In short:The three Watchmen priority reads are the original miniseries by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons (1986-87), Doomsday Clock by Geoff Johns (2017-2019), and Before Watchmen: Minutemen by Darwyn Cooke.
Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons is unanimously considered the absolute masterpiece of comics. Published in 12 issues between 1986 and 1987, the series redefined the medium. For collectors, the original single issues remain prestigious pieces, while the recent expansions offer interesting investment opportunities.
This classification prioritizes the different Watchmen readings by their cultural impact, their narrative quality and their collection potential. From the original maxi-series to the controversial prequels, here's how to build a cohesive Watchmen collection.
Top 1 — Watchmen #1-12: The original series (1986-1987)
Screenwriter:Alan Moore |Designer:Dave Gibbons |Colorist:John Higgins
Twelve issues that changed the history of comics. Moore deconstructs the concept of superheroes in a Cold War uchronia. Each issue is a masterpiece of narrative construction with its own theme.
Maximum impact numbers:#1 (introduction, Comedian murdered), #4 (Dr. Manhattan origin), #5 (Rorschach symmetry), #9 (Laurie revelation), #12 (controversial conclusion).
Market value:#1 CGC 9.8: €1,500-3,000. Complete run #1-12 NM: €500-900. #1 CGC 9.6: €400-700.
Top 2 — Doomsday Clock #1-12 (2017-2019)
Screenwriter:Geoff Johns |Designer:Gary Frank
The official sequel which integrates the characters of Watchmen into the DC universe. Johns and Frank deliver an ambitious tale of the confrontation between Dr. Manhattan and Superman. Exceptional art, chaotic publication but remarkable result.
Key numbers:#1 (multiple covers), #7 (Dr Manhattan vs Justice League), #12 (conclusion, new DC multiverse).
Market value:#1 CGC 9.8: €40-80. Full run NM: €60-120. Long-term upside potential.
Top 3 — Before Watchmen: Minutemen #1-6 (2012)
Writer/Draughtsman:Darwyn Cooke
The best of the Before Watchmen prequels. Cooke explores the original generation of masked heroes of the 1940s with his sleek, retro style. A respectful homage to the source material, delivered by an artist at the top of his game.
Key numbers:#1 (Before Watchmen launch), #3 (Silhouette revelations), #6 (moving conclusion).
Market value:Complete NM series: €20-40. Very accessible to start with.
Top 4 — Before Watchmen: Rorschach #1-4 (2012-2013)
Screenwriter:Brian Azzarello |Designer:Lee Bermejo
Azzarello delves into the grimy 70s of New York in full Rorschach vigilante mode. Bermejo offers striking photo-realistic boards. The darkest tone of the entire Before Watchmen line.
Key numbers:#1 (iconic Bermejo cover), #4 (conclusion).
Market value:Complete NM series: €15-30. #1 variant: €20-40.
Top 5 — Before Watchmen: Nite Owl #1-4 (2012-2013)
Screenwriter:J. Michael Straczynski |Designers:Andy Kubert, Joe Kubert
Dan Dreiberg's debut as Nite Owl II, under the tutelage of Hollis Mason. Joe Kubert with brushes for his last professional boards before his death — a historical document for comic art collectors.
Key numbers:#1 (Joe & Andy Kubert art), #4 (last published Joe Kubert work).
Market value:Complete NM series: €15-30. High sentimental value (last Kubert).
Top 6 — Before Watchmen: Silk Specter #1-4 (2012)
Screenwriter:Darwyn Cooke |Designer:Amanda Conner
Laurie Jupiter as a teenager in the psychedelic San Francisco of the 60s. Cooke and Conner deliver the brightest and funniest prequel, with a refreshing pop art tone in a usually dark universe.
Key numbers:#1 (Hughes cover), #4 (mother-daughter confrontation).
Market value:Complete NM series: €12-25. Very affordable.
Top 7 — Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #1-6 (2012-2013)
Screenwriter:Len Wein |Designer:Jae Lee
The rise of Adrian Veidt from orphan prodigy to ultimate plan. Jae Lee brings a unique and atmospheric graphic style. Len Wein, original editor of Watchmen, comes full circle with this origin story.
Key numbers:#1 (spectacular Jae Lee art), #6 (direct ties to the original series).
Market value:Complete NM series: €15-30. Wanted for Jae Lee's art.
Honorable mentions
Also note:Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan#1-4 by J. Michael Straczynski and Adam Hughes for outstanding art,Before Watchmen: Comedian#1-6 by Azzarello and J.G. Jones for the political tone, andRorschach(2020) by Tom King and Jorge Fornés, a highly collected modern spiritual sequel.
To learn more, consult our guides onWatchmen key numbersand theeditorial history of Watchmen.
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