The Batman Adventures ##12
DC Comics • The Batman Adventures (1992 Series)
Writer
Kelley Puckett
Interior Artist
Mike Parobeck
Cover Artist
Mike Parobeck
Publication Date
September 1993
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
'Batgirl: Day One.' This issue features the first comic book appearance of Harley Quinn, who was originally created for Batman: The Animated Series. The story follows Batgirl as she foils a plot by Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy to disrupt a masquerade party.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine+ (CGC 8.5)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress marks (color-breaking ticks), slight corner blunting on the top right, and some visible surface scuffing in the dark blue areas of the cover. Centering appears slightly shifted to the left.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $400 - $600; Graded CGC 8.5: $800 - $1,000; Graded CGC 9.8: $2,500 - $3,500
Recent Sales
CGC 9.8 copies have recently sold between $2,600 and $3,500. Raw mid-to-high grade copies typically move for $450-$700 depending on crispness.
Grading Recommendation
Highly recommended. This is a top-tier modern key. A professional clean and press could potentially bump this to a 9.0 or 9.2, significantly increasing liquidity and protection for such a high-value book.
Notable Features
First comic book appearance of Harley Quinn (Harleen Quinzel). Key Bronze/Modern Age crossover appeal. Fox Kids Network logo in upper right. Notable for being a 'mega-key' due to Harley Quinn's massive popularity.
Authentication Notes
Authentic first printing. Features original $1.25 cover price. Print quality and ink saturation match DC production standards for 1993. The distinct purple/blue hues and matte-finish cardstock are correct for the period.