Top 10 Batman Crossovers: All-Time Greats

Batman teaming up with the same DC heroes repeatedly can start to feel a bit repetitive. That's why fans often crave the thrill of seeing him in unexpected collaborations across different pop culture universes. Over the years, these crossovers have ranged from the expected to the truly bizarre, bringing us some of the most memorable Batman stories. We're focusing here on crossovers where Batman is the central figure, not those involving the broader Justice League, such as Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong.

The Top 10 Best Batman Crossovers of All Time

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10. Spider-Man and Batman

As two of the world's most iconic superheroes, it was inevitable that Batman and Spider-Man would eventually collaborate. Surprisingly, their first crossover didn't occur until 1995, but it was well worth the wait. This story highlights the similarities between the heroes and their tragic origins, cleverly pitting them against the menacing duo of the Joker and Carnage.

Written by J.M. DeMatteis, known for Kraven's Last Hunt, and illustrated by the prolific Mark Bagley of Amazing Spider-Man fame, Spider-Man and Batman feels like a seamless continuation of '90s Spider-Man comics, without the convoluted Clone Saga.

Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.

9. Spawn/Batman

Both dark vigilantes with capes and dedicated fanbases, Spawn and Batman are a natural pairing. There have been three crossovers between these two, but the original stands out, thanks to its stellar creative team. The Dark Knight Returns writer Frank Miller teamed up with Spawn creator Todd McFarlane to craft a dark and engaging adventure.

Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.

8. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Since their 2011 reboot by IDW, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have engaged in numerous crossovers. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, crafted by Batman veteran James Tynion IV and artist Freddie E. Williams II, is one of the best. This crossover delivers a delightful clash of personalities between the Batman family and the Turtles, sparking curiosity about who would win in a showdown between Batman and Shredder. The emotional bond forged between the Dark Knight and the Heroes in a Half Shell adds depth to the narrative.

The success of this crossover led to two direct sequels and a 2019 animated movie, which is also highly recommended.

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

This crossover revisits the Golden Age Batman, offering a fresh take on the character. In First Wave, written by Brian Azzarello of 100 Bullets fame and illustrated by Rags Morales of Identity Crisis, Batman joins forces with pulp heroes like Doc Savage, The Spirit, and Rima the Jungle Girl. The series is entertaining and showcases a gun-toting Batman, which is a departure from his usual persona. It's a fun read that fans wish had become a permanent fixture in DC's multiverse.

Buy First Wave on Amazon.

6. Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses

Given that The Shadow inspired Batman, their crossover feels like a natural fit. Batman/The Shadow follows the Dark Knight as he investigates a murder, leading him to Lamont Cranston, believed to be dead for 50 years. The dynamic between Batman and The Shadow is captivating, thanks to the creative talents of writers Scott Snyder and Steve Orlando, along with artist Riley Rossmo. 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.

5. Batman Versus Predator

Despite the fluctuating success of the Predator movie series, the franchise thrived in '90s comics, leading to three Batman crossovers. The first, with a story by Dave Gibbons of Watchmen fame and art by Andy and Adam Kubert before their X-Men days, remains the standout. The premise is simple yet effective: a Yautja hunts in Gotham, and Batman must stop it. The crossover captures the tension and atmosphere of a Predator stalking its prey in a bustling city better than Predator 2.

Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.

4. Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham

Both Batman and Judge Dredd are dedicated to upholding the law in their dystopian cities, yet their first crossover reveals their stark differences. When Judge Death teams up with Scarecrow, the two heroes must set aside their contrasting methods to stop them. This original '90s crossover, crafted by Dredd co-creator John Wagner and artist Simon Bisley, offers a visually stunning and intense narrative that is hard to top.

Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.

3. Batman/Grendel

Though Grendel might not be as well-known as other characters, the crossover with Batman feels right at home. Matt Wagner's Grendel series delves into themes of violence and vengeance, aligning well with Batman's world. Both the 1993 original and the 1996 sequel are compelling reads, featuring Batman clashing with Grendel Hunter Rose and his futuristic successor, Grendel-Prime. These stories are so engaging that fans wish Grendel were a regular part of Batman's adversaries.

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 most celebrated sci-fi epics. Their crossover with Batman, Planetary/Batman: Night on Earth, stands out as it features the entire creative team from the main series. The story follows Elijah Snow and his team in a Batman-less Gotham, chasing a mysterious killer. This leads to encounters with various iterations of Batman, celebrating his rich history across different eras. This crossover blends the essence of Planetary with a generous dose of Batman, resulting in one of the best Batman crossovers ever.

Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.

1. Batman/Elmer Fudd Special

Surprisingly, the best and most bizarre Batman crossover is with Elmer Fudd. Part of a series pairing DC heroes with Looney Tunes characters, Batman/Elmer Fudd Special takes a seemingly silly premise and turns it into something profound. This comic, which received a perfect 10 from IGN, treats the pairing with utmost seriousness, portraying Elmer Fudd as a tragic figure akin to Sin City's Marv.

Tom King and Lee Weeks, known for their work on DC's 2016 Batman series, bring depth and emotion to this unique crossover, making it both hilarious and poignant.

Buy Batman by Tom King and Lee Weeks on Amazon.

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