Batman's adventures often see him teaming up with fellow DC heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash. However, these collaborations can become repetitive, and fans crave something fresh and exciting. That's where comic book crossovers come into play, breaking down the barriers between different pop culture universes. From the expected partnerships like Batman/Spider-Man and Batman/The Shadow to the truly unexpected, such as Batman/Elmer Fudd, these crossovers have produced some of the most memorable and bizarre stories in comic history. We're focusing 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 Images
Spider-Man and Batman
As the two most iconic superheroes globally, it was only a matter of time before Batman and Spider-Man joined forces. Surprisingly, it took until 1995 for this collaboration to happen, but the wait was well worth it. This 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.
The strength of Spider-Man and Batman lies in its creative team, including Kraven's Last Hunt writer J.M. DeMatteis and Amazing Spider-Man artist Mark Bagley. Their work results in a comic that feels like a seamless extension of the '90s Spider-Man series, without the clutter of the Clone Saga.
Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.
Spawn/Batman
Spawn and Batman, both dark vigilantes with a cult following, naturally complement each other. There have been three crossovers between these two, but the original stands out due to its stellar creative team: The Dark Knight Returns writer Frank Miller and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane. Their collaboration delivers a thrilling and appropriately grim team-up adventure.
Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.
Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Since their 2011 reboot at IDW, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have engaged in numerous crossovers, but Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is among the best. This engaging story, crafted by Batman veteran James Tynion IV and artist Freddie E. Williams II, explores the dynamic between the Batman family and the Turtles. It also entertains the age-old question: can Batman outmatch Shredder in a duel? The emotional depth added through the bond between the Dark Knight and the Heroes in a Half Shell elevates this crossover.
The success of the initial crossover led to two direct sequels and a separate crossover featuring the animated versions of the characters, culminating in a 2019 animated movie that's highly recommended.
Buy Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 1 (2025 Edition) on Amazon.
First Wave
The original Golden Age Batman is quite different from his later iterations, and this unique crossover series showcases that early version. Written by 100 Bullets' Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Identity Crisis' Rags Morales, First Wave brings together a variety of pulp heroes into one universe. Batman, armed with guns, interacts with characters like Doc Savage, The Spirit, and Rima the Jungle Girl. The series is enjoyable and leaves readers wishing the Pulpverse had become a staple in DC's multiverse.
Buy First Wave on Amazon.
Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses
The Shadow's influence on Batman is undeniable, making their team-up a logical and thrilling choice. Batman/The Shadow begins with the Dark Knight investigating a murder in Gotham, only to find Lamont Cranston, believed to be dead for 50 years, as the prime suspect. This leads to an engaging whirlwind of a team-up.
The creative team of writers Scott Snyder and Steve Orlando, along with artist Riley Rossmo, brings this crossover to life. Although the follow-up series, The Shadow/Batman, didn't feature the same team, it remains an enjoyable read.
Buy Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses on Amazon.
Batman Versus Predator
Even as the Predator film series struggled, its comic adaptations thrived in the '90s, resulting in three Batman crossovers. The first is the standout, thanks to Watchmen's Dave Gibbons' story and the pre-X-Men artwork by Andy and Adam Kubert.
Batman Versus Predator's premise is straightforward yet captivating: a Yautja terrorizes Gotham, and Batman must track its deadly path. The comic excels in creating a tense atmosphere and executes the concept of a Predator hunting in a bustling city better than Predator 2 did.
Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.
Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham
Batman and Judge Dredd share a dedication to law and order in their dystopian cities, yet the first Batman/Judge Dredd crossover reveals their significant differences. When Judge Death allies with Scarecrow, these two iconic figures must set aside their conflicts to combat a greater threat.
The original crossover, crafted by Dredd co-creator John Wagner and artist Simon Bisley, is the best of the three '90s collaborations. Bisley's surreal, brutal, and psychedelic art arguably makes this the most visually stunning Batman crossover ever.
Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.
Batman/Grendel
Though not as well-known, Grendel's themes of violence and vengeance resonate deeply with Batman's world. Matt Wagner, creator of Grendel and a frequent Batman collaborator, brings these characters together seamlessly.
The 1993 crossover and its 1996 sequel are both compelling reads. The first features Batman facing off against the original Grendel, Hunter Rose, in both Gotham's streets and high society. The sequel introduces Grendel-Prime, making readers wish Grendel were a permanent fixture in 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 stands out. In Planetary/Batman, Elijah Snow and his team arrive in a Batman-less Gotham to hunt a mysterious killer, leading to encounters with various versions of the Caped Crusader.
This crossover celebrates all eras of Batman, from the Golden Age to the Silver Age and the brooding avenger of The Dark Knight Returns. It's essentially an extended Planetary installment with a significant Batman presence, making it one of the best Batman crossovers ever.
Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.
Batman/Elmer Fudd Special
The most unusual yet best Batman crossover is the Batman/Elmer Fudd Special, part of a series pairing DC heroes with Looney Tunes characters. This comic, which scored a perfect 10 in our IGN review, takes the premise seriously, resulting in both hilarious and deeply emotional moments.
Batman/Elmer Fudd portrays Gotham with complete seriousness, casting Elmer Fudd as a tragic, Sin City-esque killer. Writer Tom King and artist Lee Weeks, known for their work on DC's 2016 Batman series, extract profound emotion and depth from this unique pairing.
Buy Batman by Tom King and Lee Weeks on Amazon.
What's your favorite Batman crossover? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts in the comments below.
AnswerSee ResultsFor more Batman fun, check out the top 10 Batman costumes of all time and the top 27 Batman comics and graphic novels.
