Batman has teamed up with fellow DC heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash countless times, but sometimes, it's refreshing to see him break the mold and venture into other pop culture universes. These crossovers not only bring fresh narratives but also introduce Batman to unique challenges and alliances, resulting in some of the most memorable and bizarre comic book stories of all time. Here, we focus on the best Batman crossovers where the Dark Knight takes center stage, distinct from 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. Marvel and DC finally brought them together in 1995, and the result was well worth the wait. This crossover delves into the similarities between the two heroes and their tragic backstories, cleverly pitting them against the villainous duo of Joker and Carnage. With the creative talents of J.M. DeMatteis and Mark Bagley, both renowned for their work on Spider-Man, the story feels like a seamless extension of the '90s Spider-Man comics, minus the Clone Saga drama.
Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.
Spawn/Batman
Spawn and Batman, two dark vigilantes with devoted fanbases, naturally make for a compelling pairing. They've crossed paths in three crossovers, but the original stands out thanks to its powerhouse creative team: Frank Miller, known for The Dark Knight Returns, and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane. This collaboration results in a thrilling, atmospheric adventure that perfectly blends the brooding tones of 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 their collaboration with Batman remains one of the best. Written by Batman veteran James Tynion IV and illustrated by Freddie E. Williams II, this crossover brilliantly merges the worlds of the Batman family and the Turtles, exploring the dynamic clash of personalities and even the hypothetical showdown between Batman and Shredder. The emotional connection forged between the Dark Knight and the Heroes in a Half Shell adds depth to this entertaining tale. The success of this crossover led to two sequels and a 2019 animated movie, all of which are worth exploring.
Buy Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 1 (2025 Edition) on Amazon.
7. First Wave -------------First Wave showcases a different side of Batman, harking back to his Golden Age roots. In this unique crossover, written by Brian Azzarello and drawn by Rags Morales, Batman, armed with guns, joins forces with iconic pulp heroes like Doc Savage, The Spirit, and Rima the Jungle Girl. This entertaining series explores a vibrant "Pulpverse," leaving readers wishing for more adventures in this alternate universe.
Buy First Wave on Amazon.
Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses
Given that The Shadow inspired Batman, their team-up is not just logical but also deeply satisfying. In Batman/The Shadow, the Dark Knight investigates a murder in Gotham, only to find that the prime suspect is Lamont Cranston, believed to have died decades ago. This thrilling narrative is brought to life by the talented team of Scott Snyder, Steve Orlando, and Riley Rossmo. Although the creative team changed for the sequel, The Shadow/Batman, it remains an engaging read.
Buy Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses on Amazon.
Batman Versus Predator
While the Predator movies struggled, the comic series thrived, especially in the '90s with three Batman crossovers. The first, written by Dave Gibbons and illustrated by Andy and Adam Kubert, is particularly noteworthy. Batman tracks a Yautja causing havoc in Gotham, resulting in a gripping tale that captures the tension and atmosphere better than Predator 2.
Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.
Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham
Batman and Judge Dredd, both dedicated to law and order in their dystopian cities, might seem like a perfect match. However, their first crossover reveals their stark differences. When Judge Death teams up with Scarecrow, Batman and Dredd must overcome their conflicts to stop the villains. The original '90s crossover, crafted by John Wagner and illustrated by Simon Bisley, stands out for its surreal and intense artwork, possibly making it the most visually striking Batman crossover.
Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.
Batman/Grendel
Matt Wagner's Grendel, a series exploring themes of violence and vengeance, naturally pairs well with Batman. The 1993 crossover and its 1996 sequel are both excellent. The first features Batman clashing with the original Grendel, Hunter Rose, in Gotham's high society, while the sequel introduces Grendel-Prime. These stories are so compelling that they make readers wish Grendel were a permanent fixture in Batman's universe.
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 exceptional. In Planetary/Batman, the team investigates a killer in a Batman-less Gotham, leading to encounters with various versions of the Caped Crusader from different eras. This crossover not only celebrates Batman's rich history but also integrates seamlessly with the main Planetary series, making it a standout.
Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.
Batman/Elmer Fudd Special
Perhaps the most unexpected yet brilliant Batman crossover is with Elmer Fudd. Part of DC's mash-up series with Looney Tunes, this special, written by Tom King and illustrated by Lee Weeks, treats the premise with utmost seriousness, resulting in a tragic yet humorous tale. Elmer Fudd, portrayed as a somber killer akin to Sin City's Marv, adds a unique twist to Gotham's dark streets. This crossover earned a perfect 10 in our IGN review, showcasing the depth and emotion King and Weeks bring to their work.
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.