Batman's adventures with his fellow DC heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash are legendary, but sometimes, fans crave something different. Breaking the barriers between pop culture universes can lead to some of the most exciting and unusual comic book crossovers. From iconic pairings like Batman/Spider-Man and Batman/The Shadow to the unexpected like Batman/Elmer Fudd, these crossovers offer fresh and thrilling narratives. Here, we focus on the top Batman crossovers where the Dark Knight himself takes center stage, excluding broader Justice League crossovers like Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong.
The Top 10 Best Batman Crossovers of All Time
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Spider-Man and Batman
As two of the world's most iconic superheroes, it was only a matter of time before Batman and Spider-Man crossed paths. Their 1995 crossover was a long-awaited event that did not disappoint. This story delves into the similarities between the two heroes, particularly their tragic origins, and smartly pits them against the menacing duo of the Joker and Carnage. The creative team, including J.M. DeMatteis and Mark Bagley, brings a '90s Spider-Man vibe to the book, making it a seamless and engaging read.
Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.
Spawn/Batman
Spawn and Batman, both dark vigilantes with devoted followings, are a natural fit for a crossover. The original Spawn/Batman collaboration stands out due to its stellar creative team, featuring Frank Miller and Todd McFarlane. Their combined talents deliver a gripping and atmospheric tale that perfectly blends the worlds of these two brooding heroes.
Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.
Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Since their 2011 reboot, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been involved in numerous crossovers, but Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stands out. Written by James Tynion IV and illustrated by Freddie E. Williams II, this crossover brilliantly merges the worlds of Batman and the Turtles, exploring the dynamics between the characters. The emotional connection forged between Batman and the Turtles adds depth to the story, while the action-packed showdowns, like Batman versus Shredder, keep readers on the edge of their seats. The success of this crossover led to sequels and even a 2019 animated movie.
Buy Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 1 (2025 Edition) on Amazon.
7. First Wave -------------First Wave offers a unique take on Batman by revisiting his Golden Age roots. In this series, Brian Azzarello and Rags Morales bring together a host of pulp heroes, including Batman, Doc Savage, The Spirit, and Rima the Jungle Girl. Batman, armed with guns, navigates this new universe with flair, making for an entertaining and nostalgic read. Fans wish this "Pulpverse" had become a permanent fixture in DC's multiverse.
Buy First Wave on Amazon.
Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses
Batman owes much to The Shadow, making their crossover a fitting tribute. In Batman/The Shadow, the Dark Knight investigates a murder in Gotham, only to find Lamont Cranston, thought dead for decades, as the prime suspect. This thrilling team-up, crafted by Scott Snyder, Steve Orlando, and Riley Rossmo, is a must-read. Although the creative team changed for the sequel, The Shadow/Batman, it remains a compelling follow-up.
Buy Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses on Amazon.
Batman Versus Predator
Despite the waning popularity of the Predator films, the franchise thrived in comics during the '90s, including three crossovers with Batman. The first, featuring a story by Dave Gibbons and art by Andy and Adam Kubert, is the standout. It follows Batman as he tracks a Yautja wreaking havoc in Gotham, delivering a tense and atmospheric narrative that outshines the movie counterparts.
Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.
Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham
Both Batman and Judge Dredd are dedicated to upholding the law in their dystopian cities, but their methods clash in this crossover. When Judge Death teams up with Scarecrow, Batman and Dredd must unite despite their differences. The original crossover, with John Wagner's writing and Simon Bisley's striking art, is a visually stunning and engaging read.
Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.
Batman/Grendel
Though not as widely known, the Batman/Grendel crossover is a compelling blend of themes central to both characters: violence and vengeance. Matt Wagner, who has worked extensively with Batman, crafts a story that feels both natural and thrilling. The original 1993 crossover and its 1996 sequel are both excellent, making fans wish Grendel were a regular part of Batman's world.
Buy Batman/Grendel: Devil's Riddle on Amazon.
Planetary/Batman: Night on Earth
Warren Ellis and John Cassaday's Planetary series is a sci-fi masterpiece, and their crossover with Batman is a highlight. In Planetary/Batman, Elijah Snow and his team investigate a killer in a Batman-less Gotham, leading to encounters with various versions of the Caped Crusader. This crossover celebrates Batman's rich history, from the Golden Age to The Dark Knight Returns, making it a standout in the genre.
Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.
Batman/Elmer Fudd Special
Perhaps the most surprising yet brilliant crossover, Batman/Elmer Fudd Special combines the DC Universe with Looney Tunes in a way that's both hilarious and poignant. Tom King and Lee Weeks treat the premise with utmost seriousness, portraying Elmer Fudd as a tragic figure akin to Sin City's Marv. This unique approach earned the comic a perfect 10 in our IGN review, showcasing the depth and emotion that can be drawn from such an unexpected pairing.
Buy Batman by Tom King and Lee Weeks on Amazon.
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AnswerSee ResultsFor more Batman fun, check out the top 10 Batman costumes of all time and the top 27 Batman comics and graphic novels.