The Batman Adventures ##12
DC Comics • The Batman Adventures Vol. 1
Writer
Kelley Puckett
Interior Artist
Mike Parobeck
Cover Artist
Mike Parobeck
Publication Date
September 1993
Cover Variant
Regular / Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Major Key Issue: First comic book appearance of Harley Quinn (Dr. Harleen Quinzel). Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy team up to crash a party attended by Batgirl (Barbara Gordon).
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine stress ticks on the left edge. Minor blunting on the bottom left corner. Slight surface scuffing visible on the dark areas of the cover art. The comic appears to be sitting in a slightly oversized poly-bag which may be causing minor corner curling.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $400 - $600 | Graded (CGC 8.0): $650 - $800 | Graded (CGC 9.8): $2,200 - $3,000
Recent Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies range from $450 to $700 depending on mid-to-high grade condition. CGC 9.8 copies routinely sell for over $2,500 due to the high desirability of the first Harley Quinn appearance in comics.
Grading Recommendation
Highly Recommended. This is a major key issue. Even at an estimated 8.0, the value and liquidity increase significantly once graded and encapsulated. Professional pressing and cleaning could potentially bump this to a 8.5 or 9.0 by flattening spine stress.
Notable Features
First comic book appearance of Harley Quinn. Iconic cover by Mike Parobeck. This is the Direct Edition (no barcode, featuring the Puckett/Parobeck/Burchett credit box). This issue is highly susceptible to black cover scuffing and spine ticks.
Authentication Notes
The print quality and paper stock are consistent with DC's 1993 production. The DC logo, the Fox Kids logo, and the Comic Code Authority seal are correctly placed and exhibit sharp line work. No signs of a modern reprint (like the 'Batman Adventures: Mad Love' or 'Facsimile' editions) are present.