Doctor Fate #18

Published by DC Comics in July 1990, Doctor Fate issue #18 serves as the conclusion to the second volume of the character's solo series. This iteration of the title was written by J.M. DeMatteis with interior art primarily provided by Shawn McManus. The series was noted for its departure from traditional superhero tropes, focusing heavily on the metaphysical, psychological, and sometimes melancholic aspects of the mantle of Doctor Fate as it passed from Kent Nelson to Eric Strauss and later Linda Strauss.

The creative direction under DeMatteis sought to ground the cosmic absurdity of the character in human emotional stakes. The cover art for this issue, illustrated by Arthur Adams, captures the intense, mystical aesthetic that defined the series' visual identity. While the series was often praised by critics for its sophisticated narrative and unique tone, it struggled to maintain high commercial circulation, leading to its cancellation with this issue as the title transitioned into the broader landscape of the DC Universe at the time.