Harley Quinn returns for a third season on HBOMax and the animated series continues to blend numerous storylines and characters inspired by DC Comics. Harley Quinn began in animation but quickly joined the DC Universe on the page, and her best comic books continue to play a huge role in how her story unfolds in newer media.
Classic comic book stories featuring Harley often involve close adaptations or riffs on her original look and role from the legendary Batman: The Animated Series, as well as modern comics that take the iconic character in new and unexpected directions. The last thirty years contain many excellent comic books for Harley fans to discover as the series' new season unfolds.
The Batman Adventures #12
Harley Quinn's first appearance in comic books comes in The Batman Adventures #12, making it a landmark for the character. This tie-in comic to the animated series appeared in 1993 and features Poison Ivy facing off against Batgirl. She teams up with Poison Ivy to do it, which seems fitting given their history in the show and in the years since.
This Harley arguably tilts more sinister than her animated counterpart at the time, hinting at darker versions to come, and the comic is well-worth revisiting now, though it counts among the most expensive modern DC Comics.
Harley Quinn #10
Harley Quinn shares another strong connection to Batgirl in Harley Quinn #10 that feels like it could pay off in the new animated series. Harley Quinn impersonates Batgirl in this raucous issue from 2001, written by Karl Kessel and drawn by Terry and Rachel Dodson.
This fun issue embodies Harley's unpredictable spirit as she battles Killer Croc in a bowling alley and then decides to become Batgirl after realizing that Batman is far more successful at fighting criminals than she is.
Harley Quinn #3
Harley Quinn #3 from her first solo series represents a milestone moment in DC Comics continuity. This issue presents the first in-canon meeting between Harley and Poison Ivy and serves as a perfect encapsulation of what makes the two such good partners in every medium they appear in.
Harley throws a party for female supervillains while dealing with her ongoing battle to attain agency from The Joker. Ivy advocates for Harley's independence and self-worth, as she often does, leading to a positive declaration from Harley that the new animated series adapted.
Suicide Squad #1
Comic book fans know the Suicide Squad changes line-ups almost as a matter of course, but Harley Quinn's joining the team altered the trajectory for both. Suicide Squad #1 from 2011 represents a major evolution for both the team and Harley as she joins up for the first time, leading to a close association in other media.
Harley's presence on the team arguably elevates their profile so significantly that the team, long-lived in the comics but somewhat underrated, emerges as a major brand both in live-action and animation.
Gotham City Sirens #1
Harley participates in another key team, the Gotham City Sirens. The unlikely team-up between Catwoman, Harley, and Ivy occurs in the first issue from the 2009 series, making it a must-read as this group likely appears in other media. Written by Paul Dini, responsible for some of the best Batman stories ever in the comics and animation, this issue pits the trio against The Riddler.
The comic book also further develops Harley and Ivy's supportive relationship, though Harley at this stage still remains hopeful to reconcile with The Joker.
Harley And Ivy #1
Harley and Ivy's relationship defines them both in many ways and Harley And Ivy #1 from 2004 begins a must-read mini-series that furthers their connection in the comics. Harley and Ivy steal a zombie alien planet but Harley destroys it trying to save Ivy from Batman, leading to major friction between the two friends and partners in crime.
The comic remains notable for its subtextual exploration of their romantic connection early in their history. The comic also ties into the original animated series continuity, easily slotting into the best episodes from Batman: The Animated Series.
Harleen #1
Harley's adventures in the comics and other media tend to embrace the funnier side of her character. Harleen #1 from 2019 leans into the darkness within her by exploring her complex and tragic origin in a sober way. The three-issue mini-series, written and drawn by Stjepan Šejić, delves deep into Harley's psyche with inventive art.
The issue ranks among the best Harley Quinn comics for digging into her complicated dynamic with The Joker in a way that few other stories do, providing more insight for fans of both characters.
Batman: Harley Quinn #1
Batman: Harley Quinn #1 not only features an all-time, classic cover from Alex Ross featuring Harley and Joker, but the issue also recounts her classic origin in comics for the first time. She tells her story to Poison Ivy, another foundational moment that echoes through later comics all the way into the new HBOMax series.
Dini once again writes the story, adding to Harley's mythology and furthering her role as a change agent in the DC Universe, an unpredictable force who alters many characters, including Ivy, forever.
Harley Quinn: The Animated Series – The Eat. Bang! Kill. Tour #1
Harley Quinn: The Animated Series – The Eat. Bang! Kill. Tour #1 continues a proud and unique tradition for Harley, connecting her animated and comic book worlds by spinning off the new HBOMax series. The issue also achieves instant iconic status by depicting Harley and Ivy in a true relationship for the first time in the comics.
Though other comics hinted at their romance or showed brief kisses, this issue leaves nothing to the imagination and cements their status among the best DC Comics superhero couples. It also tells a great story showcasing how different they are, but perfect for each other.
Batman Adventures: Mad Love
Batman Adventures: Mad Love also crystalizes Harley's origin in the comics, this time with the original animated series continuity. This iconic special, written by Dini with art from Bruce Timm, lays the foundation for nearly every Harley story that followed by showcasing how twisted and ultimately unsustainable Harley's relationship with Joker is.
Though she remains closely associated with him in all media, her character evolves beyond him, and she becomes an avatar for agency and growth, no doubt one reason the plant-focused Ivy loves her.