There’s no replacing Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn. She was the bright spot in Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey, and she was superb in James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad. When word spread that Todd Phillips was recasting the role for his Joker sequel, Robbie’s fans immediately bristled. Then came news that Folie à Deux would be a musical with pop superstar Lady Gaga lending her voice to the role.
As the first images of Gaga’s take on Harley hit the internet, even the most ardent Robbie fans are curious how the new vision will take shape. That will inevitably impact the secondary market, and these comics will be among the first to feel the heat.
THE BATMAN ADVENTURES #12
How could today’s list start with anything else? Well before Harley made her way into the world of live action, this issue was put on a pedestal. Once Robbie broke out her best Tara Strong impression, it became a modern grail.
Here we are, ready for Lady Gaga to bring Harley to life in a way never seen before. It will only make TBA #12 an even bigger key, and that means prices will stay high. In fact, a graded 9.8 sold for nearly $2,900 on March 25.
BATMAN: HARLEY QUINN #1
Next to her debut appearance, this is the go-to collectible for all things Harley. The cover art has been homaged numerous times, and there will be plenty more in the future. Iconic covers always make for big sellers, but factor in Harley’s introduction into the main DC timeline, and you’ve got all the pieces for a major key.
On the plus side, it’s much cheaper than TBA #12 with a 30-day average of $687 for a graded 9.8.
BATMAN ADVENTURES: MAD LOVE SPECIAL #1
Before Harley was inducted into the official DC continuity, she and the Joker made one of their most famous appearances as a couple. Based on the BTAS episodes of the same name, this issue could be much more popular thanks to the Joker sequel. How much of the story will be used in the movie remains to be seen, but collectors will immediately draw the comparisons.
Need a copy to love and cherish? You can buy a 9.8 for less than $400 based on the 30-day average.
HARLEY QUINN #1
This may not be the first time Harley had her name on the title, but it does mark the premiere issue of her first ongoing series. With her other keys kicking into high gear on the secondary market, this is an appealing addition to your collections if the others are getting a bit too pricey. While it’s hard to imagine Harley Quinn #1 suddenly hitting record heights, that’s good for Harley fans wanting a piece of her comic history. In the market for a copy? The graded 9.8 has averaged slightly under $200 for the past month.
CONCLUSION
James Gunn has made it clear that the worlds of Joker and The Batman will remain separate from the rest of the DCU. Could we see three Harleys between the different franchises? Depending on what plans Matt Reeves has for his corner of the superhero cinematic universe, that could very well be the case. In the end, it will keep her keys as hot as ever.
*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.
