Batman's adventures with fellow DC heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash are iconic, but sometimes, fans crave a fresh twist. Enter the world of comic book crossovers, where Batman joins forces with characters from different universes, creating some of the most memorable and unexpected stories. From classic pairings like Batman and Spider-Man to the bizarre yet brilliant Batman and Elmer Fudd, these crossovers offer a unique take on the Dark Knight's world. Here, we focus solely on stories where Batman is the central figure, excluding broader team-ups 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 beloved superheroes, it was only a matter of time before Batman and Spider-Man crossed paths. Their 1995 crossover, penned by J.M. DeMatteis and illustrated by Mark Bagley, delves into their shared tragic backstories and pits them against the sinister duo of the Joker and Carnage. This collaboration feels like a natural extension of the '90s Spider-Man comics, minus the Clone Saga drama.
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 collaboration, featuring Frank Miller and Todd McFarlane, stands out for its impressive creative team and dark, engaging storyline.
Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.
Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Since their IDW reboot in 2011, the Ninja Turtles have enjoyed numerous crossovers, but Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a standout. Written by James Tynion IV and illustrated by Freddie E. Williams II, this crossover brilliantly juxtaposes the personalities of the Batman family and the Turtles, culminating in a thrilling showdown between Batman and Shredder. The success of this story led to two sequels and a 2019 animated movie.
Buy Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 1 (2025 Edition) on Amazon.
7. First Wave -------------
First Wave reimagines Batman in his Golden Age form, teaming him with pulp heroes like Doc Savage and The Spirit. Written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Rags Morales, this series is both entertaining and unique, making fans wish the Pulpverse had become a permanent fixture in the DC multiverse.
Buy First Wave on Amazon.
Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses
Batman owes much to The Shadow, and their crossover, Batman/The Shadow, does justice to both characters. As Batman investigates a murder in Gotham, he encounters Lamont Cranston, thought to be dead for decades. Written by Scott Snyder and Steve Orlando with art by Riley Rossmo, this series is a thrilling blend of detective work and vigilante action.
Buy Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses on Amazon.
Batman Versus Predator
During the '90s, the Predator franchise thrived in comics, leading to three crossovers with Batman. The first, with a story by Dave Gibbons and art by Andy and Adam Kubert, is particularly memorable. Batman tracks a Yautja causing havoc in Gotham, delivering a suspenseful and atmospheric tale.
Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.
Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham
Batman and Judge Dredd share a commitment to justice, but their first crossover reveals their stark differences. When Judge Death allies with Scarecrow, the two must unite against a common enemy. With John Wagner's writing and Simon Bisley's surreal art, this crossover is visually stunning and narratively compelling.
Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.
Batman/Grendel
Matt Wagner's Grendel, a saga about violence and vengeance, pairs perfectly with Batman. Both the 1993 original and its 1996 sequel are must-reads, exploring the clash between Batman and Grendel's Hunter Rose, and later, Grendel-Prime. These stories highlight the thematic synergy between the two characters.
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 gem, and their Batman crossover is a highlight. In a Batman-less Gotham, the Planetary team hunts a killer, leading to encounters with various versions of Batman across different eras. This crossover celebrates Batman's rich history while delivering a thrilling narrative.
Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.
Batman/Elmer Fudd Special
Perhaps the most unexpected yet brilliant crossover, Batman/Elmer Fudd Special is a standout. This story treats Elmer Fudd as a tragic figure akin to Sin City's Marv, blending humor with pathos. Tom King and Lee Weeks deliver a poignant and hilarious tale that elevates the crossover genre.
Buy Batman by Tom King and Lee Weeks on Amazon.
What’s your favorite Batman crossover? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
