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 our complete guide to Watchmen key issues for 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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