The Brave and the Bold ##57
DC Comics • The Brave and the Bold Vol. 1
Writer
Bob Haney
Interior Artist
Ramona Fradon
Cover Artist
Ramona Fradon
Publication Date
January 1965
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance and origin of Rex Mason as Metamorpho the Element Man. The story follows adventurer Rex Mason, who is transformed by the Orb of Ra into a shapeshifter capable of becoming any element found in the human body.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress, moderate corner blunting, small tears along the right edge, color-breaking creases across the bottom right, and significant chipping at the top and bottom of the spine.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $150 - $250; Graded (CGC 4.0): $300 - $400
Recent Sales
Recent 4.0 copies have sold between $285 and $380, while higher grades (8.0+) can exceed $2,500.
Grading Recommendation
Yes, it is worth grading because it is a Major Silver Age Key. Even in lower grades, the first appearance of Metamorpho holds high demand. A professional clean and press might push it toward a 4.5/5.0 grade.
Notable Features
Major Key Issue: 1st appearance and origin of Metamorpho. Features Simon Stagg and Sapphire Stagg. 12-cent silver age price point.
Authentication Notes
The coloring, paper aging (off-white pages), and specific wear patterns on the 12-cent cover stock are consistent with original 1965 printings.