Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom ##10
Gold Key Comics • Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom Vol. 1
Writer
Paul S. Newman
Interior Artist
Frank Bolle
Cover Artist
George Wilson (painted cover)
Publication Date
December 1964
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
In this issue, Doctor Solar travels back in time to relive the events that transformed him into the Man of the Atom. This story serves as a partial retelling/expansion of his origin story. Key characters include Doctor Phillip Solar and Gail Sanders.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good+ (CGC 4.5)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks; corner blunting particularly on the bottom right; minor edge wear and surface scuffing visible through the poly-bag; slight tanning of the paper stock consistent with age; possible small crease on top left corner; red circular price sticker on bottom right poly-bag (not on comic itself).
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $25–$45; Graded (CGC 4.5): $60–$85
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies range from $20 to $50 depending on eye appeal. High-grade (9.0+) copies of this Silver Age title can exceed $200.
Grading Recommendation
Not highly recommended for professional grading unless for sentimental reasons. The cost of CGC/CBCS grading plus shipping likely exceeds the market value increase for a 4.5 grade copy. A press and clean might improve it slightly, but not enough to reach a high-value tier.
Notable Features
Painted cover by George Wilson; retelling of origin story; Silver Age 12-cent price point; features the 'Gold Key' logo and 10000-512 stock number.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Gold Key production. The 12-cent cover price, specific typeface for 'Doctor Solar', and the characteristic painted art style are consistent with 1964 West Coast Printing/Western Publishing standards.