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/A Cover
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance and origin of Rex Mason as Metamorpho, the Element Man. The story introduces his transformation after being exposed to a radioactive meteor in Egypt while on a mission for Simon Stagg. Also features first appearances of Sapphire Stagg and Java.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible heavy spine wear with multiple color-breaking stress ticks; significant corner blunting and minor rounding; possible staining/soiling on the right white border; crease line across the bottom left corner; visible wear along the top edge and general cover scuffing.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $300 - $450 | Graded (4.0): $550 - $700
Recent Sales
Copies in 4.0 condition have recently sold in the $500-$650 range at auction; high-grade copies (9.0+) exceed $5,000 due to key status.
Grading Recommendation
Yes, grading is recommended despite the mid-grade condition because this is a major Silver Age key (1st appearance of Metamorpho). Professional pressing may improve the appearance, though the spine stress is permanent.
Notable Features
Major Silver Age Key Issue; First appearance of Metamorpho; First appearance of Simon Stagg, Sapphire Stagg, and Java; Cover art by Ramona Fradon.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Silver Age DC copy; features correct 12-cent silver age pricing, period-accurate DC 'Superman' logo/branding, and appropriate newsprint aging. No signs of restoration visible from the cover image.