The best budget entry points for Watchmen: the complete 12-issue series is between €60-120 depending on the state, and individual issues #2-12 are regularly under €10 each. Only #1 often exceeds €20. The series Before Watchmen (2012) and Doomsday Clock are even more accessible.
Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons (1986-1987) is unanimously considered one of the greatest comics ever written. Limited to 12 issues, it is one of the easiest series for a collector to complete — and contrary to what one might believe for such a prestigious work, the prices remain reasonable.
The reason is simple: Watchmen sold massively upon its publication and has been reprinted in TPB ever since. Single issue collectors are therefore a niche market, which keeps prices contained for the 1986-87 originals. A godsend for anyone who wants to own this major work in singles.
Affordable Watchmen key issues
With only 12 issues, each issue of Watchmen is a key issue of sorts. #1 is the most requested (first appearance of all the characters), but the others remain very accessible individually.
Indicative prices per number (mid-grade)
- Watchmen #1(first appearance Rorschach, Dr. Manhattan, etc.) — €20-40
- Watchmen #2-11— €5-12 each depending on condition
- Watchmen #12(conclusion) — 8-15 €
- Complete series #1-12— €60-120 depending on the condition, often sold in batches
Check out ourcomplete guide to Watchmen key issuesfor the detailed analysis of each issue and its collection characteristics.
Underrated spin-off series
The Watchmen universe expanded with Before Watchmen (2012, 37 issues in 8 miniseries) and Doomsday Clock (2017-2019, 12 issues). These expansions divide fans but offer remarkable budget opportunities.
Before Watchmen (2012)
- Before Watchmen: Minutemen(6 issues, Darwyn Cooke) — complete series €10-18
- Before Watchmen: Rorschach(4 issues) — complete series €8-12
- Before Watchmen: Comedian(6 issues) — complete series €8-12
- Before Watchmen Complete Collection(37 issues) — €40-70
Doomsday Clock (2017-2019)
- Doomsday Clock #1-12— complete series €25-45, with Gary Frank drawing
- Doomsday Clock #1(lenticular cover) — €5-10
Where to find Watchmen cheap in France
Watchmen being a short and prestigious series, copies regularly appear on the market when collectors resell. Patience is your best ally.
- eBay.fr and eBay.com— complete series #1-12 regularly listed
- Agreements— DC specialty sellers often have Watchmen runs
- Facebook Groups— resales of collections with Watchmen included in batches
- Specialty stores— often on display, negotiable if in stock for a long time
Budget strategy for Watchmen
With only 12 numbers, the strategy is simple: look for the entire set rather than buying individually. The price difference is often significant in your favor.
Advice :A complete lot #1-12 in VF/NM condition costs €80-120, the equivalent of 4-5 new TPB. In mid-grade (VG/FN), count on €50-80. If you find a lot without #1, grab it: #2-12 in lots sometimes sell for under €40, and you can add #1 separately afterwards.
Notable editions and variants under €20
- Watchmen #1 (later reprints)— €5-10 for non-first print editions
- Doomsday Clock #12(conclusion, variant cover) — €5-10
- Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan #1(variant cover) — €4-8
- Rorschach #1 (2020, Tom King)— €4-8
- Rorschach #1-12 (2020-2021)— complete series €25-40
Tom King and Jorge Fornes' Rorschach Series (2020) is a remarkable detective noir that's still easily found under $40 complete — an ideal addition to your Watchmen collection.
12 numbers, zero forgetting
Even a set of 12 numbers can have holes if you buy in installments. My Comics Collection confirms at a glance that your Watchmen is complete.
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