Top 10 Batman Crossovers Ever

Batman's adventures often see him teaming up with fellow DC heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash. However, sometimes fans crave a fresh narrative twist that breaks the confines of traditional universes. This desire has led to some of the most iconic and bizarre comic book crossovers, featuring Batman alongside characters from other realms. From expected pairings like Batman and Spider-Man to the unexpected, such as Batman and Elmer Fudd, these crossovers offer a unique perspective on the Dark Knight. This list focuses solely on stories where Batman is the central figure, excluding broader Justice League crossovers like Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong.

The Top 10 Best Batman Crossovers of All Time

11 Images10. Spider-Man and Batman

As two of the most iconic superheroes globally, it was only a matter of time before Batman and Spider-Man crossed paths. Surprisingly, it wasn't until 1995 that Marvel and DC brought these characters together. The crossover, Spider-Man and Batman, was a highly anticipated event that did not disappoint. It delves into the similarities between the two heroes, especially their tragic origins, and cleverly pits them against the villainous duo of the Joker and Carnage.

The strength of Spider-Man and Batman lies in its creators—J.M. DeMatteis, known for Kraven’s Last Hunt, and Mark Bagley, a prolific Amazing Spider-Man artist. Their collaboration results in a book that feels like a natural extension of '90s Spider-Man comics, devoid of the convoluted Clone Saga narrative.

Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.

9. Spawn/Batman

Spawn and Batman, both dark vigilantes with dedicated followings, make for a compelling crossover. There have been three crossovers between these franchises, but the original stands out due to its stellar creative team. The Dark Knight Returns writer Frank Miller teamed up with Spawn creator Todd McFarlane, resulting in a dark and thrilling adventure that lives up to the reputations of both characters.

Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.

8. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Following their 2011 reboot by IDW, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have featured in numerous crossovers, but Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles remains a standout. This crossover, crafted by Batman veteran James Tynion IV and artist Freddie E. Williams II, successfully blends the worlds of Batman and the Turtles, showcasing the dynamic interplay between their characters. It also entertains the age-old question of whether Batman could best Shredder in combat. The emotional connection forged between Batman and the Turtles adds depth to the story.

The success of this initial crossover led to two direct sequels and a separate animated crossover, culminating in a 2019 animated movie that is also worth watching.

Buy Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 1 (2025 Edition) on Amazon.

First Wave presents a unique crossover that harks back to Batman's Golden Age persona. Written by Brian Azzarello of 100 Bullets fame and illustrated by Rags Morales, known for Identity Crisis, this series merges Batman with other pulp heroes like Doc Savage, The Spirit, and Rima the Jungle Girl. The Caped Crusader, surprisingly wielding guns, navigates this pulp universe with flair. Though the Pulpverse didn't become a permanent fixture in DC's multiverse, First Wave remains a fun and engaging read.

Buy First Wave on Amazon.

6. Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses

Given The Shadow's influence on Batman's creation, their crossover feels inevitable. Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses expertly blends these two night-time avengers. The story begins with Batman investigating a murder in Gotham, only to find the prime suspect is Lamont Cranston, thought dead for 50 years. The narrative unfolds into an intense team-up, driven by the talents of writers Scott Snyder and Steve Orlando, and artist Riley Rossmo. Although the creative team changed for the sequel, The Shadow/Batman, it remains a commendable follow-up.

Buy Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses on Amazon.

5. Batman Versus Predator

Despite the Predator movie franchise's ups and downs, its comic book iterations thrived in the '90s, including three crossovers with Batman. The first, featuring a story by Watchmen's Dave Gibbons and art by Andy and Adam Kubert, stands out. Batman Versus Predator follows the Dark Knight as he tracks a Yautja wreaking havoc in Gotham, crafting an atmospheric tale that surpasses the urban hunting theme of Predator 2.

Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.

4. Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham

Batman and Judge Dredd, both committed to law and order in their dystopian cities, make a fascinating pairing. Their first crossover, Judgment on Gotham, showcases their differing approaches when Judge Death and Scarecrow form an alliance. DC and 2000 AD's collaboration on this and two other '90s crossovers is notable, but the original, with John Wagner and Simon Bisley's surreal and brutal artwork, remains the most visually striking Batman crossover to date.

Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.

3. Batman/Grendel

Though Grendel may not be as well-known as some of Batman's other crossover partners, the pairing is thematically apt. Matt Wagner's Grendel series explores themes of violence and vengeance, mirroring elements of Batman's world. Both the 1993 original crossover and its 1996 sequel are compelling reads, showcasing Batman's encounters with Grendel's Hunter Rose and his futuristic successor, Grendel-Prime. These stories leave readers wishing Grendel was a permanent fixture in Batman's universe.

Buy Batman/Grendel: Devil's Riddle on Amazon.

2. Planetary/Batman: Night on Earth

Warren Ellis and John Cassaday's Planetary is one of DC's greatest sci-fi epics, leading to crossovers with The Authority and the Justice League. However, Planetary/Batman: Night on Earth stands out, featuring the full creative team from the main series. In this story, Elijah Snow and his team arrive in a Batman-less Gotham to hunt a killer, leading to encounters with various versions of Batman across different eras. This crossover celebrates Batman's rich history, making it one of the best of its kind.

Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.

1. Batman/Elmer Fudd Special

Perhaps the most surprising yet brilliant Batman crossover, Batman/Elmer Fudd Special, blends the DC Universe with Looney Tunes in a way that defies expectations. This special, which received a perfect 10 in an IGN review, treats its premise with utmost seriousness, portraying Elmer Fudd as a tragic figure akin to Sin City's Marv. Writers Tom King and artist Lee Weeks create a deeply emotional and humorous narrative that elevates the crossover to new heights.

Buy Batman by Tom King and Lee Weeks on Amazon.

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