The 3 essential Harley Quinn crossovers: Death of the Family (confrontation with the Joker, emancipation), Joker War (pivotal role in the liberation of Gotham) and Heroes in Crisis (Harley facing the collective trauma of the heroes).
Harley Quinn has come an extraordinary journey since her creation in 1992 in Batman: The Animated Series. From Joker's sidekick to independent anti-heroine, her evolution can be seen through the Gotham crossovers which gradually emancipated her. Each major Batman/Gotham event has redefined his relationship with the Joker and his place in the DC universe.
For a collector, Harley represents a double interest: the massive popularity of the character maintains a strong demand for key issues, and its journey through crossovers produces memorable collectible moments. This guide identifies the events where Harley has a significant role and the numbers to prioritize.
Death of the Family (2012-2013). The break with the Joker
Scott Snyder orchestrates the return of the Joker (who had his face torn off a year earlier) in an event that crosses all Batman titles. Harley Quinn plays a central emotional role: confronted by the Joker who considers her a disposable toy, she must choose between submission and emancipation. Suicide Squad #14-15 (New 52) are the most important Harley tie-ins of this event.
Batman #13-17 form the heart of the event and are major key issues (Batman #17 conclusion: €20-50 in 9.8). For the harley quinn key numbers, these tie-ins mark a turning point in the character.
Joker War (2020): Harley versus her past
James Tynion IV places Harley in a pivotal role: she is the one who helps Batman get back on his feet when the Joker takes control of the Wayne fortune and invades Gotham. Batman #95-100 form the heart of the event, and Harley Quinn appears in a crucial side arc in her own title. Batman #100 (conclusion) is the main key issue, rated €15-40 in 9.8.
The most sought-after Harley Quinn tie-in is Harley Quinn #75 (last issue of the series), directly related to Joker War.
Heroes in Crisis (2018-2019): Trauma in full light
Tom King places Harley at the center of a mystery thriller in Sanctuary. Wrongly accused of the massacre, Harley must prove her innocence while confronting her own demons. The 9-issue event presents her as a complex survivor rather than just a crazy person. Heroes in Crisis #1 (first appearance of Sanctuary) trades between €15 and €35 in 9.8.
Gotham City Sirens (2009-2011). The Female Alliance
Not a crossover strictly speaking but a series of 26 issues written by Paul Dini which unites Harley Quinn, Catwoman and Poison Ivy. The series is part of post-Batman RIP continuity and explores the dynamics between the three anti-heroines of Gotham. #1 is a modern key issue (€30-80 in 9.8 CGC) boosted by recurring rumors of a film adaptation.
War of Jokes and Riddles (2017): Harley caught in the crossfire
Tom King narrates a flashback of the war between the Joker and the Riddler for control of Gotham (Batman #25-32). Harley appears there as a soldier in the Joker camp, recalling his toxic past. Batman #25 (first chapter) is an accessible key issue, between €10 and €25 in 9.8.
Harley Values Summary
Gotham City Sirens #1: €30-80 (9.8). Batman #13 (Death of the Family): €25-60. Heroes in Crisis #1: €15-35. Batman #100 (Joker War): €15-40. Harley's rating remains driven by the character's popularity outside of comics.
In what order to read these crossovers, and what to watch for
The five stories covered in this guide do not necessarily read in the order in which they take place. By publication date, the sequence is: Gotham City Sirens (2009-2011), Death of the Family (2012-2013), War of Jokes and Riddles (2017), Heroes in Crisis (2018-2019), then Joker War (2020). It is the simplest order to follow to see how each period's writer reinterprets Harley Quinn, from her debut in Batman: The Animated Series in 1992 to her current status.
One point of method: War of Jokes and Riddles (Batman #25-32) is a flashback. It tells the war between the Joker and the Riddler for control of Gotham, so events that predate those you read before it. If you prefer a chronological reading of the plot, place it earlier, before Death of the Family, and keep publication order for your purchases.
For each event, here is the core to gather first:
- Death of the Family: Batman #13 to #17, completed by the Suicide Squad #14 and #15 tie-ins (New 52), which carry Harley's emotional core.
- Joker War: Batman #95 to #100, plus Harley Quinn #75, the last issue of her series and directly tied to the event.
- Heroes in Crisis: the 9-issue miniseries, whose #1 introduces Sanctuary and sets up the investigation in which Harley is wrongly accused.
- War of Jokes and Riddles: Batman #25 to #32, with the first chapter as the natural entry point.
- Gotham City Sirens: a 26-issue series by Paul Dini, which is not a crossover but explains the alliance with Catwoman and Poison Ivy.
On the collecting side, three precautions apply. First, all these issues are modern: only condition separates a good copy from an ordinary one, and the values quoted in the guide assume a high grade. Second, the value of Gotham City Sirens #1 is driven by recurring adaptation rumors; an effect like that comes and goes, so avoid buying on the back of an announcement. Finally, for a tie-in, always check the title and year: Suicide Squad has several series with the same name, and it is the New 52 volume that matters here.
If you only keep one thread, keep this one: Death of the Family for the break with the Joker, Heroes in Crisis for the trauma, Joker War for the final stand. Three entry issues, three stages of an emancipation.
Frequently asked questions
The three essentials are Death of the Family, Joker War and Heroes in Crisis. They cover, respectively, the break with the Joker, a pivotal role in freeing Gotham and the collective trauma of the heroes.
No, it is a 26-issue series written by Paul Dini, published from 2009 to 2011. It unites Harley Quinn, Catwoman and Poison Ivy in the continuity that follows Batman RIP.
Suicide Squad #14 and #15 (New 52) are the most important Harley tie-ins. The core of the event is in Batman #13 to #17.
Harley Quinn #75, the last issue of her series, is the most sought-after tie-in. The event's main key issue remains Batman #100, its conclusion.
This Tom King arc (Batman #25 to #32) looks back at the war between the Joker and the Riddler for control of Gotham. Harley appears as a soldier on the Joker's side, recalling her toxic past.
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