Harley Quinn was born on September 11, 1992 in Batman: The Animated Series, in the episode "Joker's Favor," created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. Her first appearance in comics dates to September 1993 in The Batman Adventures #12 (a CGC 9.8 today tops $5,000). She made her DC mainstream debut in October 1999 with the one-shot Batman: Harley Quinn by Paul Dini. On the ongoing side: Vol.1 2000-2004 (38 issues), Vol.2 New 52 2014 (30 issues), Vol.3 Rebirth 2016-2020 (75 issues), Vol.4 2021 Stephanie Phillips (28 issues), Vol.5 2024 Elliot Kalan. This article traces the full chronology: TV birth, migration to comics, major runs, key issues, and big arcs.
No character in DC's ecosystem has had a path as unusual as Harley Quinn. Born not in the pages of a comic but on television in 1992, an improvised comic sidekick to the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series, it would take her 30 years to become DC's second most-collected heroine after Wonder Woman. Her popularity exploded in the 2010s thanks to the Conner/Palmiotti run, the Margot Robbie incarnation on the big screen (Suicide Squad 2016, Birds of Prey 2020, The Suicide Squad 2021), then the HBO Max animated series (2019-ongoing). In 2026, Harleen Quinzel has become one of DC's most powerful cultural symbols.
This guide covers the complete history of Harley Quinn in comics: from her TV birth in 1992 to her permanent arrival in 1999 in DC mainstream, all the way to recent runs. We separate the main volumes of her ongoings, the many spinoff series (Gotham City Sirens, Suicide Squad, Harleen, Birds of Prey…), the must-have key issues (The Batman Adventures #12, Vol.1 #1, Heroes in Crisis #1), and the big story arcs that shaped the character. If you want to know when Harley Quinn was born, where to start, and which series to collect first, this is the place.
The birth of Harley Quinn in 1992: a unique case in DC history
To understand the birth of Harley Quinn, you have to step out of the comic shops and into the Warner Bros Animation studios. At the end of the 1980s, after the phenomenal success of Tim Burton's Batman (1989), Warner launched a prestige animated series meant to redefine the character on television. Bruce Timm, an animator passionate about the look of 1940s cartoons, and Paul Dini, a writer coming off Tiny Toon Adventures, took the helm of Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS), which started on Fox Kids in September 1992.
For the fourth episode, titled "Joker's Favor" (aired September 11, 1992), Paul Dini wrote the story of an ordinary man forced to do a favor for the Joker. Dini needed a silent assistant for the Joker, who shows up at the end popping out of a birthday cake. So he sketched a female character dressed as a harlequin, inspired by actress Arleen Sorkin (who would voice Harley in the original English version), whom he had seen play a jester role on the soap Days of Our Lives. Harley Quinn was meant to have only one scene. But the character was so well-loved by the team — and the audience reacted so strongly — that she became recurring by the end of the season.
"Joker's Favor" (September 1992): the founding episode
The episode "Joker's Favor" remains one of the most unusual origins in the entire DC pantheon. No superpowers, no defined trauma on screen, just a silhouette in a red-and-black costume leaping out of a cake to celebrate a Joker dinner. The name Harley Quinn is a phonetic pun on "harlequin," the archetypal Italian commedia dell'arte jester. Bruce Timm drew the definitive costume: a half-red, half-black bodysuit, a belled hood, a diamond-shaped mask, and two-tone gloves and boots. This silhouette would carry over 30 years of comics and film without ever being challenged in its visual DNA.
Across the BTAS seasons (1992-1995), Harley becomes the Joker's official girlfriend, "Mr. J." Paul Dini writes dozens of episodes for her, in which she swings between comedy and tragedy — a woman in love with a man who mistreats her, an unwitting accomplice to the clown's violence. The tone is set: Harley is funny, but deeply dysfunctional. That exact mix is what would carry over into the comics.
From TV to comics: The Batman Adventures #12 (September 1993)
Harley's success in BTAS pushed DC to ask for a comics appearance. The title The Batman Adventures, published in parallel with the animated series and matched to its "Animated Universe" (DCAU) style, became the perfect launchpad. The Batman Adventures #12 (September 1993), written by Kelley Puckett and drawn by Mike Parobeck, marks Harley Quinn's first appearance in comics. The cover shows her in mid-leap between Batman and the Joker. This copy has become one of DC's most-collected issues over the past 30 years: a CGC 9.8 today tops $5,000, and CGC 9.6 and 9.4 copies also trade in the thousands.
For six years, Harley stays confined to the DCAU universe (TV series, spinoff comics). Her first DC mainstream appearance won't come until October 1999, with the one-shot Batman: Harley Quinn, written by Paul Dini himself and drawn by Yvel Guichet. This issue reintegrates Harley into DC's main continuity and gives her an extended origin: Harleen Frances Quinzel, a brilliant psychiatrist assigned to Arkham Asylum, falls in love with her patient the Joker, ends up helping him escape, and becomes his accomplice. This origin would be the canonical foundation of every later version (films, Arkham games, HBO animated series).
Historical irony: Harley Quinn is one of the very few major DC characters created outside of comics. She entered the canon through the "side door" — a single TV episode in 1992, a spinoff comic in 1993, a late mainstream integration in 1999 — before becoming, 30 years later, one of the three most profitable female characters at DC (alongside Wonder Woman and Catwoman). In 2017, her character generated more marketing revenue than Batman himself, Suicide Squad films included.
The main Harley Quinn series in chronological order
Here are the solo Harley Quinn ongoings and maxi-series in order of their first issue:
Harley Quinn Vol.1
The first solo ongoing. Karl Kesel on writing for the early issues, followed by A.J. Lieberman. Iconic covers by Terry Dodson, defining Harley's pin-up look for the decade. The series develops Harley as an independent criminal, free of the Joker, and places her for the first time in long-form DC mainstream. 38 issues before cancellation. Vol.1 #1 remains an accessible key issue (CGC 9.8 between $80 and $150).
Gotham City Sirens
An iconic team-up series bringing together Harley Quinn, Catwoman, and Poison Ivy under the pen of Paul Dini (Harley's co-creator back at the helm) and the pencil of Guillem March. It's in this series that the Harley/Ivy romantic relationship starts being treated head-on. 26 issues before the New 52 reboot. The eponymous film project (announced and then dropped by Warner) gave the series' value a bump in 2017-2018.
Suicide Squad New 52
With the New 52 reboot, Harley officially joins the Suicide Squad, written by Adam Glass, then Ales Kot and Matt Kindt. This is where the "red-and-blue corset + shorts" costume appears — the look that would directly inspire the Margot Robbie incarnation on screen (Suicide Squad 2016). 30 issues before the conclusion of the New 52 volume. Particularly collected issues: Suicide Squad #1 (Sept 2011) and the run's variant covers.
Harley Quinn Vol.2 (New 52)
The run that changed everything. Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti write a wild, irreverent, cartoonish Harley Quinn at Coney Island. A tone mixing absurd comedy and ultra-violent action. The series exploded in sales (top 10 monthly for 2 years), generated dozens of cult variant covers (the cosplay variant cover for Vol.2 #1 by Conner, May 2014, is one of the most collected), and launched "Harleymania." Zero Issue in November 2013 serves as a prequel. Without this run, modern Harley wouldn't exist.
Harley Quinn Vol.3 (Rebirth)
The "Rebirth" continuation of the Conner/Palmiotti run. 75 issues, one of the longest series dedicated to a female DC character over 2016-2020. Early issues by Conner/Palmiotti, then a transition to Sam Humphries (#43+), then Mark Russell (#65+). The run includes the Harley Loves Joker arc and Heroes in Crisis tie-ins. This is the reference series for post-2016 Harley, aligned with the Margot Robbie big-screen version.
Harley Quinn Vol.4
The first ongoing entirely written by a woman: Stephanie Phillips, art by Riley Rossmo. Vol.4 anchors Harley as a traveling Gotham therapist, treating villains as much as she fights them. 28 issues, a more introspective and psychological tone. Concludes in June 2023.
Harley Quinn Vol.5
Launched by Elliot Kalan (writer for The Daily Show, Mystery Science Theater 3000), art by Mindy Lee. A very comedic tone, closer to the Conner/Palmiotti run than to Phillips. Current run still going in 2026.
Harley Quinn 30th Anniversary Special
A one-shot celebrating Harley Quinn's 30 years (1992-2022). An anthology bringing together Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, Stephanie Phillips, Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Tee Franklin, and others. Covers by Conner and Olivier Coipel. An issue in high demand among Harley completists.
Harleen (Black Label)
3-issue maxi-series written and drawn by Stjepan Sejic, one of the most acclaimed artists of the decade. Black Label format (mature). Reframes Harleen Quinzel's origin as a gothic psychological romance. Critically praised, it's become a visual reference for modern Harley. Highly collected in omnibus and single issues.
Every parallel Harley Quinn series
Beyond the main volumes, Harley headlines many spinoff series. Here are the main ones:
- Gotham City Sirens (2009-2011, 26 issues): Harley / Catwoman / Poison Ivy team-up by Paul Dini.
- Harley Quinn Holiday Special (2014, 2015, 2016): annual one-shots by Conner/Palmiotti for the holidays.
- Harley Quinn and Power Girl (2015, 6 issues): an absurd Conner/Palmiotti crossover maxi-series, one of DC's funniest comedy series of the decade.
- Harley Quinn and Her Gang of Harleys (2016, 6 issues): Frank Tieri maxi-series about the "Gang of Harleys" recruited by Harley at Coney Island.
- Old Lady Harley (2018-2019, 5 issues): a Conner/Palmiotti futuristic maxi, an aged Harley in a dystopian future. A pastiche of Old Man Logan.
- Harleen (2019, 3 issues): Black Label by Stjepan Sejic. Gothic-romance origin.
- Harley Quinn: Make 'Em Laugh (2018, 3 issues): Conner/Palmiotti maxi-series, an alternate finale.
- Suicide Squad: Get Joker (2021, 3 issues): Black Label by Brian Azzarello / Alex Maleev. Harley and Red Hood hunt the Joker.
- DC vs Vampires: Harley spinoffs (2022-2023): tie-ins to the DC vs Vampires event in which Harley plays a key role.
- Harley Quinn Black + White + Red / Black + White + Redder (2020, 2023): digital-first then collected anthologies, multiple guest writers and artists.
- Multiversity: Harley Screws Up The DCU (2023, 6 issues): Frank Tieri maxi-series in which Harley travels through the DC multiverse.
- Harley Loves Joker (2018, 2 issues): Conner/Palmiotti / Mary Wolfman mini-series, completing unfinished Vol.2 arcs.
- Harley Quinn 25th Anniversary Special (2017): one-shot celebrating Harley's 25 years.
- Birds of Prey: Harley Quinn (2020, 1 issue): tie-in to Cathy Yan's Birds of Prey film.
- Harley Quinn: The Animated Series — The Eat. Bang! Kill. Tour (2021, 6 issues): official tie-in to the HBO Max animated series, by Tee Franklin.
- Harley Quinn / Catwoman: 80 Page Giant and other recurring special formats.
Harley Quinn key issues in chronological order
Here are the most important issues to know in chronological order:
BTAS episode "Joker's Favor"
The very first moment of Harley Quinn in DC fiction. Not a comic, but an episode of Batman: The Animated Series. Out of a birthday cake in a red/black costume. Not a single line of dialogue hints she'd become one of DC's major characters.
The Batman Adventures #12
The most valuable issue in the entire Harley Quinn collection. First comics appearance, in the BTAS spinoff series. Iconic cover with Harley mid-leap. CGC 9.8 today tops $5,000, CGC 9.6 between $1,500 and $2,500, CGC 9.4 between $700 and $1,200. It's the holy grail of every Harley collector.
The Batman Adventures: Mad Love
One-shot graphic novel written by Paul Dini himself. For the first time it tells the definitive origin of Harleen Quinzel: a psychiatrist at Arkham, seduced by the Joker, an accomplice and a victim. Eisner Award winner 1994. Later adapted as an episode of The New Batman Adventures (1999). An absolute reference.
Batman: Harley Quinn one-shot
The moment Harley Quinn officially enters DC's main continuity, after 7 years of "DCAU only" existence. Paul Dini writes the origin adapted to mainstream continuity: Harleen Quinzel, an Arkham psychiatrist, falls in love with the Joker. CGC 9.8 between $200 and $400, an essential key issue.
Harley Quinn Vol.1 #1
First issue of the first solo Harley Quinn ongoing. Terry Dodson cover, defining the character's pin-up look for the 2000s. Karl Kesel sets up Harley as a solo criminal, free of the Joker. CGC 9.8 between $80 and $150.
Detective Comics — Harley joins the Suicide Squad
Following Gotham City Sirens and before the New 52 reboot, Harley is gradually steered toward the Task Force X. Several appearances in Detective Comics and Suicide Squad precede the reboot. The strategic pivot that sets up her central role in the New 52.
Suicide Squad New 52 #1
First New 52 issue of Suicide Squad. Here Harley adopts the red-and-blue corset + shorts costume that would directly inspire the Margot Robbie incarnation in 2016. An essential key issue for understanding the New 52 transition. CGC 9.8 between $60 and $100.
Harley Quinn Vol.2 #0 (Zero Issue)
Zero issue prequel to the Vol.2 launch. Gallery of guest artists (Bruce Timm, Tony Daniel, Sam Kieth, Becky Cloonan…), each drawing Harley in their own style. A brilliant concept that signals the run's irreverent tone.
Harley Quinn Vol.2 #1 + Cosplay Variant Cover
Official launch of the Conner/Palmiotti run. The issue that changes everything: comedic tone, ultra-violent action, Coney Island, modern pin-up. Amanda Conner's cosplay variant cover (May 2014) has become one of the most collected variants of the decade: CGC 9.8 between $150 and $300 depending on sub-variant rarity.
Harley Quinn Vol.3 #1 (Rebirth)
Launch of the Rebirth volume. Released in parallel with the Suicide Squad film (August 2016), which propelled Harley to global pop-icon status. Record sales for a Rebirth comic. CGC 9.8 between $50 and $100 depending on variant.
Heroes in Crisis #1
Tom King's 9-issue maxi-series in which Harley plays a central, emotional role. The series explores DC heroes' PTSD through the Sanctuary haven. Harley comes into direct conflict with Booster Gold. A controversial work but key for understanding modern Harley in the King era. CGC 9.8 between $30 and $60.
Harleen #1 (Black Label)
First issue of Stjepan Sejic's Black Label maxi-series. Gothic-romance origin of Harleen Quinzel. The most critically praised work of the Harley canon, now a visual reference. CGC 9.8 between $40 and $80 depending on variant.
Harley Quinn Vol.4 #1
Launch of Vol.4, the first ongoing entirely written by a woman. Stephanie Phillips reorients Harley toward traveling therapy. Expressionist Riley Rossmo pencils. CGC 9.8 between $30 and $60.
Harley Quinn 30th Anniversary Special #1
A one-shot celebrating Harley's 30 years. Brings together Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, Conner/Palmiotti, Phillips, Tee Franklin. Multiple highly collected covers. The issue that symbolically closes Harley's first cycle.
Harley Quinn Vol.5 #1
Launch of the current Vol.5. Elliot Kalan brings back the pure comedic tone, closer to Vol.2 than to Vol.4. Run still going in 2026, one to watch.
The major Harley Quinn arcs in order
Joker's Favor (1992)
TV origin. The BTAS episode in which Harley appears for the first time.
Mad Love (1994)
Dini/Timm graphic novel. Definitive origin of Harleen Quinzel at Arkham. Eisner 1994.
Hush Money (Vol.1, 2000-2001)
Opening arc of Vol.1 by Karl Kesel. Solo criminal Harley free of the Joker.
Power Outage (2015)
Harley Quinn and Power Girl maxi-series. Absurd Conner/Palmiotti comedy.
Harley Quinn 25th Anniversary (2017)
Anthology one-shot celebrating 25 years. Paul Dini returns.
Harley Loves Joker (2018)
Mini-series completing unfinished arcs from Vol.2 Conner/Palmiotti.
Heroes in Crisis (2018-2019)
Tom King maxi-series in which Harley is a central character. PTSD, Sanctuary, Booster Gold.
Old Lady Harley (2018-2019)
Conner/Palmiotti futuristic maxi. Aged Harley in a dystopian future.
Harleen (2019, Sejic)
Gothic-romance Black Label. Stjepan Sejic. Modern visual reference.
Joker War tie-in (2020)
Harley in James Tynion IV's Joker War arc (Batman Vol.3 #95-100).
Suicide Squad: Get Joker (2021)
Black Label by Brian Azzarello / Alex Maleev. Harley and Red Hood hunt the Joker.
DC vs Vampires: Harley spinoffs (2022-2023)
Tie-ins to the DC vs Vampires event. Harley plays a key role.
How to start a Harley Quinn collection in 2026
Pick an entry point rather than a total goal
"All of Harley" is unattainable (250+ issues across all volumes + spinoffs). Pick one: "Complete Conner/Palmiotti run" (Vol.2 + Vol.3 #1-43, i.e. 73 issues), "Complete Paul Dini run" (Mad Love + Batman: Harley Quinn 1999 + Gotham City Sirens), or "Black Label only" (Harleen + Get Joker, 6 issues).
Import the catalog into My Comics Collection
With My Comics Collection, import Harley Quinn Vol.1 through Vol.5, Gotham City Sirens, Suicide Squad New 52, Heroes in Crisis, and every spinoff maxi-series. Each volume is uniquely identified.
Prioritize key issues in CGC
Three issues are must-haves: The Batman Adventures #12 (1st appearance), Batman: Harley Quinn (1999, 1st DC mainstream), and Vol.2 #1 cosplay variant (2014). See our dedicated Harley top 10 for a key-issue focus.
Distinguish DCAU from main continuity
Common beginner mistake: confusing DCAU comics (Batman Adventures, Gotham Adventures…) with DC mainstream continuity. The two universes each have their own Harley. The Batman Adventures #12 is DCAU but remains the canonical 1st comics appearance.
Track post-film valuation
Harley's value is extremely sensitive to film announcements (Suicide Squad 2016, Birds of Prey 2020, The Suicide Squad 2021, Joker: Folie à Deux 2024 with Lady Gaga). My Comics Collection updates values in real time based on eBay sales.
Why Harley Quinn is still collected in 2026
Alongside Wonder Woman and Catwoman, Harley Quinn is today one of DC's three most active female characters in monthly sales. Several reasons explain her dazzling rise since 2014:
- Margot Robbie films: Suicide Squad (2016), Birds of Prey (2020), The Suicide Squad (2021). Each release sent key-issue values soaring.
- HBO Max animated series: Harley Quinn (2019-ongoing), a critically acclaimed adult series, 5 seasons by 2026. Co-produced by DC Universe then HBO Max, it doubled the fan base.
- Lady Gaga in Joker: Folie à Deux (2024): a new musical-cinema incarnation. It revives the value of 1992-1999 issues.
- Massive, engaged fanbase: cosplay, fan art, queer community (the Harley/Ivy relationship has become canon). Harley is one of DC's most-represented characters at conventions.
- Versatility of the character: criminal, anti-heroine, therapist, heroine… Each generation reinvents Harley.
- Accessible issues: unlike Batman or Superman, many Harley key issues are financially accessible (between $50 and $5,000 depending on condition). Ideal for the intermediate collector.
Biographie de Harleen Frances Quinzel, M.D. (Harley Quinn)
Harley Quinn est un personnage de DC Comics créé par Paul Dini et Bruce Timm. Sa première apparition se fait dans Batman: The Animated Series "Joker's Favor" (1992) — Batman Adventures #12 (comics, 1993), publié en septembre 1992 (TV) — septembre 1993 (comics).
Fiche d'identité de Harleen Frances Quinzel, M.D.
- Vrai nom : Harleen Frances Quinzel, M.D.
- Date de naissance : 11 septembre 1992 (Batman: TAS) — septembre 1993 (premier comics : Batman Adventures #12)
- Lieu de naissance : Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Première apparition : Batman: The Animated Series "Joker's Favor" (1992) — Batman Adventures #12 (comics, 1993) (septembre 1992 (TV) — septembre 1993 (comics))
- Créateurs : Paul Dini (scénariste) et Bruce Timm (designer)
- Éditeur : DC Comics
- Affiliations : Suicide Squad, Joker (ex-partenaire), Birds of Prey, Gotham City Sirens
Origines du personnage
Le Dr Harleen Quinzel, jeune psychiatre de l'Asile d'Arkham, tombe amoureuse du Joker pendant ses séances de thérapie. Manipulée par lui, elle l'aide à s'évader et devient sa partenaire criminelle Harley Quinn. Sa relation toxique avec le Joker évolue vers une rupture, et Harley devient un personnage autonome, parfois alliée des Birds of Prey ou de Poison Ivy.
Pouvoirs et capacités
- Aucun super-pouvoir initial (humaine ordinaire)
- Gymnastique d'élite : ancienne athlète universitaire
- Intellect : psychiatre (M.D. de Gotham State University)
- Combat rapproché : arts martiaux, maillet géant
- Immunité aux toxines (offerte par Poison Ivy dans certaines versions)
- Imprévisibilité psychologique : difficile à anticiper
- Manipulation : capable de retourner les situations grâce à sa folie
Costume et identité visuelle
Costume rouge et noir bicolore classique (style harlequin) ou tenue moderne (short, débardeur "Daddy's Lil Monster", veste). Maquillage clown blanc avec joues rouges. Couettes blondes ornées de rouge et noir/bleu. Maillet géant comme arme signature.
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