Watchmen ##3
DC Comics • Watchmen
Writer
Alan Moore
Interior Artist
Dave Gibbons
Cover Artist
Dave Gibbons
Publication Date
November 1986
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part 3 of the limited series titled 'The Judge of All the Earth.' Focuses on the characters Silk Spectre II and Nite Owl II as they deal with retirement and the looming threat of nuclear war. Includes the fictional 'Tales of the Black Freighter' back-matter.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (7.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and ticks visible on the left edge. Minor corner blunting on the top left. Potential superficial surface wear visible through the polybag (scuffing). Slight edge wear along the bottom.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $20.00 - $35.00; Graded (9.0+): $80.00 - $120.00
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-to-high grade raw copies typically range from $25 to $40. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies have sold for $250+.
Grading Recommendation
Only worth grading if the copy is likely to achieve a 9.6 or 9.8 after a professional clean and press. Based on visible spine stress, this copy is more suitable for a raw collection.
Notable Features
Early issue of a seminal graphic novel series. Iconic fallout shelter cover art by Dave Gibbons. Direct Market only (no newsstand version existing for the original run).
Authentication Notes
First printing identified by the $1.50 cover price and lack of subsequent printing credits. Paper stock appears consistent with 1980s DC Baxter or high-quality offset stock used for this series.