The Brave and the Bold #No. 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. Hired by industrialist Simon Stagg to find the Orb of Ra, Mason is exposed to the radiation of a meteorite, transforming him into a shapeshifter who can transmute his body into any chemical element.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress and color breaking ticks; moderate corner blunting on all four corners; light creasing on the top right edge; overall surface wear and slight foxing/soiling on the light-colored areas of the cover art.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $180 - $250; Graded CGC 5.0: $350 - $450
Recent Sales
Recent Heritage and eBay sales for mid-grade specimens range from $200 for VG raw to $475 for FN graded.
Grading Recommendation
Yes, it is worth grading after a professional clean and press. This is a significant Silver Age DC key (1st appearance of Metamorpho), and professional encapsulation helps preserve value and verify the mid-grade status for buyers.
Notable Features
First appearance and origin of Metamorpho; First appearances of Simon Stagg, Sapphire Stagg, and Java; Significant Silver Age DC key issue; 12-cent cover price.
Authentication Notes
The book appears to be an authentic 1965 original. Paper stock shows appropriate toning for its age; the DC logo and 12-cent price mark are consistent with the period; high ink density and standard staple placement for mid-60s National Periodical Publications (DC).