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/Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
This is a Major Silver Age Key issue featuring the first appearance and origin of Rex Mason as Metamorpho, the Element Man. The story introduces his transformation after being exposed to a radioactive meteorite in an Egyptian pyramid, as well as supporting characters Sapphire Stagg and Simon Stagg.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good (CGC 2.0)
Condition Details
Extensive spine wear with multiple color-breaking stress lines and chipping along the left edge. Significant corner blunting and rounding at all four corners. Visible crease passing through the word 'Bold' and another through the bottom right illustration. Overall heavy surface wear, dirt/soiling on light areas, and possible minor moisture staining on the bottom edge. There appears to be a name or writing in pen near the bottom right burst.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $60 - $100; Graded (CGC 2.0): $120 - $150
Recent Sales
CGC 2.0 copies have recently sold between $125 and $160; mid-grade copies (5.0) range from $350 to $500; high-grade copies (9.0+) exceed $2,500 due to key importance.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless for personal preservation. The high level of wear and lower condition grade (2.0-3.0) will likely result in a grading fee and shipping cost that exceeds the added market value. A simple Mylar bag and board are sufficient for this copy.
Notable Features
First appearance of Metamorpho; First appearance of Sapphire Stagg, Simon Stagg, and Java; Significant Silver Age DC key issue; Newsstand-only distribution (no UPC barcode era).
Authentication Notes
The comic appears authentic with period-appropriate chemical aging, paper oxidation (yellowing visible on edges), and standard DC 12-cent silver age printing markers. 1045 time stamp and phone UI elements are from the screenshot overlay, not the comic.