Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom ##5
Gold Key Comics • Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom Vol. 1
Writer
Paul S. Newman
Interior Artist
Bob Fujitani
Cover Artist
George Wilson
Publication Date
September 1963
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
In this issue, Doctor Solar discovers a hidden undersea city and investigates the mystery of the vanishing oceans. This early Silver Age issue continues to explore his radioactive powers and his dual identity as Phil Solar.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good / Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and localized color breaking along the spine; minor corner blunting; visible surface wear and light instances of soiling/foxing; slight edge wear along the bottom right and top edges.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $20 - $40; Graded (CGC 5.0): $60 - $80
Recent Sales
Recent 2023-2024 sales for mid-grade raw copies vary between $15 and $50 depending on eye appeal. High-grade (CGC 9.0+) copies have reached over $200.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading at this condition level. The cost of CGC submission and shipping would likely exceed the market value gain. Better kept as a raw collectible for silver-age enthusiasts.
Notable Features
Early appearance of the character before the 1990s Valiant revival; iconic painted cover by George Wilson; features a 12-cent silver age cover price.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic silver age original. Paper oxidation (browning) visible on edge suggests age-appropriate newsprint. Staple alignment and Gold Key logo are consistent with Western Publishing production standards of 1963.