Where Was Dr. Fate During the Apokolips War?
In the vast tapestry of the DC universe, the enigmatic character known as Dr. Fate has been a prominent figure, bringing mystical prowess and wisdom to the field of justice. However, during the pivotal event known as the Apokolips War, the question arises: Where was he when the battles unfolded?
Doctor Fate in the DC Universe
Doctor Fate, whose real name is Kent Nelson, assumes the mantle of the heroic wizard Nabu. He is a prominent member of the Justice League and has often found himself in significant roles, particularly in matters involving magic and mysticism. During the Apokolips War, a massive conflict between Earth and the Dark God, Darkseid, one might expect his presence to be as formidable as his magical prowess.
The Apokolips War
The Apokolips War was a significant event in the DC Comics universe, a dark and destructive conflict that saw the forces of Apokolips, led by Darkseid, invade Earth. The war featured a variety of heroes from different Earths, including the iconic Justice League, Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. In the animated film Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020), the role of Doctor Fate is notably absent, further raising questions about his whereabouts.
Doctor Fate in the Animated Series
During Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, no mention of Doctor Fate is made. This omission leads to speculation about his involvement in the conflict. In animated films, such exclusions can be intentional, reflecting the creators' narrative choices or simply the constraints of the project's scope.
Doctor Fate in the Comics
In the comics, Doctor Fate's role during the Apokolips War is equally elusive. The character's last known appearance was in Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay (2018), where it is revealed that he is a woman. Prior to this, his activities were more focused on Earth-2, a parallel universe with its own unique continuity. In Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay, a brief mention is made that Nabu chose a female successor, setting the stage for a potential new Dr. Fate.
Earth-2 and the Apokolips War
During the Earth 2 series (2012-2015), the Helmet of Fate (Kent Nelson) was introduced, but he was not present during the Apokolips War. This series, set in a different continuity from the Prime Earth universe (Earth-0), depicted a different Dr. Fate who came to Earth-2 after the New 52 reboot. The absence of a Doctor Fate during the Apokolips War can be attributed to the fact that he was on Earth-2, where the events of the Apokolips War did not directly affect or involve the characters.
Doctor Fate's Past
In the animated series, there is an interesting subplot involving Steel Maxum, another mystical figure who had his powers taken from him by Scandal Savage and Knockout. This scenario raises the question of whether Doctor Fate could have taken a similar fate, but there is no evidence to support this. Instead, the female Doctor Fate from the comics might have chosen not to be part of the Apokolips War, prioritizing other missions or maintaining a low profile.
Conclusion
The absence of Dr. Fate during the Apokolips War in both the animated films and comics suggests a strategic choice by the creators. Whether it is due to narrative convenience or thematic consistency, the lack of a Doctor Fate figure in the conflict drama leads to intriguing questions about his involvement and character development. As the DC universe continues to evolve, perhaps the future will reveal the true story of where Dr. Fate was during the Apokolips War.