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Doctor Fate (2015)
Doctor Fate, Vol. 2: Prisoners of the Past
RENDER UNTO CAESAR...
Gifted with the power of Nabu, armed with the Helmet of Fate, Egyptian-American medical student Khalid Nassour is getting a crash course in the ways of the world beyond. Unfortunately, our world's a big enough mess as it is.
As Khalid struggles to reconcile everything he thought he knew about life and faith with the angels, demons, gods and monsters facing him at every turn, the people of his ancestral homeland face monsters of their own. So when protests against the police state turn violent outside the Egyptian consulate in New York, it's Khalid's fate to investigate.
What he discovers is a dictatorship much older--and potentially deadlier--than the one the protesters face. The spirit of none other than Julius Caesar himself has risen again, and he's determined to finish what he started and conquer Egypt for good.
Stopping Caesar will take everything the new Doctor Fate knows about space and time, magic and history. And it may bring a former Fate out of retirement in the bargain...
Comics legend Paul Levitz (LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES, JSA) and acclaimed artist Sonny Liew (THE SHADOW HERO, THE ART OF CHARLIE CHAN HOCK CHYE) continue their rollicking reimagining of DC's premiere superhero sorcerer in DOCTOR FATE VOL. 2: PRISONERS OF THE PAST!
Collects issues #8-12.
Gifted with the power of Nabu, armed with the Helmet of Fate, Egyptian-American medical student Khalid Nassour is getting a crash course in the ways of the world beyond. Unfortunately, our world's a big enough mess as it is.
As Khalid struggles to reconcile everything he thought he knew about life and faith with the angels, demons, gods and monsters facing him at every turn, the people of his ancestral homeland face monsters of their own. So when protests against the police state turn violent outside the Egyptian consulate in New York, it's Khalid's fate to investigate.
What he discovers is a dictatorship much older--and potentially deadlier--than the one the protesters face. The spirit of none other than Julius Caesar himself has risen again, and he's determined to finish what he started and conquer Egypt for good.
Stopping Caesar will take everything the new Doctor Fate knows about space and time, magic and history. And it may bring a former Fate out of retirement in the bargain...
Comics legend Paul Levitz (LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES, JSA) and acclaimed artist Sonny Liew (THE SHADOW HERO, THE ART OF CHARLIE CHAN HOCK CHYE) continue their rollicking reimagining of DC's premiere superhero sorcerer in DOCTOR FATE VOL. 2: PRISONERS OF THE PAST!
Collects issues #8-12.
128 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2016
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64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 17, 2022
Khalid continues to grapple with his magic as a protest outside the UN goes terribly wrong. Is there a magical explanation, or is goodwill to all men just reserved for Christmas time?
This second volume of Doctor Fate is a definite uptick compared to the first. It resolves the pacing issues that the first volume had, with a three part story bookended by one-and-done stories rather than one long one. The opening story is both epilogue to volume 1 and prologue to the middle story, while the one-and-done at the end brings all of the current plotlines home to roost as Khalid's school life threatens to collapse around him.
Meanwhile the middle three issues manage to be just political enough without being preachy, and just stupid enough to make me laugh without going overboard into daft. Khalid's still having problems with his magic, but at least he's learning some fairly reliable skills he can fall back on rather than just hoping things are going to turn out okay.
Sonny Liew pencils the back four issues in the same style as the last volume, although things get a bit chibified in the middle which was kind of adorable actually. Ibrahim Moustafa, who did some variants for the first few issues, has a guest stint on the first issue, which is a bit more standard fare than Liew's more wiggly style (technical term).
A much needed adjustment on pacing, a solid continuation on art, and a cliffhanger that seems set to upend Khalid's life yet again in the third volume make this second Doctor Fate adventure a marked improvement.
This second volume of Doctor Fate is a definite uptick compared to the first. It resolves the pacing issues that the first volume had, with a three part story bookended by one-and-done stories rather than one long one. The opening story is both epilogue to volume 1 and prologue to the middle story, while the one-and-done at the end brings all of the current plotlines home to roost as Khalid's school life threatens to collapse around him.
Meanwhile the middle three issues manage to be just political enough without being preachy, and just stupid enough to make me laugh without going overboard into daft. Khalid's still having problems with his magic, but at least he's learning some fairly reliable skills he can fall back on rather than just hoping things are going to turn out okay.
Sonny Liew pencils the back four issues in the same style as the last volume, although things get a bit chibified in the middle which was kind of adorable actually. Ibrahim Moustafa, who did some variants for the first few issues, has a guest stint on the first issue, which is a bit more standard fare than Liew's more wiggly style (technical term).
A much needed adjustment on pacing, a solid continuation on art, and a cliffhanger that seems set to upend Khalid's life yet again in the third volume make this second Doctor Fate adventure a marked improvement.
September 12, 2025
Good stories restarting this classic character. Good read. Recommended.
December 28, 2016
Intersting second volume of the DCYou version of Dr Fate. Our intrepid hero Khalid is still learning how to use his access to magical powers, while managing to weave his way through med school, family issues, and protests against Egyptian politics. Sonny Lieuw brings his characteristic squiggly-line artwork along for the ride, and although I can understand why his art is not all that popular with the super-hero reading set, I enjoyed it quite a bit, and will look for more of his work. His covers, especially, are top notch and provide a consistent visual feel from issue to issue.
Ibrahim Moustafa also provides the art for one issue, and he does a great job in keeping stylistic continuity with Lieuw, even though their art is very different. Very interested in seeing more of his art as well. The coloring is rich and vibrant. Writer Levitz lets us know that Khalid is Muslim much in the same way G. Willow Wilson does over at Marvel with Ms Marvel: it's part of who he is (one of his parents is Christian), but it's not something that's there to make any kind of political statement, other than showing that there are every day Americans who are also Muslim. No caricatures, just interesting people. I really like Khalid and his family. It was particularly gratifying meeting Khalid's great-uncle, but I won't spoil who it is.
Just one more volume before this book ends, but I've enjoyed this series as a whole. Looking forward to reading the next one.
Ibrahim Moustafa also provides the art for one issue, and he does a great job in keeping stylistic continuity with Lieuw, even though their art is very different. Very interested in seeing more of his art as well. The coloring is rich and vibrant. Writer Levitz lets us know that Khalid is Muslim much in the same way G. Willow Wilson does over at Marvel with Ms Marvel: it's part of who he is (one of his parents is Christian), but it's not something that's there to make any kind of political statement, other than showing that there are every day Americans who are also Muslim. No caricatures, just interesting people. I really like Khalid and his family. It was particularly gratifying meeting Khalid's great-uncle, but I won't spoil who it is.
Just one more volume before this book ends, but I've enjoyed this series as a whole. Looking forward to reading the next one.
October 8, 2017
Though more refined than volume 1, the story still lack grandeur and polish.
October 26, 2022
Dalszy ciąg przygód studenta medycyny, Khalida Nassoura, który z woli pewnego Boga uzyskał moce, jakimi posługiwał się Doctor Fate. Tak, na głowę powędrował charakterystyczny złoty hełm. Ale posiadanie samego przedmiotu bohaterem nie czyni, trzeba praktyki.
I takową bohater ciągle odbywa, nadal ucząc się na błędach. Zmagając się z własną spuścizną przodków, musi jeszcze mieć się na baczności, bowiem egipski Seth ma własne plany co do przyszłości postaci oraz świata.
W ogóle dużo tu dziwnych tematów, weźmy na ten przykład masowe protesty, którymi ktoś kieruje. Gdy prawda wychodzi na jaw, to aż chce się krzyknąć "Veni, vidi, vici". Tak, na pierwszy plan wychodzą jakieś mary, z duszą samego Juliusza Cezara na czele. W dodatku dawny władca Cesarstwa Rzymskiego ma zamiar dokończyć podbój, którego nie zdołał przeprowadzić za życia...
W tym szaleństwie może jest metoda, aczkolwiek drugi tom jawi mi się jako dużo gorszy od pierwszego i choć stylizacją na egipską i hieroglify w wielu miejscach wygląda fajnie, tak nie grzało mnie to ani fabularnie, ani kreską, gdy ten efekt "wow" mi już upadł. Mój największy zarzut przeciwko tej odsłonie Dr. Fate'a to brak ciągłej, prawidłowej historii. Chłopak smaga się tutaj pomiędzy równymi zadaniami i życiem, w tym szkołą, ale poza tym nie ma tu głównej osi fabularnej, a mamy zlepek jakichś historyjek.
Praca Levitza była obiecująca, ale szybko nadszedł punkt, w którym mogę tylko określić przerost formy nad treścią. A postać Khalida wraz z pokoleniową spuścizną ma przecież w sobie niemały potencjał. Niestety nie wykorzystany.
I takową bohater ciągle odbywa, nadal ucząc się na błędach. Zmagając się z własną spuścizną przodków, musi jeszcze mieć się na baczności, bowiem egipski Seth ma własne plany co do przyszłości postaci oraz świata.
W ogóle dużo tu dziwnych tematów, weźmy na ten przykład masowe protesty, którymi ktoś kieruje. Gdy prawda wychodzi na jaw, to aż chce się krzyknąć "Veni, vidi, vici". Tak, na pierwszy plan wychodzą jakieś mary, z duszą samego Juliusza Cezara na czele. W dodatku dawny władca Cesarstwa Rzymskiego ma zamiar dokończyć podbój, którego nie zdołał przeprowadzić za życia...
W tym szaleństwie może jest metoda, aczkolwiek drugi tom jawi mi się jako dużo gorszy od pierwszego i choć stylizacją na egipską i hieroglify w wielu miejscach wygląda fajnie, tak nie grzało mnie to ani fabularnie, ani kreską, gdy ten efekt "wow" mi już upadł. Mój największy zarzut przeciwko tej odsłonie Dr. Fate'a to brak ciągłej, prawidłowej historii. Chłopak smaga się tutaj pomiędzy równymi zadaniami i życiem, w tym szkołą, ale poza tym nie ma tu głównej osi fabularnej, a mamy zlepek jakichś historyjek.
Praca Levitza była obiecująca, ale szybko nadszedł punkt, w którym mogę tylko określić przerost formy nad treścią. A postać Khalida wraz z pokoleniową spuścizną ma przecież w sobie niemały potencjał. Niestety nie wykorzystany.
April 3, 2017
So, the Egyptian gods are mad, Caesar's ghost is on the war path, and the new Doctor Fate is more inept than a new Green Lantern. This series is truly awful and a disgrace to the legacy of one of the oldest characters in the DC Universe.
December 12, 2022
This second volume in the series was surprisingly short and sort of accomplished something but also not enough at the same time?
We have Khalid further embracing his role as Fate, but is still struggling to master his abilities. But in this book we also stress that his adventures as the new Fate have begun to get in the way of his real life. And he made jeopardize his medical career even before it begins if he doesn't get to class more often.
I understand how a lot of people have compared this book to early Spider-Man stories as they share a lot of common ideas. There's an effort to also highlight the minority struggle a bit more, but it also feels somewhat shallow thus far versus how much they tied Ms. Marvel's identity to her stories.
Art was very uneven in this book with a lot of it feeling like sloppier Cracked Magazine stuff if you get my drift. I hope it elevates further down the road.
We have Khalid further embracing his role as Fate, but is still struggling to master his abilities. But in this book we also stress that his adventures as the new Fate have begun to get in the way of his real life. And he made jeopardize his medical career even before it begins if he doesn't get to class more often.
I understand how a lot of people have compared this book to early Spider-Man stories as they share a lot of common ideas. There's an effort to also highlight the minority struggle a bit more, but it also feels somewhat shallow thus far versus how much they tied Ms. Marvel's identity to her stories.
Art was very uneven in this book with a lot of it feeling like sloppier Cracked Magazine stuff if you get my drift. I hope it elevates further down the road.
September 23, 2017
3.5/5 This was tougher than the first volume. It seems to be floundering but this is only 4 issues, should it really flounder?
But it was fun and strange. The art is fun to look at. Hopefully the next volume is better even if it's the last.
But it was fun and strange. The art is fun to look at. Hopefully the next volume is better even if it's the last.
March 17, 2018
Khalid Nassour's journey into the realm of magic and fate continues to be very entertaining. Sonny Liew's art is versatile and expressive while Paul Levitz spins a yarn with some familiar touchstones but still feeling fresh. And that last page! Glee!
November 25, 2022
Another great story, art, and dialog
Such a pleasure to read these. The mix of images and ideas and personalities.
Khalid is so genuine. And I get now why he wants to be called 'Kent'!
Such a pleasure to read these. The mix of images and ideas and personalities.
Khalid is so genuine. And I get now why he wants to be called 'Kent'!
January 18, 2017
Sometimes if feels like a DC Ms. Marvel with cursing.
Dr. Fate has such a convulated history I often am not sure how this is working and what the power sets are.
Dr. Fate has such a convulated history I often am not sure how this is working and what the power sets are.
May 29, 2017
Like the first volume, I kind of expected something a bit more. There's nothing wrong with this per se, but it just felt lacking. Coupled with the fact that this yet another series killed before it could really find its audience just overall leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth. But, Liew's art was great, and Loughridge's colors were amazing as always.
December 27, 2018
It gets slightly more interesting with the expansion of the universe I guess? I just thought that there could have been more done with it.
May 12, 2019
A young hero learning his powers and how to deal with them while real world problems are happening around him.
March 24, 2020
Enjoyable read with some good art.
March 26, 2020
I'm enjoying the journey so far, especially the supporting cast.
March 20, 2021
Honestly one of the most beautiful books I’ve read in a long time. The colors and artist were amazing and the story was awesome too
April 19, 2022
Totally forgettable story and characters. Please let someone else take over the helmet.
December 10, 2022
Art is worse than Family Circus.
February 19, 2024
wanted to like this run and have my mind changed but the art style still doesn't click for me and the grammatical errors/omitted words just were things that I could not handle.
March 25, 2017
it's really just this kid flying around doing random things. There's no real development and we've seen all this "how do I handle these powers' before.
Thank goodness we're getting the real Dr. Fate back now.
Thank goodness we're getting the real Dr. Fate back now.
December 14, 2016
Poor Khalid - he's getting his life just as messed up as Peter Parker. And... interesting, turns out his uncle is Kent Nelson - the *former* Doctor Fate...
February 24, 2017
Really solid book, then that last chapter just really skyrocketed it! Loved the twist! Can't wait for the next volume!
November 14, 2016
I like this Dr. Fate. I do. I think a young Egyptian American medical student from Brooklyn wearing the Fate helmet with his hoody is a fun, fresh approach to the character. Sonny Liew's artwork isn't your traditional superhero stuff, fluctuating between sleek and cartoony, trippy and silly, smart and stylized. There are lots of other great elements here too, including the supporting cast (his parents, his protestor friend, the talking cat that is really an ancient goddess, etc) and the way the book dabbles with ideas of different religions, modern society, and political change. But I feel like writer Paul Levitz has all of this stuff cooking but he never makes a meal out of it. It all just meanders along as Dr. Fate continues to figure out his powers and his... well, fate. I know the series is ending soon and the character will continue in the Blue Beetle book. That's exciting. I just hope DC does a third collection since the cliffhanger appearance of Kent Nelson has me wanting to know what happens next! Now that's stirring the pot, Mr. Levitz - finally If only this had happened sooner in the story!
November 17, 2016
Best quote from the book: 'Hollow slogans like "Making your country great again" only lead to one result, collapse.'
March 29, 2023
it was ok the art sucked
April 1, 2017
I really enjoyed the second volume of DC's Dr. Fate. Young Khalid Nassour is starting to learn how to use his powers granted by the Helmet of Fate. The story picks-up after the disastrous floods in the last volume, as Khalid tries and succeeds it fixing what is broken and rescuing people. Though he is young and unsure of himself, it makes it that much sweeter when he succeeds. At Brooklyn College, Khalid looks up his professor and advisor, Professor Bradus, telling him he feels torn between different religious and philosophical traditions - his mother is Christian and his father, Muslim. When he tells the professor that he is being told he must "heal the world", the professor assumes he now has a Jewish girlfriend who wants him to convert.
Meanwhile Akila, who wants to be Khalid's girlfriend, has become involved in protests against the hard-line, Conservative, military leader in charge of their former country. When peaceful protests against that government suddenly turn violent, Dr. Fate (Khalid) intervenes to save the protesters and to find Akila. He rescues her, then decides to rescue the other protesters, who were taken to a military prison without any form of due process.
At the prison, he's threatened by the General-President, who, makes threats, but only orders those around him to attack Khalid. The General-President is even controlling Centurian ghosts who attack Dr. Fate. One of these ghosts is Julius Caesar. After a few experiments in fighting that don't work - Khalid hits on destroying the dagger that the General-President uses to control, allowing Caesar to attack the General-President. Dr. Fate frees the protesters. Caesar destroys the bullying general.
With all his running around as Dr. Fate, one of Khalid's professors tries to get him expelled for missing classes. However, during his meeting with the dean, the dean suffers a heart attack. Khalid, having been a EMT-Paramedic saves the dean's life. His position as a medical student is safe. At his parents home, their cat, Puck, who is possessed by the spirit of Bast, wanders off. Bast leaves him. Khalid goes home to give his parents the good news about medical school, and finds not only his parents, but his uncle, Kent Nelson.
I really enjoyed this two-book series. Khalid is a wonderful character, with a complex and layered background. His friend, Akila, is cool - and would make a great supporting character if the series was continued. Alas, I think this book met the chopping block too soon in the transition between New 52 and Rebirth. (The new Dr. Fate is part of the Blue Beetle series in Rebirth and has finally arrived. We know very little about him so far, but he doesn't appear to be Khalid.) Still, it is well-worth tracking down and reading this short two-book series. Highly recommended.
Meanwhile Akila, who wants to be Khalid's girlfriend, has become involved in protests against the hard-line, Conservative, military leader in charge of their former country. When peaceful protests against that government suddenly turn violent, Dr. Fate (Khalid) intervenes to save the protesters and to find Akila. He rescues her, then decides to rescue the other protesters, who were taken to a military prison without any form of due process.
At the prison, he's threatened by the General-President, who, makes threats, but only orders those around him to attack Khalid. The General-President is even controlling Centurian ghosts who attack Dr. Fate. One of these ghosts is Julius Caesar. After a few experiments in fighting that don't work - Khalid hits on destroying the dagger that the General-President uses to control, allowing Caesar to attack the General-President. Dr. Fate frees the protesters. Caesar destroys the bullying general.
With all his running around as Dr. Fate, one of Khalid's professors tries to get him expelled for missing classes. However, during his meeting with the dean, the dean suffers a heart attack. Khalid, having been a EMT-Paramedic saves the dean's life. His position as a medical student is safe. At his parents home, their cat, Puck, who is possessed by the spirit of Bast, wanders off. Bast leaves him. Khalid goes home to give his parents the good news about medical school, and finds not only his parents, but his uncle, Kent Nelson.
I really enjoyed this two-book series. Khalid is a wonderful character, with a complex and layered background. His friend, Akila, is cool - and would make a great supporting character if the series was continued. Alas, I think this book met the chopping block too soon in the transition between New 52 and Rebirth. (The new Dr. Fate is part of the Blue Beetle series in Rebirth and has finally arrived. We know very little about him so far, but he doesn't appear to be Khalid.) Still, it is well-worth tracking down and reading this short two-book series. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews