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Harley Quinn is one of the DC characters whose popularity has exploded the most in twenty years. Born inBatman: The Animated Seriesin 1992 before joining comics viaBatman Adventures #12(1993), it became a franchise in its own right. Its founding key issue regularly exceeds $2,000 in CGC 9.8 and its first appearance in DC continuity (Harley Quinn #1, 2000) remains highly sought after.

Harley Quinn is one of the few comic book characters born outside of the printed pages. Created byPaul DinietBruce Timmfor the episode "Joker's Favor" ofBatman: The Animated Series(broadcast September 11, 1992), Dr. Harleen Quinzel won over audiences even before appearing in a comic book. Its transition from the small screen to paper, viaBatman Adventures #12(September 1993), is one of the most significant events in DC editorial history of the 90s. Since then, Harley Quinn has had a series of solo series, mini-series, crossovers and relaunches, creating a rich and constantly evolving collectible universe.

For the collector, Harley Quinn presents an atypical profile. Unlike Batman or Superman, whose major issues date back to the Golden Age and are financially inaccessible, the founding issues of Harley Quinn date from the 90s and 2000s. This means that building a quality Harley Quinn collection remains realistic, even with a moderate budget. But the multiplication of series, variants and one-shots since the New 52 requires a rigorous method so as not to become dispersed.

This guide covers the entire world of Harley Quinn collecting: origins, essential key issues, major author runs, conservation, grading and budget. It is aimed at collectors who want to structure their HQ collection with the same rigor as a Batman or Spider-Man collection.

Origins: from Batman TAS to Batman Adventures #12

Harley Quinn's story begins outside of the comics.Paul Dini, screenwriter ofBatman: The Animated Series, conceives the character as a female sidekick to the Joker for a single episode.Bruce Timmdraws its iconic design: the black and red harlequin costume, the white mask, the giant mallet. The episode "Joker's Favor" (season 1, episode 7) broadcast in September 1992 introduced the character, and the audience's response was immediate.

Harley Quinn's first paper appearance comes inBatman Adventures #12(September 1993), the comic series derived from the cartoon. This issue, written byKelley Puckettand drawn byMike Parobeck, has become one of the most sought-after modern key issues in the DC Universe. In CGC 9.8, it is trading around $2,000 to $3,500 based on recent sales. In CGC 9.6, it remains above $1,000. This is the holy grail of any Harley Quinn collection.

The special status of this number is due to the fact thatBatman Adventureswas considered a "children's" title, released in limited quantities compared to mainstream DC series. Many copies have been read, damaged or thrown away, which explains the relative rarity of copies in Near Mint condition. To learn more about the character's origins, check out ourcomplete guide to the history of Harley Quinn in comics.

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Mad Love : le one-shot fondateur (1994)

The Batman Adventures: Mad Love(February 1994), written byPaul Dini and drawn by Bruce Timm, is the story that transformed Harley Quinn from a simple supporting role into a full-fledged character. This prestige format one-shot tells the origin story of Dr. Harleen Quinzel: psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum, she falls in love with the Joker and descends into madness. This story won the Eisner Award for Best Single in 1994.

En termes de collection, Mad Loveis an essential number. The prestige format (hardcover, glossy paper) visually distinguishes it in a collection. It was reissued in 2015 as a deluxe edition, but the original 1994 edition remains the one collectors seek out. In CGC 9.8, it is between $300 and $500.

Première apparition en continuité DC : Harley Quinn #1 (2000)

If Batman Adventures #12 is the absolute first appearance of Harley Quinn, her first appearance in the main DC continuity takes place inBatman: Harley Quinn #1(October 1999), a prestige format one-shot written by Paul Dini and drawn by Yvel Guichet. This issue adapts the Mad Love origin story into the DC canon. It was followed in December 2000 by the launch of the first solo series,Harley Quinn Vol.1 #1, again by Karl Kesel and Terry Dodson.

This first solo series (38 issues, 2000-2004) establishes Harley as a character independent of the Joker. The run ofKarl Kesel et Terry Dodsonmixes dark humor, action and character development. The Dodson covers from this series have become collector's items valued for their distinctive pinup style. Harley Quinn Vol.1 #1 is trading between $50 and $150 in raw VF/NM.

The New 52: Harley Quinn becomes a franchise (2011-2016)

Le reboot New 52from DC in 2011 repositioned Harley Quinn as a leading character. She first appears in the seriesSuicide Squad (New 52 #1-30, 2011-2014), avant to obtain sa propre solo series en novembre 2013.

Suicide Squad New 52 #1 (2011)

Le premier issue de Suicide Squadin the New 52, ​​by Adam Glass and Federico Dallocchio, presents the new design of Harley Quinn: two-tone hair (red and blue), less covering costume, more provocative attitude. This redesign, controversial among fans of the classic costume, has become the character's canonical look for the following decade. Suicide Squad New 52 #1 is an affordable key issue, around $20-40 in NM.

Harley Quinn Vol.2 #0-30 by Conner and Palmiotti (2013-2016)

The real commercial turning point arrives with the seriesHarley Quinn Vol.2, lancée par Amanda Conner et Jimmy Palmiottiin November 2013. Issue #0 is a new concept: Harley breaks the fourth wall and "auditions" different artists to draw her series, with pages from Bruce Timm, Jim Lee, Adam Hughes, Walter Simonson and others. This #0 is a sought-after collector's item.

The Conner/Palmiotti duo transforms Harley Quinn into a comic series, offbeat and self-referential, very far from the dark universe of Batman. Sales exploded: the series regularly remained in the top 20 of monthly DC sales, an achievement for a character who had never had this commercial status. This run is considered the definitive one for the modern character.

L'ère Rebirth et au-delà (2016-présent)

Harley Quinn Rebirth #1-75 par Conner/Palmiotti puis Humphries (2016-2020)

Le relaunch Rebirthallows Conner and Palmiotti to continue their vision until issue #34 (2018), before passing the baton toSam Humphries(#35-75). Rebirth #1 is an accessible modern key issue ($10-25 in NM). The continuity with the New 52 series is strong: readers who have followed Conner/Palmiotti from the beginning find the same tone and the same secondary characters (Big Tony, Goat Boy, Eggy).

Harley Quinn Vol.4 by Stephanie Phillips (2021-2023)

After the Infinite Frontier,Stephanie Phillips et Riley Rossmoare launching a new series in March 2021. Phillips brings a more emotional dimension to the character, exploring his complex relationship with Poison Ivy and his final emancipation from the Joker's influence. #1 in this series, with numerous variant covers, is a recent and economical entry point.

Key issues Harley Quinn : la checklist du collectionneur

Here are the numbers every Harley Quinn collector should know and prioritize. For a detailed analysis of values ​​and trends, consult ourharley quinn key numbers guide.

Conseil budget :The most accessible entry point is the Conner/Palmiotti run (Vol.2 then Rebirth). Regular issues are found between $3 and $8 each in raw, and #1s stay under $30. For an investment collectible, Batman Adventures #12 is the issue with the most potential for long-term appreciation.

Conservation and grading of Harley Quinn comics

Harley Quinn comics mainly date from the 90s to today, conservation is less problematic than for the Golden or Silver Age. But certain points deserve particular attention:

Protection de base

Each number must be placed in apochette Mylar(or failing that polypropylene) with acarton de renfort acid-free. Standard sleeves are suitable for the majority of issues, but prestige formats (Mad Love, Batman: Harley Quinn #1) require magazine or treasury size sleeves. Store your longboxes in a stable approximatelyment: 18-22°C, 40-50% relative humidity, away from direct light.

When to grade in CGC or CBCS

Professional grading is relevant for valuable key issues. For Harley Quinn, the candidates for slabbing are:

For regular issues of Conner/Palmiotti or Phillips runs, grading is generally not profitable unless you have a limited variant cover (1:25 ratio or higher).

Build your HQ collection with a controlled budget

The major advantage of the Harley Quinn collection compared to Batman or Spider-Man: the founding issues remain accessible. Here is a strategy by budget level:

Budget 50-100 € : le kit de démarrage

Start with the runConner/Palmiottiin batches. Regular issues of Harley Quinn Vol.2 and Rebirth are frequently found in lots of 10-20 issues for €20-40 on second-hand markets. Add #1 Rebirth (€10-15) and you have a solid base.

Budget 200-500 €: accessible key issues

Visez Harley Quinn Vol.1 #1 (Kesel/Dodson) en raw VF/NM (50-100 €), Batman: Harley Quinn #1(1999) in raw (€80-150), and complete your Conner/Palmiotti run. Add important one-shots and annuals.

Budget 1 000 € et plus : le Graal

This is the level that allows you to aimBatman Adventures #12in raw (400-800 € depending on the condition) or in mid-grade CGC (CGC 7.0-8.0, around 600-1,200 €). It is the most significant investment in the HQ collection, and the one with the best potential for revaluation.

FAQ : Gérer sa collection Harley Quinn

Technically, Harley Quinn's first appearance is in the Batman: The Animated Series episode "Joker's Favor" (September 1992). Batman Adventures #12 (September 1993) is his first comic book appearance. For collectors, this is the number that is referred to as "first appearance" and is the one that CGC officially recognizes.
Certain variants have real collector's value, notably the ratio variants (1:25, 1:50, 1:100) and covers by prestigious artists (Artgerm, J. Scott Campbell, Adam Hughes). On the other hand, open variants (available without restrictions) often lose value after the initial enthusiasm. Choose ratio variants or regular A covers in impeccable condition.
The two collections are complementary. Harley Quinn has been a central member of the Suicide Squad since the New 52 (2011), and some HQ key issues can be found in the Suicide Squad series (notably New 52 #1). But the Harley Quinn solo series has its own identity very different from the military and violent tone of Suicide Squad. Most HQ specialty collectors also have key Suicide Squad issues.
The Conner/Palmiotti run (Harley Quinn Vol.2 #0-30, then Rebirth #1-34) is the ideal entry point. It is financially accessible, easy to find, requires no prior knowledge, and it sets the tone of the modern character. Start with #0 (the “audition” issue) and go with the flow.

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