The Brave and the Bold Introduces Metamorpho The Element Man ##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
Major Silver Age Key. First appearance and origin of Rex Mason as Metamorpho the Element Man. Also features the first appearances of Sapphire Stagg, Simon Stagg, and Java.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks; significant corner blunting and minor rounding on all corners; edge wear along the right side; minor surface scuffing and small creases on the cover; color fade on the top purple section; pages likely show off-white to cream tanning due to age.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $250 - $350 | Graded (CGC 5.0): $450 - $550
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade copies range from $300 to $600 depending on eye appeal; 6.0 copies reaching $750+; high-grade 9.0+ copies exceed $4,000.
Grading Recommendation
Yes, worth grading if the goal is preservation or resale. A professional press and clean could likely bump this from a 5.0 to a 5.5 or 6.0 by flattening surface creases and improving eye appeal.
Notable Features
First appearance of Metamorpho; Origin story; First appearances of Simon Stagg, Sapphire Stagg, and Java; 12-cent cover price variant; Silver Age key issue.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic 1965 copy. The paper age, specific purple ink saturation for the era, and staple placement are consistent with DC's mid-60s production. No signs of reproduction or counterfeiting.