Batman's adventures within the DC Universe are legendary, but sometimes, the thrill of teaming up with the same heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash can become repetitive. To keep things fresh and exciting, comic book creators have ventured into the realm of inter-universe crossovers, bringing us some of the most iconic and bizarre stories featuring the Dark Knight. From the expected alliances with Spider-Man and The Shadow to the unexpected with Elmer Fudd, these crossovers offer a unique perspective on Batman's world. Here, we focus solely on stories where Batman 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, penned by J.M. DeMatteis and illustrated by Mark Bagley, was a long-awaited treat. This story delves into the shared tragic backgrounds of both heroes while pitting them against the menacing duo of the Joker and Carnage. The collaboration feels like a seamless extension of the '90s Spider-Man comics, minus the complexities of the Clone Saga.
Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.
Spawn/Batman
Spawn and Batman, both dark vigilantes with devoted followings, were a natural fit for a crossover. The original collaboration, featuring Frank Miller and Todd McFarlane, stands out as the best among their three crossovers. This team-up delivers a thrilling and appropriately dark adventure, thanks to the creative prowess of its writers and artists.
Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.
Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Since their 2011 reboot, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have engaged in numerous crossovers, but their encounter with Batman, crafted by James Tynion IV and Freddie E. Williams II, is particularly memorable. This crossover brilliantly captures the dynamic between the Batman family and the Turtles, exploring the intriguing question of who would win in a duel between Batman and Shredder. 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 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, harking back to his Golden Age roots. In this series, written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Rags Morales, Batman, armed with guns, interacts with pulp heroes like Doc Savage and The Spirit. This entertaining crossover showcases a different side of the Caped Crusader and leaves readers wishing for more adventures in the so-called Pulpverse.
Buy First Wave on Amazon.
Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses
Given The Shadow's influence on Batman's creation, their crossover is a fitting tribute. In Batman/The Shadow, the Dark Knight investigates a murder linked to Lamont Cranston, leading to a thrilling team-up. The creative team of Scott Snyder, Steve Orlando, and Riley Rossmo brings this story to life, though the sequel, The Shadow/Batman, is also worth a read.
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, remains the standout. It follows Batman as he tracks a Yautja wreaking havoc in Gotham, delivering a gripping narrative and atmosphere that outshines the movie counterpart.
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, yet their first crossover reveals their stark differences. When Judge Death and Scarecrow team up, Batman and Dredd must set aside their conflicts. The original crossover, with John Wagner's writing and Simon Bisley's surreal artwork, is a visually stunning and compelling read.
Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.
Batman/Grendel
Though not as widely known, the crossover between Batman and Grendel is a natural fit, given their shared themes of violence and vengeance. Both the 1993 and 1996 crossovers, crafted by Matt Wagner, are compelling reads. The first pits Batman against Hunter Rose, while the sequel focuses on Grendel-Prime, making readers wish Grendel were a permanent fixture in 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 and seamlessly integrates with the main Planetary series.
Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.
Batman/Elmer Fudd Special
Perhaps the most unexpected yet brilliant crossover, Batman/Elmer Fudd Special, part of the DC/Looney Tunes mash-ups, is a standout. This comic, which earned a perfect 10 in our IGN review, treats the pairing with utmost seriousness, resulting in both hilarious and poignant moments. Tom King and Lee Weeks craft a story that elevates Elmer Fudd to a tragic figure akin to Marv from Sin City, showcasing their exceptional storytelling skills.
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.