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
Richard Powers
Publication Date
September 1963
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the story 'The Midas Monster.' Dr. Solar faces a strange 'Midas touch' that turns his own atomic power against him. Solar is a scientist named Phil Sollar who gained nuclear-based powers after a lab accident.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good (CGC 2.0)
Condition Details
Visible heavy wear including significant spine stress, color-breaking creases across the cover, blunted corners, and a circular red pricing sticker adhered directly to the cover surface. General soiling and surface abrasion are present.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $20 USD. Graded (at 2.0): $40 - $60 USD.
Recent Sales
High-grade copies (CGC 9.0+) have sold for over $200, but lower grade raw copies (VG or below) typically trade in the $15-$25 range given the commonality of the issue compared to the first issue.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading would likely exceed the market value of the comic in this condition, especially with the sticker residue/damage.
Notable Features
Early Silver Age appearance of Doctor Solar. Features a classic painted cover by sci-fi artist Richard Powers. 12-cent cover price with no UPC (standard for the era).
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic Silver Age Gold Key original. The paper aging, staple oxidation signs, and specific registration of the 12-cent price mark and Gold Key logo are consistent with Western Publishing prints from 1963.