Doctor Fate (Kent Nelson)

Dr. Kent Nelson is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Garnder Fox and Howard Sherman, the character first appeared More Fun Comics #55 (May, 1940) during the Golden Age of Comic Books. Serving as the most popular incarnation of Doctor Fate, he is the original character to assume the codename. In certain instances, he is also referred to as the Golden Age Doctor Fate.

The character's origin involves an archaeological expedition with his father, resulting in the accidental awakening of a powerful being named Nabu. After his father's tragic death, Kent Nelson is taken under Nabu's tutelage and trained to become an agent of the Lords of Order. Nabu gifts him various powerful artifacts, notably the Helmet of Fate. As Doctor Fate, Nelson becomes a founding member of the All-Star Squadron and the Justice Society of America, as well as a prominent member of the Justice League International. He is depicted as one of the foremost magical practitioners in the DC Universe. Throughout his life, Nelson faces personal challenges, including discovering Nabu's attempt to possess his body and navigating strained relationships, particularly his marriage to his partner and later wife, Inza Nelson (nee Cramer).

Kent Nelson has been prominently featured in various comic book series published by DC Comics. He has appeared in his own backup features and is typically portrayed as a major supporting character or protagonist in Justice Society of America titles and other Doctor Fate series that explore different versions of the character. Alongside his involvement with popular superhero teams like the Justice League and Justice League Dark, Kent has had significant interactions with other individuals who have assumed the Doctor Fate mantle, most notably his wife, Inza. In the fourth Doctor Fate series, Kent serves as the mentor to Khalid Nassour, who is depicted as his great-nephew and chosen successor. During this time, Kent primarily assumes the role within other titles while preparing Khalid to officially take over. Eventually, Khalid officially becomes Doctor Fate, and Kent meets his demise in the Justice League Dark "A Costly Trick of Magic" storyline. Despite his demise in the main continuity, however, the character often makes posthumous appearances in various comic book titles.

Kent Nelson made his live-action debut in the television series Smallville, portrayed by Brent Stait. He also appears in the DC Extended Universe film Black Adam (2022), portrayed by Pierce Brosnan. The character has also been featured prominently in the DC Animated Universe, voiced by George DelHoyo in the Superman: The Animated Series and Oded Fehr in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited.