Top 10 Batman Crossovers Ever

Batman has teamed up with fellow DC heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash countless times, but these collaborations can become repetitive. To keep things fresh, comic book enthusiasts often crave stories that break the boundaries between different pop culture universes. This has led to some of the most iconic and unusual Batman crossovers over the years. From classic pairings like Batman/Spider-Man and Batman/The Shadow to more unconventional ones like Batman/Elmer Fudd, these crossovers offer a unique twist on the Dark Knight's adventures. This list 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 iconic superheroes, it was inevitable that Batman and Spider-Man would eventually cross paths. Surprisingly, Marvel and DC didn't bring them together until 1995, but the wait was well worth it. The crossover delves into the similarities between the two heroes and their tragic backstories, while cleverly pitting them against the menacing duo of the Joker and Carnage.

Spider-Man and Batman's strength lies in its creative team, featuring J.M. DeMatteis, the writer behind Kraven's Last Hunt, and Mark Bagley, a prolific artist from Amazing Spider-Man. The result is a book that feels like a natural extension of the '90s Spider-Man comics, without the complexities of the Clone Saga.

Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.

9. Spawn/Batman

Spawn and Batman, both dark vigilantes with devoted followings, are a natural fit for a crossover. There have been three collaborations between these franchises, but the original stands out due to its stellar creative team. The Dark Knight Returns writer Frank Miller and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane teamed up to deliver a thrilling and appropriately dark adventure.

Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.

8. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Since their 2011 reboot at IDW, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been involved in numerous crossovers. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stands out as one of the best, thanks to the dynamic duo of Batman veteran James Tynion IV and artist Freddie E. Williams II.

This crossover offers an engaging blend of the Batman family and the Turtles, exploring the clash of personalities and the potential showdown between Batman and Shredder. Tynion and Williams also manage to create a deep emotional connection between the Dark Knight and the Heroes in a Half Shell.

The success of the original led to two direct sequels and a separate crossover featuring the animated versions of the characters. It even inspired a 2019 animated movie that's well worth watching.

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

First Wave showcases a different side of Batman, focusing on his Golden Age incarnation. Written by Brian Azzarello of 100 Bullets fame and drawn by Rags Morales of Identity Crisis, this series brings together various pulp heroes into a single universe. Batman, uncharacteristically armed with guns, interacts with characters like Doc Savage, The Spirit, and Rima the Jungle Girl. The series is a delightful romp, and fans wish the Pulpverse had become a permanent fixture in DC's multiverse.

Buy First Wave on Amazon.

6. Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses

Without The Shadow, Batman might not exist. This crossover logically pairs the two dark avengers, delivering a compelling narrative. The story begins with Batman investigating a murder in Gotham, only to find that the prime suspect is Lamont Cranston, believed to have died 50 years earlier.

The creative team behind Batman/The Shadow, including writers Scott Snyder and Steve Orlando and artist Riley Rossmo, elevates the series. Although the team didn't return for the sequel, The Shadow/Batman, it remains an enjoyable read.

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

5. Batman Versus Predator

Despite the waning popularity of the Predator movie series, the franchise thrived in comics during the '90s, including three crossovers with Batman. The first, featuring a story by Watchmen's Dave Gibbons and art by Andy and Adam Kubert, remains the standout.

Batman Versus Predator follows a simple yet effective premise: a Yautja is loose in Gotham, and Batman must track its deadly path. The creators craft a gripping atmosphere, surpassing the urban hunting theme of Predator 2.

Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.

4. Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham

Both Batman and Judge Dredd are committed to upholding the law in their dystopian cities, but their first crossover reveals their stark differences. When Judge Death allies with Scarecrow, these two heroes must set aside their conflicts to combat a greater threat.

DC and 2000 AD produced three Batman/Judge Dredd crossovers in the '90s, but the original, with its involvement of Dredd co-creator John Wagner and the striking artwork of Simon Bisley, is the best. It might just be the most visually stunning Batman crossover ever.

Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.

3. Batman/Grendel

Though not as widely known, the pairing of Batman and Grendel makes perfect sense. Matt Wagner's Grendel saga explores themes of violence and vengeance, which resonate deeply with Batman's world. Wagner's previous work with Batman adds to the synergy between these characters.

Both the 1993 original and its 1996 sequel are compelling reads. The first pits Batman against the original Grendel, Hunter Rose, in a battle that spans Gotham's streets and high society. The sequel focuses on Grendel-Prime, making readers wish Grendel were a permanent fixture in 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, spawning crossovers with The Authority and the Justice League. However, the Batman crossover, featuring the full creative team from the main series, is the standout.

In Planetary/Batman, Elijah Snow and his team arrive in a Batman-less Gotham to hunt a mysterious killer. The story celebrates all eras of Batman's history, from the Golden Age to the Silver Age and the brooding Dark Knight Returns. This crossover is essentially an extended Planetary installment with a significant Batman component, making it one of the best Batman crossovers ever.

Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.

1. Batman/Elmer Fudd Special

Surprisingly, the best Batman crossover is also the most bizarre. Batman/Elmer Fudd Special, part of a series combining DC heroes with Looney Tunes characters, is the standout. It earned a perfect 10 in our IGN review.

The brilliance of Batman/Elmer Fudd lies in its serious approach to the pairing, resulting in both hilarious and poignant moments. Elmer Fudd is portrayed as a tragic figure akin to Marv from Sin City, complete with his iconic speech impediment but filled with fury and pathos.

Tom King and Lee Weeks, known for their work on DC's 2016 Batman series, bring depth and emotion to this crossover. The addition of Elmer Fudd elevates their collaboration to new heights.

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.