The latest issue of DC Comics’ Doctor Fate series continues to puzzle readers, picking up with a bizarre sequence involving Bastet, the deity previously inhabiting Khalid’s cat. For reasons unclear, or perhaps simply due to a writer’s backtrack, Bastet is inexplicably back in another black cat, delivering exposition that feels largely redundant. This new feline incarnation of Bastet reiterates information already conveyed before her initial departure, only to then expire once more, expressing a hopeful desire for future reincarnation. This peculiar episode sets a strange tone right from the outset.
Transitioning from this perplexing opening, the narrative shifts to Khalid attempting to embrace his heroic destiny as Doctor Fate. In a moment of proactive heroism, he confronts looters. While his initial foray into crime-fighting is less than successful—prompting a hasty retreat from gunfire—Khalid does eventually manage to subdue the criminals. This small victory, though minor, marks a tentative step towards superheroism, a welcome change of pace for a series that has been slow to showcase Khalid’s capabilities.
Doctor Fate confronts his destiny
The plot thickens as Khalid becomes aware of his father’s peril, threatened by Anubis. Donning the Helmet of Fate, Khalid embarks on a rescue mission. However, in a recurring pattern, his heroic efforts are marred by unintended consequences. Mirroring past failures, such as the tragic plane incident, Khalid’s rescue of his father from a hospital room inadvertently leads to a devastating fire engulfing a section of the hospital. Despite extracting his father to safety, Khalid appears oblivious to the inferno he leaves behind, instead focusing on preventing falling debris. The narrative glosses over the potential casualties, raising questions about Khalid’s awareness and the story’s ethical implications. This oversight feels jarring, especially given Khalid’s prior reflection on avoiding past mistakes.
Doctor Fate in action to save his father
Anubis, displeased by Khalid’s continued defiance, confronts Doctor Fate. In a somewhat contradictory moment, Anubis claims inability to harm Khalid while he wears the Helm of Thoth, despite demonstrating otherwise just moments before. Ignoring this inconsistency, Anubis proposes a trade: the Helm of Thoth in exchange for restoring Khalid’s father’s eyesight. In a move that undermines Khalid’s earlier heroic aspirations, he relinquishes the helmet. Anubis promptly blinds Khalid, a stark consequence of his choice and a grim turning point for the young Doctor Fate.
Anubis confronts Doctor Fate
This issue of Doctor Fate concludes on a bleak note. While the art style, though not universally appealing, might be finding a certain visual consistency, the narrative and character development remain significant weak points. Khalid’s character arc continues to be frustratingly cyclical, oscillating between moments of potential heroism and disappointing regressions. The storyline, up until this issue, feels repetitive and lacks substantial progression. However, the cliffhanger ending, with Khalid blinded, hints at a potential shift in direction for the series, a change that may be necessary to revitalize the narrative.
Overall: 3/10
For dedicated readers of Doctor Fate, this issue offers little beyond a cliffhanger that promises something new. However, the ongoing issues with character portrayal and narrative stagnation persist, making it difficult to find compelling reasons to invest in this series. The potential for Doctor Fate remains untapped, overshadowed by inconsistent storytelling and underdeveloped character motivations.
