Watching a shelf full of Watchmen

As the March 6th opening of the superhero film Watchmen approaches, I’m watching the listings on AbeBooks and eBay for various publications related the Hugo Award-winning graphic novel upon which the film is based: Watchmen (1987), written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. Here are just a few of the items you might consider for the "alternative investments" portion of your retirement portfolio:

• Watchmen (1986-1987), DC Comics, issues #1 to #12 of the comic book. "Might be the greatest modern age investment." -- $4,500

• Watchmen: Deluxe Portfolio (1987), a limited edition elephant portfolio of 13 prints, signed by Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons -- $1,200

• Watchmen (1987), DC comics, first printing of soft cover edition of the graphic novel, signed by Dave Gibbons -- $500

• Watchmen (1986), DC Comics, issue #1 of the comic book -- $389

• Absolute Watchmen (1987), DC Comics, first edition of hardcover edition of the graphic novel, 464 pages, in slipcase, includes supplemental material -- $250

• Watchmen (1986-1987), DC Comics, first printings of the complete twelve-issue run of the comic book -- $175

• Watchmen (2005), DC Comics, hardcover edition of the graphic novel, in slipcase - $150

• Watchmen movie script, 128 pages -- $150

• Watchmen promotional poster, featuring Rorschach -- $125

• Watching the Watchmen: Diamond Exclusive Edition (2008), Titan Books, comes with a set of 8 prints, signed by Dave Gibbons -- $124

• Watchmen (1986), DC Comics, issue #4 of the comic book -- $29

The tattered photo on the cover of issue #4, pictured above, reminds me of my retirement portfolio!