Top 10 Batman Crossovers Ever

Batman's collaborations with fellow DC heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash are iconic, but they can feel repetitive over time. To keep the narrative fresh and exciting, breaking the boundaries between pop culture universes has led to some of the most memorable and quirky comic book crossovers. From expected team-ups like Batman with Spider-Man and The Shadow to the surprising, such as Batman teaming with Elmer Fudd, these crossovers showcase Batman in unique and engaging scenarios. This article focuses solely on stories where Batman is the central character, 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 world's most renowned superheroes, it was inevitable that Batman and Spider-Man would eventually cross paths. Surprisingly, it wasn't until 1995 that Marvel and DC brought these titans together, and the wait was certainly justified. The crossover delves into the shared tragic backstories of both heroes while cleverly pitting them against the formidable 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 artist from Amazing Spider-Man. Their collaboration results in a story that seamlessly blends with the essence of '90s Spider-Man comics, minus the infamous Clone Saga complications.

Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.

9. Spawn/Batman

Spawn and Batman, both dark vigilantes with loyal followings, were a natural fit for a crossover. There have been three such collaborations to date, but the original stands out due to its exceptional creative team: Frank Miller, the writer of The Dark Knight Returns, and Spawn's creator, Todd McFarlane. Their collaboration results in a gripping, shadowy adventure that lives up to the expectations set by their pedigrees.

Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.

8. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Since their 2011 reboot by IDW, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have ventured into numerous crossovers. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stands out, thanks to the talents of Batman veteran James Tynion IV and artist Freddie E. Williams II. The crossover cleverly juxtaposes the personalities of the Batman family with the Turtles, leading to engaging narratives and humorous clashes. It also explores the intriguing question of whether Batman could best Shredder in combat. The emotional connection forged between the Dark Knight and the Heroes in a Half Shell adds depth to the story. The success of this crossover led to two sequels and even a 2019 animated movie, both of which are highly recommended.

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

First Wave offers a unique take on Batman, focusing on his Golden Age incarnation. This crossover, penned by Brian Azzarello of 100 Bullets fame and illustrated by Rags Morales, known for Identity Crisis, brings together a variety of pulp heroes in a shared universe. In this series, Batman, wielding guns in an uncharacteristic manner, interacts with legends like Doc Savage, The Spirit, and Rima the Jungle Girl. The series is both entertaining and imaginative, leaving readers wishing that the "Pulpverse" had become a staple in DC's multiverse.

Buy First Wave on Amazon.

6. Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses

Without The Shadow, Batman might never have existed. This crossover logically pairs the two nocturnal avengers. The story begins with Batman investigating a murder in Gotham, with the prime suspect being Lamont Cranston, believed to be dead for 50 years. The ensuing whirlwind adventure is expertly crafted by writers Scott Snyder and Steve Orlando, alongside artist Riley Rossmo. While the sequel, The Shadow/Batman, doesn't feature the same creative team, it remains a compelling read.

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

5. Batman Versus Predator

Despite the waning popularity of the Predator films, the franchise thrived in '90s comics, including three crossovers with Batman. The first, featuring a story by Dave Gibbons of Watchmen fame and art by the pre-X-Men duo Andy and Adam Kubert, remains the standout. The premise is simple yet effective: a Yautja hunter stalks Gotham, and Batman must track him down. The creators deliver an atmospheric narrative that surpasses the urban hunting theme explored in Predator 2.

Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.

4. Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham

Batman and Judge Dredd share a commitment to law and order in their respective dystopian cities, but their first crossover reveals significant differences. When Judge Death allies with Scarecrow across dimensions, the two heroes must reluctantly unite. The original '90s collaboration, penned by Dredd co-creator John Wagner and illustrated by Simon Bisley, stands out for its surreal, brutal, and psychedelic artwork, arguably making it the most visually striking Batman crossover.

Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.

3. Batman/Grendel

Grendel may not be as well-known as some of Batman's other crossover partners, but the pairing is thematically fitting. Matt Wagner's Grendel saga explores themes of violence and vengeance, central to Batman's narrative. Wagner, who has worked on Batman solo stories, brings these elements together compellingly. Both the 1993 and 1996 crossovers are essential reading, with the first focusing on the original Grendel, Hunter Rose, and the sequel on his futuristic successor, Grendel-Prime. These stories make one wish Grendel were a regular part of Batman's rogues gallery.

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, and its crossover with Batman is exceptional. In Planetary/Batman: Night on Earth, 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 history across different eras, from the Golden Age to the brooding avenger of The Dark Knight Returns. It seamlessly integrates with the main Planetary series, making it one of the best Batman crossovers.

Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.

1. Batman/Elmer Fudd Special

Perhaps the most surprising yet brilliant crossover is Batman/Elmer Fudd Special. This unique mash-up blends the DC Universe with Looney Tunes characters, delivering an unexpectedly profound and hilarious narrative. The story takes a serious approach to Batman and Gotham, casting Elmer Fudd as a tragic figure akin to Sin City's Marv. Tom King and Lee Weeks masterfully explore this premise, delivering a poignant and comedic tale that earned a perfect 10 in our IGN review.

Buy Batman by Tom King and Lee Weeks on Amazon.

What's your favorite Batman crossover? Vote in our poll and let us know in the comments below.