The Brave and the Bold #No. 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
First appearance and origin of Rex Mason as Metamorpho the Element Man. The story introduces his transformation after being exposed to the Orb of Ra in an Egyptian pyramid, as well as supporting characters Sapphire Stagg and Simon Stagg.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and color-breaking ticks throughout the left edge; corner blunting on all four corners; visible horizontal crease across the middle; slight tanning of the paper; minor staining/soiling in the upper right corner near the price box; several small color-breaking creases in the lower quadrant.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $250 - $450; Graded (CGC 4.0): $550 - $700
Recent Sales
Recent 4.0 graded copies have sold in the range of $500-$650. Higher grade copies (8.0+) can exceed $3,000 due to the significance of the character debut.
Grading Recommendation
Yes, worth grading despite the mid-grade condition because it is a Major Silver Age Key. A professional press and clean could potentially nudge the grade toward a 5.0, significantly protecting the value of this first appearance.
Notable Features
Major Silver Age Key: 1st Appearance of Metamorpho. 1st Appearance of Sapphire Stagg, Simon Stagg, and Java. Iconic Ramona Fradon cover art.
Authentication Notes
Colors appear consistent with 1965 offset printing; ink density on the purple masthead is typical for the era; paper aging/tanning is consistent with Silver Age newsprint. No signs of restoration visible from the external photo.