The Brave and the Bold #57 is an issue of the series The Brave and the Bold (Volume 1) with a cover date of January, 1965.
Synopsis for Metamorpho, the Element Man: "The Origin of Metamorpho"
Soldier-of-fortune Rex Mason is abandoned in an Egyptian pyramid by Java, a revived caveman, who acts on behalf of their boss, tycoon Simon Stagg, and retrieves for him the Orb of Ra. Mason is subjected to the rays of a meteor housed within the pyramid and becomes physically transformed into a freakish-looking elemental being who can transform his body into any element in the human form. He returns to America and confronts Stagg, who keeps him away with the Orb of Ra and says that he will use his scientific skill to change Mason back to a normal man again. But this goal is beyond Stagg's science. After Java vengefully starts a fire within the mansion, Mason uses his powers to rescue his lover, Stagg's daughter Sapphire. Later, she points out that Mason can use his newfound abilities for the cause of good, until her father finds a cure--if he ever does.
Appearing in Metamorpho, the Element Man: "The Origin of Metamorpho"
Featured Characters:
- Metamorpho (Rex Mason) (First appearance & origin)
Supporting Characters:
- Sapphire Stagg (First appearance)
Antagonists:
- Simon Stagg (First appearance)
- Java (First appearance)
Other Characters:
- Ed (Single appearance)
Locations:
- Egypt
- Pyramid of Ahk-Ton (First appearance)
- Stagg Mansion (First appearance)
Items:
- Orb of Ra (First appearance)
Vehicles:
- Rex Mason's Plane
Notes
- This issue is reprinted in Super DC Giant S-16 and Showcase Presents: Metamorpho Vol. 1.
- Metamorpho, Sapphire Stagg, Simon Stagg and Java all appear next in The Brave and the Bold #58.
- The chronological placement of this issue differs depending upon the source. According to the timeline from Zero Hour: Crisis in Time #0, Rex Mason became Metamorpho thirteen years removed from the time of publishing, which is three years prior to the formation of the Justice League of America. However, Metamorpho (Volume 2) #1 indicates that Rex became Metamorpho only ten years prior, placing his origin in the same year as the formation of the JLA, not three years earlier.
