlike prior versions, the Egyptian deities hold more precedent over him than others like Nabu.[35]
    • Nabu: The spirit inhabiting the Helm of Fate. Nabu is initially characterized as vague and cryptic in his teaching. Later characterizations in other titles depicts Nabu as a stern and abrasive mentor who is fond of Khalid though their relationship becomes strained for a time until he embraces him once more, ceding control of his power to Khalid unlike the previous Doctor Fate.[1][17]
    • Bastet: The fictional depiction of goddess Bastet, she often also serves as a figure of guidance, having chosen him to bear the mantle of Doctor Fate. While she initially questions her decisions in choosing him, she later comes to accept and deems Khalid worthy.[1] Bastet also protects Khalid's personal life by intervening with her godly influences.[5]
  • Archangels: Khalid is also supported by archangels whom are sometimes disguised as humans, advising both in his personal life and his work as Doctor Fate. The angels work in tandem with the Egyptian pantheon, both angels and deities alike answering to the DC Comics' depiction of Allah, the character known as the Pressence.[1][11]

Outside the Doctor Fate series, Khalid also has a few allies:

  • Kirk Langstom: Kirk was Khalid's partner during in the Justice League Dark, serving as an assistant as he sought to understand magic from a scientist's point-of-view and rehabilitation.[54]
  • Stitch: A non-binary animated ragdoll that is his apprentice and views Khalid as their father. Stitch was also a student within Titans Academy.[42]
  • Salem the Witch Girl: Chronologically the first apprentice of Kent Nelson, she was removed from time but later brought into the modern era. Salem would have a turbulent relationship with Khalid, viewing him as usurper for the Doctor Fate mantle she believed to be hers. Due to her hostility with would place her into the care of the Justice Society within his place on the team until she was ready to reconcile with him.[55]

Love interests

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  • Shaya Halim: Shaya was Khalid's girlfriend and chief love interest in his 2015 Doctor Fate series. A fellow aspiring physician, the pair had plans for a future together upon graduation from medical school.[5]
  • Akila: Khalid's childhood best friend and activist who seeks to encourage him towards it, unaware of his dual life. While Khalid shares feelings for her and Akila expressed interest in him, their relationship remains platonic.[5]
  • Power Girl: In The New Golden Age storyline, it was mentioned the pair shared a close history in the future, hinting a significant (possibly romantic) connection between the two coming up in the present.[56]

Enemies

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Khalid has several adversaries of his own:

  • Anubis: A fictional depiction of the god of the same name, Anubis was Khalid's first adversary and most significant enemy who sought to elevate his divine station. He targets the Nassour family due to their bloodline and relation to the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, whose status as chosen priests of Atum makes them able to invoke influence over him.[1]
  • The General: An unnamed Egyptian general and necromancer who revived the spirit of Julius Caesar using the dagger that killed him to compel him to do his bidding. Using Caesar and ghostly minions, he maintained power and used the spiritual forces against those whom protested his rule. Eventually, he is defeated by Khalid after he frees Julius from his control.[5]
    • Julius Caesar - The fictional depiction of the Roman emperor of the same name; this version is a powerful spirit due to being declared a deity after his death, such an act empowering him in his afterlife. He comes into conflict with Khalid when his summoner, an unnamed Egyptian General who pilfers artifacts and practices magic, uses him and his powers to summon ancient spirits of fallen soldiers to quell protests. Khalid frees him from the General's control, allowing him to return to the afterlife.[5]
  • Clothorus: An ancient entity capable of controlling the destinies of others through both her powers and her minions, the Dreamspinners. She comes into conflict with Khalid when she targets his childhood best friend, Akila.[11]
  • Xanadoth: A powerful Lord of Chaos and their former leader, she sought Khalid due to being the latest Doctor Fate possessing the Helm of Fate in her quest to drain the powers of the Lords of Order, fellow Lords of Chaos, and the Lords of Eternal Balance to establish her own brand of chaos.[20]

Other versions

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  • 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 demon's abilities to perceive time differently.[57] 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 rehabilited 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.[58][6]

Reception

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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.[59]

Criticisms

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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.[60]

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.[15]

Critical response

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  • CBR included Khalid Nassour in their list of the "10 Most Powerful Golden Age DC Legacy Heroes".[61]
  • Gizmodo featured Khalid Nassour's comic and Young Justice versions in an article highlighting other Muslim heroes.[62]
  • Egyptian Streets featured the Khalid Nassour version of Doctor Fate in a list of Egyptian comic book superheroes.[63]
  • Motivate Media Group's Whats On highlights Khalid Nassour's Doctor Fate in a list of Arab superheroes.[64]
  • David Harth of CBR included Khalid Nassour in "10 B-List DC Heroes Who Deserve Better".[65]

In other media

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Collections

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Title Material collected Publication date ISBN Ref
Doctor Fate Vol. 1: The Blood Price collects Doctor Fate (vol. 4) #1-7, and material from DC Sneak Peek: Doctor Fate #1 October 3, 2017 978-1401261214 [69]
Doctor Fate Vol. 2: Prisoners of the Past collects Doctor Fate (vol. 4) #8-12 June 26, 2018 978-1401264925 [70]
Doctor Fate Vol. 3: Fateful Threads collects Doctor Fate (vol. 4) #13-18 June 26, 2018 978-1401272418 [71]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Levitz, Paul (2016). Blood price. Sonny Liew, Lee Loughridge, Nick Napolitano, Steve Wands. Burbank, CA. ISBN 978-1-4012-6121-4. OCLC 933580456.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  2. ^ a b c d e "Levitz Channels Ditko for June's New, Unusual Dr. Fate". Newsarama. 2015-04-16. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2015-05-04.
  3. ^ Jaffe, Alex (April 27, 2020). "10 Muslim DC Heroes to Commemorate Ramadan". Archived from the original on September 22, 2021. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d Plummer, Jessica (19 March 2020). "Give This Hero a Comic Book: Khalid Nassour (Doctor Fate)". Book Riot. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
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