Black Adam has the potential to change the status quo. To this point, the DCEU’s focus has been the Justice League. Granted, their cinematic efforts have been rocky at best. The Joss Whedon theatrical cut was abysmal and an epic flop at the box office. It was so poorly received that WarnerMedia nearly axed the entire DCEU, but the successes of Wonder Woman and Aquaman delayed the execution. Then came HBO Max, which gave a platform to the mythical Zack Snyder cut of JL, and suddenly everyone loved the Justice League again.
Since the Snyder Cut, fans have been wondering if there will be more JL action in the future. There have been ample rumors and innuendos, but nothing official has come down the pike. Instead, the Warner executives appear to be shifting their gazes to the Justice Society of America.
As Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice laid the foundation for the Justice League, Black Adam will serve as the JSA’s mainstream introduction. One of the members poised to gain a large following is Doctor Fate, the predecessor and inspiration for Marvel’s Doctor Strange. That should have you on the hunt for these key issues.
MORE FUN COMICS #55
Like so many DC mainstays, the original Doctor Fate, Kent Nelson, hails from the Golden Age. Created in 1940, he first appeared in More Fun Comics #55. All the iconic costume pieces were established here: the Amulet of Anubis, the Helmet of Fate, and the Cloak of Destiny were introduced from the start. The story also gave us Wotan, Fate’s immortal nemesis.
Let’s pretend we all have the budget for this GA beauty. For the low price of $8,500, we can own a graded 1.0. At prices like that, we can’t afford not to buy one.
MORE FUN COMICS #56
Whenever we spotlight characters, it is perfunctory to mention the first cover appearance. After all, those specific keys can often outshine even the first appearances.
In this case, Doctor Fate and his blue and yellow ensemble graced the cover of More Fun Comics #56. Say we spend that same $8k on an MFC #56, we can own as high as an 8.0.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #21
Because of high prices and low availability for Golden Age keys, many collectors have turned to DC’s Silver Age firsts as suitable replacements. In this case, the entire JSA made their SA debut in Justice League of America #21 in 1963.
What makes it even more special for Doctor Fate fans is that he is featured on the cover art. For close to $1k, you can have anything up to a 9.2.
FIRST ISSUE SPECIAL #9
Although he had served in backup tales since the ‘40s, Doctor Fate wouldn’t get his first solo comic until 1975. Even then, it wasn’t his series, but he did star in the First Issue Special #9.
That will make this a popular collectible once Fate lights up the screen. Got $300 in your budget? You can have a pristine 9.8.
DOCTOR FATE #1 (1987)
Pierce Brosnan has been confirmed as playing Kent Nelson in Black Adam. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if another character to wear the helmet is introduced at some point. That would make this 1987 issue a worthy pickup.
In these pages, Eric Strauss assumed the title of Doctor Fate and starred in his own self-titled series. Compared to the other keys on today’s list, it is a steal at $220 for a graded 9.8.
THE FATE OF THE DCEU
It will take time for mainstream audiences to warm up to Doctor Fate. Since Doctor Strange and the MCU are more popular with general moviegoers, many will see Fate as a cheap knockoff, but comic fans know it’s the other way around. Having an actor of Brosnan’s caliber in the role should help matters, and he will undoubtedly charm his way into their hearts. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a Doctor Fate solo movie in the future.
Want more DCEU spec?
BLACK ADAM: THREE EARLY APPEARANCES THAT ARE UNDERVALUED
THE DCEU POTENTIAL OF BLACKEST NIGHT
IS THE DCEU READY FOR A CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS?
