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/Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part 1 of the 12-issue masterpiece by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. The story begins with the murder of Edward Blake (The Comedian), leading Rorschach to investigate a conspiracy against former masked heroes. First appearance of Rorschach, Nite Owl II, Silk Spectre II, Doctor Manhattan, and Ozymandias.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Visible minor spine stress with color-breaking ticks on the green border. Slight blunting on the top right corner. The cover gloss appears intact, but there is potential minor tanning on the white top edge of the back cover/interior pages showing through.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $40 - $70; Graded (CGC 9.0+): $100 - $180
Recent Sales
CGC 9.8 copies have sold for $400+; CGC 9.0 - 9.2 copies range from $90-$130. Raw mid-to-high grade copies consistently sell between $50 and $80.
Grading Recommendation
Only worth grading if it can achieve a 9.6 or higher after a professional press. Given the visible spine ticks, a 9.0-9.2 is more likely. A 'Press and Clean' might improve the score by removing non-color-breaking surface indentations.
Notable Features
Major Key Issue. First appearance of the Watchmen. Iconic 'Smiley Face' blood-spatter cover. Mando/No UPC barcode on back (standard for this direct-only series). DC 'Deluxe Format' on higher quality paper stock.
Authentication Notes
Authentic issue. Features the correct $1.50 cover price and DC logo style for 1986. Paper stock is Mando, which is heavier and whiter than standard newsprint of the era, consistent with original 1s.