Doctor Fate (Khalid Nassour)

Creation and development 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: 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. and ran until its cancellation in November 2016, 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. and first appeared in the second issue of the series in August 2018. 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 Ram V featuring a new storyline with Khalid remaining a reoccurring member of the Justice League Dark subdivision. The character also made notable appearances in several title crossovers and Bendis's run on the Justice League title. In late 2022, Nassour was revealed to be among the cast of characters in Geoff Johns' 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. 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. However, Khalid's appearances in other titles and in the series suggest a tenure longer than four years, as he is depicted as a first-year resident physician. 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, whereas past stories imply he is the second succeeding Nelson. In 2024, the character appears in the Absolute Power crossover. 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. Lemiere revealed Nassour as an important character within the series. == Fictional character biography ==

In the character's origin story "Blood Price", Khalid Nassour is a twenty-two year 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. Struggling to balance 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. 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. The All-New Doctor Fate 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. 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. 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 an evil Merlin who seeks to control magic and resurrects Arion, a Lord of Order intimately connected to a nearly uncontrollable source of magic. He also helps various heroes (Flash, 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. Shortly afterward, following the seeming death of the Justice League's core members, he joins the Justice Society and helps in efforts to defeat Pariah and the Great Darkness. Khalid later appears in Geoff John's 2022 Justice Society of America series as a major character, although his history differed since his appearances in prior titles due to the series' assertion that becoming Doctor Fate takes place one year prior to the series despite having been implied in his title to have been Doctor Fate since 2015 and his graduation to a physician implying a longer period of time passing since becoming Doctor Fate. 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. In the 2024 JSA series, Nassour is a featured character although his history within the series deviates from prior appearances once again, instead casting him twenty-one in age and regarding him as a youthful and inexperience incarnation of Doctor Fate despite retaining history from prior runs and appearances. In "Infinity, Inc. vs the Justice Society of America", Nassour and other members battle a newly formed Injustice Society led by Wotan and Johnny Sorrow while trapped in Hell inside the Tower of Fate as they target the Helmet of Fate, having already stolen Ted Knight's technology and seeks the artifact and the Staff of Destiny. Although the situations pushes Nassour to the brink, he is notable supported by his new mentor, Wildcat. Unknown to them, the mysterious disappearance of the roster, alongside Sorrow's impersonation of Obsidian and mysterious condition inflicted on Jakeem Thunder, has caused friction in the remaining JSA members, former members of Infinity, Inc. Despite their defense, the Injustice Society prevails in acquiring the helm, with Wildcat killed in the process and separates Hawkman and Hawkgirl from the group. Nassour also makes a cameo appearance in 2025 New History of the DC Universe series, which revises his history slightly by making him the fourth incarnation of Doctor Fate (retroactively omitting certain past incarnations) and his origin story (Blood Price) being taken place between the "Darkseid War" and "Dark Nights: Metal" storyline. == Characterization ==

Description and themes ''. Art by Amancay Nahuelpan.In the character's debut and early appearances, Khalid Nassour is introduced as a young man older than typical college-aged superheroes to make him more distinguishable. As Doctor Fate, Nassour grapples with both the immense power of the helm and its responsibilities as a defender against evil, striking a balance between his dual life as a superhero, and comes to terms with the implications of his role within his religious beliefs. His prowess has varied; he was first noted in his earlier publication to be less powerful than past versions of Doctor Fate. Other times, he is comparable to the original Doctor Fate and Zatanna, The experience level of the character has been subjected to varying interpretations; writer Ram V described Khalid as "a man in possession of great knowledge and great responsibilities" and the character is revealed to have a sorcerer apprentice. However, Jeff Lemire instead casts the character as inexperienced, still learning the role and notes a level of insecurity, believing both his age and continual learning making him unique among other versions to characterize. Age discrepancies In his debut series, Nassour is stated to be over twenty years old. making the character in at least his mid-twenties. However, despite his graduation, Geoff Johns's 2023 Justice Society of America series' timeline places him in his second year as Doctor Fate, making the character twenty-three. Religious and racial identity During the character's inception, Nassour was made Egyptian-American in order emphasize aspects of Egypt often incorporated to Doctor Fate, with Levitz admitting such a focus with the original Doctor Fate was not possible prior. Within his comic book series, Nassour was characterized as Muslim although his faith was depicted as struggling prior due to competing beliefs from his parents' respective Islam and Methodism and the added existence of the Egyptian deities. The second story arc rationalized both religions as legitimate but leaned towards Islamic beliefs, with one archangel supporting Khalid suggesting the Egyptian deities as either jinns or angels whom have stylized themselves as gods and work similar to their mythological counterparts but also work in tandem to DC's depiction to Allah. In some storylines, the visual system has also been accompanied by Egyptian hieroglyphs, Nassour's costume design As Doctor Fate, the character has been depicted wearing distinctive costumes. In his debut title, the character initially wore contemporary clothing comprising a blue hoodie and jeans while donning the Helmet of Fate and Amulet of Thoth. While the original intent was for the character to gradually acquire pieces of the original Doctor Fate costume, positive reception of the contemporary design led to an editorial decision to maintain the appearance. From the Justice League Dark series forward, he received a revised costume which depicts Nassour in a dark blue coverall scrub combined with a golden/yellow belt and loin cloth, a golden cape secured by the Amulet of Anubis, and golden/white-colored sneakers. This design is notable for incorporating the classic elements associated with Doctor Fate while blending elements of Egyptian aesthetics with contemporary American attire. A variation of Nelson's design, similar but also unique to Nassour, includes a muscular build with a blue bodysuit, yellow sun-disk belt that extends all around, a golden Usekh collar able to house the amulet, and a yellow cloak connected to it. ==Powers, abilities, and resources==

One of the few incarnations to possess inherent magical abilities due to his pharaoh lineage, Nassour possess various powes such as such as flight, telekinesis, time manipulation,) and his training under Nabu and Kent Nelson has also makes him extensively knowledgeable on supernatural matters, including spells used by Merlin and knowledge of several different languages. Mystical artifacts and resources As an incarnation of Doctor Fate he is empowered by various artifacts that amplifies his magical power and protects him against the inherent risks of magic. The artifacts can also grants incarnations with signficaint mystical power or god-level magical power and knowledge depending on experience. Chiefly wielding the Helmet of Fate, his powers deviate from other incarnations slightly; under both Nabu and Thoth's patronage, he is bestowed elemental controlling powers and magical powers powered by his will and the elements, allowing for powers like intangibility, projecting mystic bolts, flight, and healing. Khalid also possesses the Amulet of Anubis and Cloak of Destiny, a grimoire containing Merlin's most powerful spells and is considered among the most powerful items in the DC Universe. == Supporting cast ==

Within his 2015 Doctor Fate series, his supporting cast consisted of; Muhammed and Elizabeth Nassour (née Nelson), Nassour's parents aware of his dual life whom are of respectively an Egyptian Muslim and Christian archaeologist. The family cat, Puck, is a vessel for the goddess Bastet, whom supports Nassour. Kent Nelson, his maternal granduncle, is his mentor. Nassour's childhood best friend is Akila, who often encourages him towards activism unaware of his heroic and has unrequited feelings for him. Fellow aspiring physician Shaya Halim served as the character's love interest. Thoth and various arch-angels also covertly support Nassour (the former the power behind his patronage in the series) while following the edicts of DC Comics' depiction of Allah, the character known as the Presence. The Egyptian deities within the series are contextualized as angels believing themselves deities. Enemies Having several re-occurring adversaries, Anubis served as a chief antagonist and first adversary due to the Nassour's bloodline aligning with the pharaohs, able to invoke influence over him.'''''' While usually an ally and confidante who favors him, Nabu as also served in antagonistic roles. Nassour is also enemies with Wotan, a shared arch-rival of the original Doctor Fate and Nabu. In team settings, he frequently encounters Eclipso and was enemies with a rogue Merlin. == Other versions ==

• Khalid Nassour as Doctor Fate makes a cameo appearance in the DC Black Label series Batman: Full Moon. • A teenaged version of Khalid appears in ''DC's Misfits of Magic'' named Kid Fate. • Several future version of the character has made appearances: • 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 defeating Etrigan, reminding him of the demon's abilities to perceive time differently. In his debut storyline "The Tower of Fate", it is revealed that two years prior, Khalid and Kendra Saunders-Munoz were sent to uncover the Tomb of Nabu, the dwelling of a powerful mage, by the World Army, the ordeal in which gave Kendra her wings and revealed Khalid as being Nabu's chosen vessel. Instead of accepting its power, Khalid sent the helmaway with the remnant of power he gained after bearing the Helm for a brief time. Hesitant on accepting himself as Nabu's vessel since, he is later coerced when Wotan kidnaps him, Flash (Jay Garrick), and Jay's mother to force Khalid to retrieve the helm within the Tower of Fate, which cannot be accessed by anyone else other than himself and those in his proximity. Inspired by Flash's heroism and bravery, he chooses to become Nabu's agent of order and chaos, christening himself "Doctor Fate". He battles Wotan and eventually prevails with the help of Nabu's deceased spirit and using his knowledge of Egyptian deities to banish Wotan. Later, Doctor Fate appears as among the many heroes repelling against Darkseid's invasion of Earth 2 although Nabu attempts to abandon him for a new host, only for it to be trapped. Khalid reclaims the helm and reprimands Nabu, stating his intentions to destroy the helm once Darkseid has been defeated. == Reception ==

Positive impact 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. 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. Noah Sharma, for Comicon, praised the character's role and importance in throughout the series and James Tynion IV's use of the character, opining in issue #12 that "Zatanna and Wonder Woman have too much importance to the story to turn away from them now, but it's Khalid that invests you and Khalid who succeeds in infusing the moment with hope and heroism.". In his guest appearances such as the 2018 Superman series, one reviewer noted how Nassour's version is "less omnipotent and foreboding and much more relatable and understanding." She also noted how the dialoague and character's down to earth "makes for a very magnetic personality." Criticisms 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. Critical response • CBR included Khalid Nassour in their list of the "10 Most Powerful Golden Age DC Legacy Heroes". • Gizmodo featured Khalid Nassour's comic and Young Justice versions in an article highlighting other Muslim heroes. • Egyptian Streets featured the Khalid Nassour version of Doctor Fate in a list of Egyptian comic book superheroes. • Motivate Media Group's Whats On highlights Khalid Nassour's Doctor Fate in a list of Arab superheroes. • David Harth of CBR included Khalid Nassour in "10 B-List DC Heroes Who Deserve Better". • Looper ranked Khalid Nassour's "Blood Price" storyline as #1 in "DC's Doctor Fate: The 12 Most Memorable Comic Moments Ranked". ==In other media==

• Khalid Nassour appears in the fourth season of Young Justice, voiced by Usman Ally. 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. 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. • Khalid Nassour appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure. == Collections ==