Batman's collaborations with fellow DC heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash are iconic, but there comes a time when fans crave something different. Breaking the barriers between pop culture universes leads to some of the most memorable and unconventional comic book crossovers. From the expected pairings like Batman/Spider-Man and Batman/The Shadow to the quirky Batman/Elmer Fudd, these crossovers offer a fresh take on the Dark Knight. We're focusing solely on stories where Batman himself is the central figure, not those involving the broader Justice League like Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong.
The Top 10 Best Batman Crossovers of All Time
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Spider-Man and Batman
It was inevitable that Batman and Spider-Man, two of the world's most celebrated superheroes, would eventually cross paths. Surprisingly, it took until 1995 for Marvel and DC to bring them together, but the wait was well worth it. This crossover highlights the similarities between the heroes and their tragic origins while pitting them against the terrifying duo of the Joker and Carnage. Crafted by Spider-Man veterans J.M. DeMatteis and Mark Bagley, the story feels like a seamless continuation of '90s Spider-Man comics, sans the Clone Saga drama.
Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.
Spawn/Batman
Both Spawn and Batman are dark vigilantes with iconic capes and massive followings, making them a perfect match for crossover adventures. While there have been multiple crossovers between these two, the original stands out due to its stellar creative team, featuring Frank Miller of The Dark Knight Returns fame and Spawn's creator, Todd McFarlane. Their collaboration delivers a gripping and shadowy tale that does justice to both characters.
Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.
Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Since their 2011 reboot by IDW, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been involved in numerous crossovers, but Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles remains a standout. Thanks to the expertise of Batman veteran James Tynion IV and artist Freddie E. Williams II, this crossover offers a delightful clash of worlds and personalities between the Batman family and the Turtles. The story also delves into the intriguing question of whether Batman could best Shredder in a duel, while forging an emotional connection between the Dark Knight and the Heroes in a Half Shell. The success of this crossover led to two direct 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 glimpse into the original Golden Age Batman, a character quite different from his modern incarnation. Written by Brian Azzarello of 100 Bullets fame and illustrated by Rags Morales of Identity Crisis, this series brings together various pulp heroes in one universe. Here, a gun-toting Batman interacts with the likes of Doc Savage, The Spirit, and Rima the Jungle Girl. The series is a fun romp that fans wish could have become a permanent fixture in DC's multiverse.
Buy First Wave on Amazon.
Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses
Without The Shadow, there might not have been a Batman, making their pairing a natural fit. In Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses, the Dark Knight investigates a murder in Gotham only to find the prime suspect is Lamont Cranston, supposedly dead for 50 years. This leads to an exciting and whirlwind team-up. The creative team of Scott Snyder, Steve Orlando, and Riley Rossmo brings this story to life, though the follow-up, The Shadow/Batman, lacks the same ensemble.
Buy Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses on Amazon.
Batman Versus Predator
Even as the Predator movie series struggled, the franchise thrived in comics during the '90s, leading to three crossovers with Batman. The first, crafted by Dave Gibbons of Watchmen fame and illustrated by Andy and Adam Kubert before their X-Men work, remains the best. It follows Batman as he tracks a Yautja causing chaos in Gotham, delivering a gripping atmosphere and a more successful urban hunt than Predator 2.
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 first crossover reveals they don't always see eye to eye. When Judge Death teams up with Scarecrow, the two heroes must set aside their differences to stop them. The original collaboration between DC and 2000 AD, featuring Dredd co-creator John Wagner and artist Simon Bisley, stands out as one of the most visually stunning Batman crossovers.
Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.
Batman/Grendel
Grendel might not be as well-known, but its themes of violence and vengeance align perfectly with Batman's world. Matt Wagner, who has worked extensively with Batman, crafts a compelling narrative where Batman faces off against the original Grendel, Hunter Rose, in both Gotham's streets and high society. The sequel introduces Grendel-Prime, and both stories are strong enough to make fans wish Grendel were a permanent part of Batman's rogues gallery.
Buy Batman/Grendel: Devil’s Riddle on Amazon.
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 a standout. In a Batman-less Gotham, Elijah Snow and his team hunt a mysterious killer, leading to encounters with various versions of Batman from different eras. This crossover celebrates Batman's rich history while delivering a thrilling addition to the Planetary series.
Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.
Batman/Elmer Fudd Special
Perhaps the most bizarre yet best Batman crossover is the Batman/Elmer Fudd Special. Part of DC's mash-ups with Looney Tunes, this story takes the premise seriously, turning Elmer Fudd into a tragic figure akin to Sin City's Marv. Tom King and Lee Weeks deliver a deeply emotional and humorous tale that elevates the crossover to new heights, earning a perfect 10 in our IGN review.
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.