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
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
This issue features the first appearance and origin of Rex Mason, also known as Metamorpho, the Element Man. Rex Mason is an adventurer hired by Simon Stagg to find the Orb of Ra, but he is transformed by the artifact's radiation in an Egyptian pyramid. The story introduces key supporting characters Sapphire Stagg and Java.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks; rounded and blunted corners (especially bottom left/right); light edge wear and minor chipping on the left spine edge; visible crease on the bottom right corner; minor surface scuffing on the purple background; slight yellowing of the paper consistent with Silver Age comics.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $150 - $250 | Graded (5.0): $300 - $400
Recent Sales
Recent 5.0 - 5.5 graded sales range from $325 to $420. Raw higher-grade copies (8.0+) can exceed $1,500, while low-grade reader copies (2.0) sell for around $75.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading if the goal is preservation or maximum resale, as it is a major DC Silver Age key. A professional 'Press and Clean' would likely improve the grade to a 5.5 or 6.0 by addressing the light creasing, significantly increasing liquidity.
Notable Features
Major Silver Age Key: First appearance of Metamorpho (Rex Mason). First appearance of Sapphire Stagg, Simon Stagg, and Java. Iconic Ramona Fradon cover art. Featured in the 12-cent silver age price variant.
Authentication Notes
Consistent with 1965 DC production: Ben-Day dot printing visible in color fields, dual staple placement, and standard 12-cent cover price. No signs of restoration visible from the cover image.