Top 10 Harley Quinn Key Issues to Own

Batman Adventures #12 (1993) is the holy grail of Harley Quinn collecting and one of the most sought-after DC key issues in the entire Modern Age. This is the issue where Harley Quinn makes her first appearance in print comics, having been born in the Batman animated series (BTAS) the year before. The cover featuring Harley and the Joker is immediately recognizable and considered one of the most iconic covers of the 1990s. Demand for this issue exploded with the success of the Suicide Squad film (2016), Margot Robbie's growing popularity in the role, and the character's overall rise in popular culture. In CGC 9.8, recent sales have ranged between $15,000 and $25,000; in CGC 9.4, around $3,000.

The newsstand edition of Batman Adventures #12 is the rarest and most sought-after variant of this already exceptionally in-demand issue. Newsstand copies are identified by the UPC barcode printed directly on the cover in place of the standard DC Comics logo. Distributed through newsstands and grocery stores (not comic shops), these copies had a separate and smaller print run for that channel. At an equivalent grade, the newsstand version regularly sells for 3 to 5 times more than the direct edition. In CGC 9.8, some newsstand sales have topped $80,000 to $100,000 for the finest known copies.

Batman: Harley Quinn (1999) is a one-shot by her creator Paul Dini that marks a pivotal moment in the character's editorial history: this is where Harley Quinn is officially integrated into the main DC Universe (Earth-One / primary continuity), leaving behind her status as a character exclusive to the animated universe. This issue is a major narrative key — the equivalent of an official baptism into the DC Universe. A quality one-shot written by the character's creator, with considerable symbolic value for any serious Harley Quinn collector. In CGC 9.8, it trades around $500.

Harley Quinn #1 (2000) by Karl Kesel is the first issue of Harley Quinn's very first solo series in the main DC universe. Following Dini's 1999 one-shot, this issue launched a regular series that ran through 2004 (38 issues) and established Harley as an autonomous character independent from the Joker, with her own adventures and motivations. An important editorial key issue: this is the first time DC bet on Harley Quinn as the lead of a regular series. In CGC 9.8, it trades around $200 — an accessible investment for a historically significant piece.

Batman: Mad Love (1994) is the one-shot by original creators Paul Dini (writer) and Bruce Timm (artist) that tells for the first time Harley Quinn's complete origin story: how psychiatrist Harleen Quinzel fell for the Joker, abandoned her career and sanity to become his accomplice. This issue won the 1994 Eisner Award — the highest honor in comics. It is a fundamentally important narrative key: every subsequent version of Harley Quinn, including in film and video games, draws on this origin story. In CGC 9.8, it trades around $300.

Suicide Squad #1 (2011) as part of the New 52 reboot is the issue that introduced Harley Quinn's controversial yet hugely popular new costume — the corset in red and black, redesigned makeup, and more provocative outfits. While this look divided fans at the time, it became one of the most reproduced cosplay costumes at conventions worldwide and directly inspired Margot Robbie's look in the Suicide Squad film (2016). A Modern Age key issue with significant cultural impact. In CGC 9.8, it trades around $100–$150.

Harley Quinn #1 (2013) by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti is universally considered the best Harley Quinn solo run in comics. Conner brings a quirky, humorous, and self-referential tone that perfectly suits the character, with a Harley who is independent, unapologetic, and delightfully anarchic. This run, which ran through 2016 (30 issues), has become the absolute reference for any reader wanting to experience Harley Quinn at her finest. An accessible and essential Modern Age key issue for any collection.

DC Rebirth Harley Quinn #1 (2016) relaunches Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti's series under the DC Rebirth banner. This issue cements Harley Quinn as one of DC's best-selling characters of the era, with a series selling numbers close to Batman and Superman titles. The simultaneous release of the Suicide Squad film amplified the character's popularity to unprecedented levels. An affordable recent #1 representing a strong entry into the Rebirth collection.

Harley Quinn & The Joker: Symbol of Insanity #1 (2023) is the franchise's most recent relaunch, exploring once again the toxic relationship between Harley and the Joker in the current DC continuity. Like any recent relaunch, its current value is modest, but it represents a budget-friendly acquisition for collectors who want to follow the contemporary evolution of the character. #1 issues retain residual value over time, especially if the run proves popular with readers.

Batman Adventures #14 (1993) contains the second appearance of Harley Quinn in comics, directly following the foundational issue. Second appearances are recognized key issues in the comics market, and for a character as in-demand as Harley Quinn, this issue is a logical companion to Batman Adventures #12 for any collector wanting to document the character's earliest weeks in print. Far more accessible than #12, it lets you round out your early Harley collection without a major budget commitment.