Top 3 crossovers involving Watchmen
- Doomsday Clock(2017-2019) — The head-to-head confrontation between Dr. Manhattan and Superman, 12-issue series by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank.
- The Button(2017) — Batman and Flash investigate the Comedian's badge, a narrative bridge between DC Rebirth and Doomsday Clock.
- DC Rebirth #1(2016) — The issue that reveals Dr. Manhattan's influence on the DC Universe, triggering the entire saga.
The integration of Watchmen into the DC universe constitutes one of the most daring editorial events in the history of American comic books. For three decades, the work of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons remained a closed, untouchable universe. Geoff Johns' decision to forge links between these characters and the DCU generated an unprecedented wave of speculation in the back issue market.
For the French-speaking collector, these crossovers represent a market segment that is still accessible compared to historic DC keys. Early cross-overs and limited variants offer significant upside potential, provided you target truly pivotal numbers rather than secondary tie-ins.
DC Universe Rebirth #1 (2016) — The Revelation
This 80-page one-shot by Geoff Johns marks the return of Wally West and reveals that Dr. Manhattan has manipulated DC continuity. In terms of collection, the first printing stands out for its massive circulation but demand remains strong. Variants (notably midnight release coverage) command a notable premium.
Key numbers and ratings
DC Universe Rebirth #1 in CGC 9.8 is regularly trading above the symbolic bar for a modern issue. The standard version remains affordable in high quality, making it an ideal entry point for this saga.
The Button (2017) — Batman/Flash
This four-part crossover (Batman #21-22, The Flash #21-22) sees Batman and Flash discover the Comedian's bloody badge in the Batcave. The narrative in nine panels per page pays direct homage to the structure of the original Watchmen.
Role of Watchmen characters
Reverse-Flash briefly encounters Dr. Manhattan — a scene that has become iconic. The lenticular covers of these four issues are the most sought after by collectors, their availability having been limited upon release.
Doomsday Clock (2017-2019)
The 12-issue maxi-series represents the ultimate confrontation between the Watchmen and the DC Universe. Geoff Johns and Gary Frank deliver a dense story where Ozymandias, Mime and Marionette interact with Superman, Batman and the Justice League.
Critical issues for the collection
#1 (first appearances of Mime and Marionette) and #12 (conclusion of the Manhattan saga) are the two pillars. The black and white Gary Frank variants add a layer of appreciated rarity. Consult our guide toDC key numbersto contextualize these acquisitions.
Influence on Crisis events
The revelation that Dr. Manhattan caused successive reboots of the DCU (Crisis on Infinite Earths, Flashpoint) retroactively recontextualizes dozens of issues. For the discerning collector, this means that some Crisis keys have gained an additional layer of narrative meaning.
Connections to Dark Nights: Death Metal
Scott Snyder integrates the aftermath of Doomsday Clock into Death Metal, completing the Manhattan arc. The transition numbers between these two events constitute strategic acquisitions that are often overlooked.
Flash Forward and the aftermath
The Flash Forward miniseries (2019–2020) directly extends the themes of The Button by exploring the post-Manhattan multiverse. Wally West inherits powers tied to Metron's chair, which connects the Watchmen to the DC cosmic fabric permanently.
Recommended collection strategy
Prioritize first printings of DC Rebirth #1, all four issues of The Button in lenticular, and Doomsday Clock #1 and #12. These eight numbers form the essential base. The ratio variants (1:25, 1:50) of Doomsday Clock offer the best long-term appreciation potential.
Track your Watchmen crossovers
Catalog your Doomsday Clock, The Button and DC Rebirth issues with our dedicated tracker. Identify missing numbers and follow the evolution of odds in real time.
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