Batman can only team up with fellow DC heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash so many times before it starts to feel repetitive. Sometimes, a fresh narrative that breaks through the boundaries of different pop culture universes is exactly what fans need. Over the years, this has led to some of the most iconic and bizarre comic book crossovers ever created.
From expected pairings like Batman/Spider-Man and Batman/The Shadow to the more unconventional, such as Batman/Elmer Fudd, these are the top (and some of the most unusual) Batman crossovers of all time. It's important to note that our focus is solely on stories featuring Batman as the central character, not those centered around the 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
As two of the world's most prominent superheroes, it was only a matter of time before Batman and Spider-Man crossed paths. Surprisingly, Marvel and DC didn't bring them together until 1995, but the wait was worthwhile. The crossover delves into the parallels between the heroes and their tragic origins, pitting them against the sinister duo of the Joker and Carnage. With the talents of Kraven's Last Hunt writer J.M. DeMatteis and Amazing Spider-Man artist Mark Bagley, this book feels like a seamless continuation of '90s Spider-Man comics, sans the Clone Saga complications.
Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.
Spawn/Batman
The pairing of Spawn and Batman, two dark vigilantes with fervent followings, was a natural fit. There have been three crossovers to date, but the original stands out due to its exceptional creative team. Frank Miller, known for The Dark Knight Returns, and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane teamed up for a gripping and suitably grim 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 featured in numerous crossovers, but Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stands out. The collaboration between Batman veteran James Tynion IV and artist Freddie E. Williams II creates a compelling narrative. The crossover captures the dynamic clash of personalities between the Batman family and the Turtles, while exploring the intriguing question of whether Batman could best Shredder in combat. The emotional bond 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 direct sequels and a 2019 animated movie.
Buy Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 1 (2025 Edition) on Amazon.
First Wave
The original Golden Age Batman is quite different from his modern counterpart, and this is showcased in the unique and engaging crossover series First Wave. Written by 100 Bullets creator Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Identity Crisis artist Rags Morales, this series brings together various pulp heroes into one universe. Here, Batman, armed with guns, interacts with iconic characters like Doc Savage, The Spirit, and Rima the Jungle Girl. The series is entertaining, and we wish the Pulpverse had become a lasting addition to 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 logical choice. Batman/The Shadow opens with the Dark Knight investigating a murder in Gotham, with the prime suspect being Lamont Cranston, believed to have died 50 years earlier. This sets the stage for an exciting team-up. The creative team, including writers Scott Snyder and Steve Orlando, and artist Riley Rossmo, elevate the story. Although the full team didn't return for the sequel The Shadow/Batman, it remains an enjoyable read.
Buy Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses on Amazon.
Batman Versus Predator
Even as the Predator movie series waned, its comic counterpart thrived in the '90s, including three crossovers with Batman. The first, featuring a story by Watchmen co-creator Dave Gibbons and art by Andy and Adam Kubert, is the standout. The premise is simple yet compelling: a Yautja runs rampant in Gotham, and Batman must track it down. The creators create a gripping atmosphere, far surpassing the urban setting of 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 philosophies clash in the first Batman/Judge Dredd crossover. When Judge Death allies with Scarecrow, these two heroes must set aside their differences. The original story, with contributions from Judge Dredd co-creator John Wagner and artist Simon Bisley, is visually stunning and one of the best-looking Batman crossovers ever.
Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.
Batman/Grendel
While Grendel may not be a household name, the crossover with Batman is thematically fitting. Matt Wagner's Grendel saga explores themes of violence and vengeance, core elements of Batman's narrative. Wagner, who has worked extensively with Batman, crafts a compelling story. Both the 1993 original and its 1996 sequel are worth reading, with Batman facing off against the original Grendel, Hunter Rose, and his futuristic successor, Grendel-Prime.
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 most acclaimed series, spawning crossovers with The Authority and the Justice League. The Batman crossover, Planetary/Batman: Night on Earth, stands out as it features the entire original creative team. The story follows Elijah Snow and his team as they investigate a mysterious killer in a Batman-less Gotham, leading to encounters with various versions of Batman. The crossover celebrates all facets of Batman's history, making it one of the best Batman crossovers ever.
Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.
Batman/Elmer Fudd Special
The most bizarre yet best Batman crossover is Batman/Elmer Fudd Special, part of a series blending DC heroes with Looney Tunes characters. This crossover plays the pairing straight, resulting in a darkly comedic and deeply emotional narrative. Elmer Fudd, portrayed as a tragic figure akin to Sin City's Marv, adds unexpected depth to the story. Writer Tom King and artist Lee Weeks, known for their work on the 2016 Batman series, elevate this unique story 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.
AnswerSee ResultsFor more Batman fun, check out the top 10 Batman costumes of all time and the top 27 Batman comics and graphic novels.
