In some instances, there are publicized appearances that predate a character's coveted first appearance. Sometimes these can be quite expensive, like Malibu Sun 13 predating Spawn 1, or Dime Press 4 featuring Hellboy on the cover in advance of Next Men 1. What about Harley Quinn?
In a previous article, I detailed the investment potential in Venom's first publicized appearance. For this post, I want to explore another similar occurrence of a popular character appearing in print prior to their expensive, official first appearance. Harley Quinn.
Harley Quinn
It is widely known that Harley Quinn did not originate in the comics, but was a happy product of the Batman Animated Adventures cartoon series in the early '90s. She made her debut in September 1992 during season 1 episode 7's “Joker’s Favor” voiced by actress Arleen Sorkin.
We are used to Harley Quinn being a mainstay in the comics today but before she first appeared in print in Batman Adventures 12, she was featured in a magazine article. Starlog Communications' Comics Scene #31 (Feb ’93) features a preview of Harley Quinn in a magazine article about Batman The Animated Adventures. This predates Batman Adventures #12 (Sept ’93) by nearly 7 months.
Harley Quinn Stats
Currently, there are only 6 copies total in the CGC census, with two in 9.8 and two in 9.6. As of now, CGC does not list the significance of this issue in the information section on its label.
With copies of Batman Adventures 12 commanding the prices they are, this can be an attractive alternative. Right now you can pick up a raw copy of this magazine for around $50 - $70 on eBay. You may be able to find a raw copy in high grade, and you will have one of the few if you send it to CGC to get graded.
Bonus
Another book that may be of interest is Batman Adventures Coloring Book from December 1993. This came after Batman Adventures 12 (Sep 1993) but predates Batman Adventures Mad Love (Feb 1994). Mad Love is officially Harley Quinn's second appearance, but Batman Adventures Coloring Book is the true second publicized appearance. Being that it is a coloring book with Harley on one page, I suppose it could be classified as a cameo. This coloring book was distributed in a special limited edition package with the comic book adaption of Batman Mask of The Phantasm. It is a comic book size format and has a glossy cover with cheaply manufactured paper. Currently, prices seem to be between $10-$20, with occasional sales above $30.
In Conclusion
It would cost anywhere from hundreds of dollars to over a thousand to get your hands on Batman Adventures 12. This preview appearance would allow a collector to acquire a significant collectible in Harley Quinn's publication history for much less. Obviously, nothing beats the first appearance, but this predates Harley's by 7 months.
Harley Quinn is popular in general, but she also has her die-hard fans out there. With that in mind, given time this may get discovered and become highly sought after with that niche audience. In my assessment, it is good to be aware of, and if it can be found for the right price it is worth picking up.
