The Batman Adventures ##12
DC Comics • The Batman Adventures Vol. 1
Writer
Kelley Puckett
Interior Artist
Mike Parobeck
Cover Artist
Mike Parobeck
Publication Date
Sept 1993
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First comic book appearance of Harley Quinn (Dr. Harleen Quinzel). The story, titled 'Batgirl: Day One', follows Barbara Gordon as she decides to dress as Batgirl for a costume party, only to find herself embroiled in a plot involving Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
The cover shows excellent color vibrancy and gloss. Minimal spine stress visible through the bag. Slight blunting identifiable on the bottom right corner. Very faint surface wear/scuffing may exist on the dark blue backgrounds which are prone to showing marks. No major creases or tears are visible from the front view.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $600 - $800 | Graded (9.0): $1,000 - $1,200 | Graded (9.8): $2,500+
Recent Sales
CGC 9.8 copies routinely sell for over $2,800. Raw high-grade copies have consistently climbed, often reaching $700+ due to the historical significance of the first Harley Quinn appearance in comics.
Grading Recommendation
Highly recommended for professional grading (CGC/CBCS). This is a top-tier Modern Age key issue. A professional clean and press could potentially push this into the 9.2 or 9.4 range, significantly increasing its liquidity and market value.
Notable Features
1st appearance of Harley Quinn in a comic book. Features Batgirl and Poison Ivy. Iconic Mike Parobeck cover. Direct Edition (no barcode on front). Also known for the 'Win Original Batman Art' contest banner at the top.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be a genuine 1993 first printing. Print registration is sharp, correctly displaying the 'Fox Kids Network' logo and the DC Bullet logo of the era. Bagged and boarded which has preserved the alignment of the staples.