1st Issue Special #13

First Issue Special was a short-lived DC Comics anthology series launched in 1975, designed as a laboratory for testing potential new characters and creative teams. The editorial mandate was to present a standalone story in each issue, functioning as a backdoor pilot for ongoing series. This format was a common strategy during the mid-1970s as publishers sought to diversify their rosters following the decline of traditional superhero dominance.

The thirteenth issue, published in 1976, features the debut of Dr. Fate in a story written by Martin Pasko and illustrated by Walt Simonson. Simonson's dynamic, bold linework brought a distinct visual energy to the mystical character, moving away from the more traditional styles prevalent in earlier DC output. While the series as a whole had a fluctuating reception, this specific issue remains a point of interest for collectors due to Simonson's early contributions and his distinctive interpretation of the character's aesthetic.