WATCHMEN ##1
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 issue of the landmark 12-issue maxiseries. Follows the murder of Edward Blake (The Comedian) and the subsequent investigation by Rorschach. Key characters include Doctor Manhattan, Nite Owl, Silk Spectre, and Ozymandias.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Near Mint (CGC 9.4)
Condition Details
The spine appears very tight with minimal visible stress. Corners appear sharp, although the bottom right is slightly obscured by the bag. Surface gloss is high. Minor blunting likely present at the base of the spine common with this paper stock.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $100 - $150; CGC 9.4: $175 - $225; CGC 9.8: $1,200 - $1,500
Recent Sales
CGC 9.4 copies have recently sold for $180-$210. CGC 9.8 copies remain high-value keys frequently exceeding $1,200.
Grading Recommendation
Highly worth grading if a 9.6 or 9.8 is achievable. Based on the photo, it is a strong candidate for a 9.4+. A professional press/clean is recommended to maximize the grade especially given the sensitive black ink on the back and spine.
Notable Features
First appearance of all main Watchmen characters. Iconic 'Smiley Face' cover. This is a Direct Edition copy (the only version produced for this series, no newsstand existed for issue #1). Considered a Copper Age cornerstone.
Authentication Notes
Authentic first printing. Correct $1.50 cover price. High-quality Mando paper stock and bright color registration are consistent with original 1986 production.