WATCHMEN #No. 1 of 12
DC Comics • Watchmen Vol. 1
Writer
Alan Moore
Interior Artist
Dave Gibbons
Cover Artist
Dave Gibbons
Publication Date
September 1986
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance of Rorschach, Dr. Manhattan, Silk Spectre, Nite Owl, and Ozymandias. The story begins with the murder of Edward Blake (The Comedian), prompting Rorschach to investigate a potential conspiracy against former masked heroes.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and small color-breaking ticks visible along the spine; light corner blunting; plastic bag makes definitive edge assessment difficult but cover gloss appears high.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $60-$80; Graded (CGC 8.0): $100-$130; Graded (CGC 9.8 target): $600-$800
Recent Sales
Recent 9.8 sales range from $650-$750; raw copies in mid-to-high grade typically sell for $75-$90.
Grading Recommendation
Only worth grading if a professional cleaning and pressing can elevate it to a 9.6 or 9.8. Currently appears to be in the 8.0-8.5 range, which may not justify the grading costs versus the value increase.
Notable Features
Major Key Issue; first appearance of the Watchmen team; iconic 'Bloody Smiley Face' cover; no UPC (Direct Edition).
Authentication Notes
Colors are vibrant and consistent with 1986 Baxter paper stock; logo placement and 'No. 1 of 12' text alignment match known authentic first printings.