Harley Quinn comics have become a playground for some of the most creative and striking variant covers in modern comic art. From early issues that established her identity beyond Batman: The Animated Series to today’s collector-focused anniversary editions, Harley’s covers capture every mood: chaotic, playful, dangerous, and alluring. Over the years, DC has collaborated with world-renowned artists who have turned her into a visual icon, blending pop art sensibility with dark humor and stylish flair.
While some of these issues hold historical value, others showcase pure artistic brilliance. This list highlights the most memorable Harley Quinn variants, ranging from milestone releases to rare retailer exclusives. For collectors, these are covers worth vaulting, framing, or displaying proudly among the finest comic art of the modern DC era.
10. Harley Quinn 30th Anniversary Special #1 Bruce Timm Variant Cover
The Bruce Timm variant stands as a tribute from the man who co-created Harley Quinn himself. His timeless animated style captures Harley’s original charm and mischievous grin in a nostalgic return to her roots. This 2022 special issue featured multiple variants, but Timm’s cover became a sentimental favorite for longtime fans. It is a cornerstone for collectors celebrating Harley’s evolution over three decades.
9. Harley Quinn #1 (2000)
Harley Quinn’s solo debut under DC’s main continuity marked her transition from sidekick to star. Written by Karl Kesel and drawn by Terry Dodson, this issue showcased Harley breaking out on her own after years of being tied to the Joker. The standard cover already carries importance, but early variants tied to this release often feature stylized takes that helped define her comic persona. This issue remains one of the foundational books for any Harley Quinn collection.
8. Harley Quinn: Black White Redder #5 (David Nakayama 1:25 Variant)
David Nakayama’s 1:25 variant for Harley Quinn: Black White Redder #5 delivers one of the boldest Harley covers of the modern era. The artwork transforms Harley into a Western-style outlaw, dressed in a half-red, half-black cowgirl outfit complete with hat, bandana, and revolver belt, framed by a “WANTED” poster backdrop. Nakayama’s high-contrast palette of deep reds, whites, and blacks gives the cover a cinematic, poster-like quality that jumps off the page. It’s a perfect example of how Nakayama combines pin-up energy with polished digital technique, making this variant one of the most instantly recognizable Harley Quinn covers released in 2023.
7. Harley Quinn #29 Natali Sanders Exclusive Virgin Variant
Natali Sanders brings cinematic realism to Harley with this retailer-exclusive virgin variant. The cover presents Harley with a soft yet intense expression, emphasizing her allure over chaos. Sanders’ painterly rendering elevates the character to near-iconic status, appealing to collectors who appreciate high-end realism in comic art. Limited print quantities make this one a chase piece across collector groups.
6. Harley Quinn #17 (Unknown Comics David Nakayama Cover Variant)
This exclusive release from Unknown Comics showcases Nakayama’s signature neon aesthetic and flawless attention to color. The pose, attitude, and expression perfectly embody Harley’s rebellious energy. Since Unknown Comics variants are often printed in small batches, this issue has become a hidden gem for fans of modern cover artistry. It is a bright, energetic addition that fits perfectly alongside Harley’s more traditional dark-themed issues.
5. Harley Quinn 30th Anniversary Special #1 Ivan Tao Cover Variant
Ivan Tao’s variant for Harley Quinn 30th Anniversary Special #1 is a striking celebration of Harley’s raw energy and chaotic charisma. The artwork portrays her with smeared makeup, defiant grin, and wild posture, embodying both vulnerability and power. Tao’s detailed digital brushwork and contrasting tones create a sleek, almost hyperreal image that feels alive with motion. Released in 2022, this cover instantly stood out among all anniversary variants for its emotion, polish, and daring style, making it a centerpiece for any Harley Quinn collector who values bold, modern artistry.
4. Harley Quinn #10 Lin Variant Cover (Rare)
The Lin variant for Harley Quinn #10 stands out with a dreamy, watercolor-inspired composition that captures Harley in an unexpectedly serene moment. She sits under a café umbrella surrounded by her hyenas, with a soft smile that contrasts her usual wild energy. The delicate color palette and flowing brushwork highlight Lin’s signature art style, giving the piece a warm and elegant tone rarely seen in Harley covers. This variant quickly became a collector favorite for its beauty and scarcity, offering a softer yet equally captivating vision of Gotham’s most unpredictable antihero.
3. Harley Quinn #1 Rebirth Artgerm Legacy Edition
The Rebirth #1 issue received a full Artgerm Legacy treatment with three variants: sketch, black and white, and colored. Each version captures Harley in a different tone, from refined illustration to fully realized comic cover. The colored version remains the most recognized, but the sketch variant often receives higher collector attention due to limited availability. Together, these covers represent one of the most elegant Harley Quinn variant sets ever produced.
2. Batman: Harley Quinn #1 (1999)
Batman: Harley Quinn #1 is one of the most legendary Harley covers of all time, painted by Alex Ross. The artwork depicts Harley in her classic red-and-black jester costume, leaning lovingly into the Joker’s embrace while he grins menacingly behind her. The piece captures the twisted dynamic between the two in a single, haunting image that has since become synonymous with Harley’s origin in mainstream DC continuity. Released in 1999 as part of the No Man’s Land storyline, this issue marked her first official comic appearance, making it both a historical milestone and a must-own visual masterpiece for collectors.
1. Harley Quinn: Black White Redder #1 Stanley “Artgerm” Lau Variant Cover
Stanley “Artgerm” Lau’s variant for Harley Quinn: Black White Redder #1 stands as one of the most stylish Harley covers of the modern era. Presented in Artgerm’s signature red, white, and black palette, Harley strikes a confident pose alongside one of her hyenas, capturing equal parts elegance and mischief. The crisp linework and high-contrast tones perfectly reflect the comic’s visual theme while emphasizing Harley’s charisma without overcomplication. This variant became a fan favorite upon release for its sleek simplicity and collectible appeal, making it a must-have for both Artgerm and Harley enthusiasts.
From nostalgic tributes to bold new interpretations, these Harley Quinn comics showcase how variant art continues to elevate her legacy. Each cover reflects a different side of her: the lover, the lunatic, and the liberated antihero. For fans, collectors, and art enthusiasts, these issues prove that Harley Quinn remains not only DC’s most unpredictable character but also one of the most visually captivating icons in comic book history.
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