WATCHMEN #No. 4 of 12
DC Comics • Watchmen (Vol. 1)
Writer
Alan Moore
Interior Artist
Dave Gibbons
Cover Artist
Dave Gibbons
Publication Date
December 1986
Cover Variant
Regular (Direct Edition)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The issue, titled 'Watch Maker', focuses on the origin story of Doctor Manhattan (Jon Osterman). It detailing his transformation in the intrinsic field subtractor and his non-linear perception of time on Mars.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Near Mint- (CGC 9.2)
Condition Details
Very minor spine stress visible under light; slight corner blunting on the bottom right; overall excellent color gloss and flat presentation with no major creases or tears.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $15–$30; Graded (9.8): $150–$250; Graded (9.2): $40–$60
Recent Sales
Raw copies in high grade recently sell for $20-$25 on online marketplaces. Standard 9.8 CGC copies have stabilized in the $200 range after the 2019-2020 peak.
Grading Recommendation
Only worth grading if it is a guaranteed 9.8; at an estimated 9.2/9.4, the cost of grading and shipping may exceed the profit margin. A professional press could potentially bump this to a higher 9.0+ tier.
Notable Features
Origin of Doctor Manhattan; Iconic Dave Gibbons cover featuring the photograph of Jon and Janey; Part of the seminal 12-issue maxi-series; Copper Age key.
Authentication Notes
First printing identified by the $1.50 cover price and high-quality cardstock cover characteristic of the original 1986 print run; ink density is consistent with late 80s DC production.