The realm of comic book superheroes is ever-evolving, constantly reimagining classic characters for new audiences. Among these enduring figures is Doctor Fate, a mystical powerhouse whose history is as rich and complex as the arcane forces he commands. But in a landscape saturated with caped crusaders, what makes the Fate Doctor stand out, and why should readers, both veterans and newcomers, take notice?
This question is particularly relevant when considering the 2015 reimagining of Doctor Fate, spearheaded by the seasoned comic book writer Paul Levitz and artist Sonny Liew. This iteration boldly steps away from the traditional Kent Nelson persona, introducing Khalid Nassour, a young Egyptian-American medical student from Brooklyn, as the new bearer of the Helmet of Nabu. This shift wasn’t a mere cosmetic change; it was a fundamental reimagining of the Fate Doctor for a contemporary world.
In a playful nod to Doctor Fate’s sometimes-tenuous solo series history, the song “Arthur Curry” by Ookla the Mok includes the line, “My comic book’s been cancelled more than Doctor Fate,” sung by Aquaman. This self-aware humor highlights a long-standing challenge: how to make Doctor Fate consistently resonate with readers. While Aquaman eventually found renewed success by returning to his core essence, Doctor Fate’s reinvention took a different path – a complete transformation.
Golden Age Doctor Fate comic book collection cover
Levitz’s approach was to delve into the Egyptian roots inherent in the character’s mythology. While the Golden Age version of Doctor Fate hinted at these mystical connections, this new series plunged headfirst into them. Khalid Nassour’s background isn’t just a superficial detail; it’s integral to the narrative, weaving in Egyptian mythology, history, and even the contemporary experiences of Egyptian immigrants in New York City.
This bold creative direction, however, met with a mixed reception. Critics lauded the fresh perspective and nuanced storytelling, but sales figures didn’t immediately reflect this critical acclaim. This disparity underscores a recurring challenge in the comic book industry: innovative and daring titles don’t always find immediate commercial success, even when they offer a richer reading experience.
The 2015 Doctor Fate series, under Levitz’s writing and Liew’s distinctive art, was precisely this type of daring venture. It offered readers something beyond the typical superhero fare. It was smart, grounded in a tangible sense of place – Brooklyn – and deeply humanistic, even as it explored ancient magic and cosmic forces. Levitz’s writing, combined with Liew’s unique artistic style, previously showcased in “The Shadow Hero,” created a compelling and visually striking book.
To gain further insight into the creative process behind this reimagined Fate Doctor, an interview with Paul Levitz was conducted, exploring the nuances of this modern take on a classic character.
Dan Greenfield: Reboots in comics can be a double-edged sword. Sometimes they stray too far from the source material, feeling like entirely different characters, while others simply retread old ground. Your approach with Doctor Fate seems to strike a balance. Drawing on your extensive knowledge of DC history, what was your guiding philosophy in developing this new Fate Doctor?
Paul Levitz: For me, the Egyptian connection was paramount. When Doctor Fate was originally conceived, Egypt held an aura of mystery for American audiences. Today, we have a much greater awareness of Egypt’s historical significance and its contemporary presence, even if Egyptian mythology remains less familiar to many. I wanted to tap into these rich veins and fully explore them within the context of Doctor Fate.
Dan: One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its strong sense of place, specifically Brooklyn. As someone with deep New York roots, how much did your personal experience inform the portrayal of the city in Doctor Fate?
Paul: I definitely drew from the ‘write what you know’ principle. I started with locations intimately familiar to me – childhood hours spent in the Brooklyn Museum, adult visits to the Temple of Dendur exhibit at the Met, and living in Brooklyn for decades, including recent trips back to Bay Ridge, which now boasts the largest Egyptian immigrant community in New York. Even the hospital depicted in the series is my birthplace, and my daughter was born in a hospital affiliated with the med school Khalid attends. While the story will inevitably venture into unfamiliar territories, including the Egyptian afterlife in later issues, I aimed to ground the initial narrative in authentic, recognizable locations.
Sales figures for Doctor Fate haven’t been exceptional. How do you grapple with that reality while working on the book month after month?
Sales are decent, especially considering the challenges of launching new titles in today’s market. I’m optimistic that positive word-of-mouth and the numerous favorable reviews will help readership grow. I’m also actively promoting the book on social media, although Sonny is far more engaged on those platforms than I am.
To me, it feels incredibly relevant and meaningful that Doctor Fate, or rather Khalid, is portrayed as a Muslim hero. However, this perspective isn’t universally shared. Do you believe this aspect has impacted the book’s sales?
Is he explicitly Muslim? He is the son of an Egyptian father and an American mother, and his religious identity is something that unfolds gradually. Issue #4 delves deeper into his perspective on his religious heritage. The immigrant experience often involves complex negotiations with religious identity, and we explore where Khalid’s journey takes him.
Shifting to a more visual element, Doctor Fate boasts one of the most iconic costumes from the Golden Age – a striking combination of bold colors and a powerful, simple design. Khalid’s initial look incorporates a hoodie. Will he eventually embrace a more traditional Fate costume, and whose idea was the hoodie?
Khalid’s Fate look will evolve as he becomes more comfortable in the role. The initial hoodie look was Sonny’s concept, and I think it’s a very effective visual representation of Khalid’s initial reluctance and his grounding in the contemporary world.
Could you describe your collaborative process with Sonny Liew?
I write full scripts, but I actively encourage Sonny, who is a fantastic writer himself as well as a brilliant artist, to contribute adjustments and suggestions. His pacing tweaks have often enriched the storytelling, and we maintain an ongoing dialogue about what resonates and what doesn’t in our respective contributions. Mostly, I’m consistently delighted when I see the finished pages.
What message would you like to convey to readers who haven’t yet picked up Doctor Fate?
Come and experience a very human hero navigating extraordinary circumstances. Explore a mythology that, while interwoven with the broader DC Universe, offers a unique and distinct flavor. You don’t need any prior knowledge of Doctor Fate or other DC titles to enjoy this series. Give it a try, and let us know what you think – whether you love it or hate it. And thank you.
Conclusion:
The reimagined Fate Doctor, Khalid Nassour, offers a compelling entry point into the mystical side of the DC Universe. Paul Levitz and Sonny Liew have crafted a series that is both respectful of Doctor Fate’s legacy and boldly innovative, making it a worthwhile read for anyone seeking a superhero story that transcends the typical tropes. It’s a book that deserves a wider audience, inviting readers to delve into a world where ancient magic collides with modern Brooklyn, and a young hero grapples with a destiny he never anticipated.
