Batman's adventures with his fellow DC heroes are legendary, but there's a special thrill in seeing him team up with characters from entirely different universes. These crossovers bring a refreshing twist to the Dark Knight's narrative, blending his brooding persona with unexpected allies and foes. From iconic pairings like Batman and Spider-Man to the quirky and unexpected, such as Batman and Elmer Fudd, these stories showcase the versatility and enduring appeal of the Caped Crusader. Our focus here is solely on Batman-centric crossovers, excluding broader team-ups 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 most iconic superheroes, it was only a matter of time before Batman and Spider-Man teamed up. Their 1995 crossover, penned by J.M. DeMatteis and illustrated by Mark Bagley, both seasoned Spider-Man creators, was well worth the wait. This story delves into the shared tragic backgrounds of the two heroes while pitting them against the formidable duo of the Joker and Carnage. The result is a compelling narrative that feels like a natural extension of the '90s Spider-Man universe.
Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.
Spawn/Batman
Spawn and Batman, two dark vigilantes with devoted followings, naturally complement each other. The original crossover, featuring the talents of Frank Miller and Todd McFarlane, stands out as the best of the three collaborations between these franchises. Miller's storytelling prowess combined with McFarlane's art creates a gripping, shadowy adventure that resonates with fans of both characters.
Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.
Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Since their 2011 reboot, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been involved in numerous crossovers, but their encounter with Batman, crafted by James Tynion IV and Freddie E. Williams II, is a standout. This crossover seamlessly blends the worlds of Gotham and the Turtles, exploring the dynamics between Batman's family and the Heroes in a Half Shell. The emotional connection forged between Batman and the Turtles adds depth to an already thrilling adventure. The success of this series led to two sequels and even a 2019 animated movie.
Buy Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 1 (2025 Edition) on Amazon.
7. First Wave -------------
This unique crossover revisits the Golden Age Batman, a character markedly different from his modern incarnation. Brian Azzarello and Rags Morales bring Batman into a pulp universe alongside Doc Savage, The Spirit, and Rima the Jungle Girl. The series is a delightful blend of old-school charm and thrilling action, making us wish this Pulpverse had become a lasting part of DC's multiverse.
Buy First Wave on Amazon.
Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses
Given Batman's origins owe much to The Shadow, their team-up feels inevitable. In this gripping series, Scott Snyder, Steve Orlando, and Riley Rossmo weave a tale where Batman investigates a murder linked to Lamont Cranston, thought to be dead for decades. This crossover not only honors the legacy of both characters but also delivers a compelling narrative.
Buy Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses on Amazon.
Batman Versus Predator
Despite the waning popularity of the Predator films, the franchise thrived in comics, especially in its crossovers with Batman. The first of these, written by Dave Gibbons and illustrated by Andy and Adam Kubert, is a standout. The story follows Batman as he tracks a Yautja wreaking havoc in Gotham, delivering a tense and atmospheric adventure that outshines the movie counterparts.
Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.
Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham
Both Batman and Judge Dredd are committed to law and order in their dystopian worlds, but their first crossover reveals their stark differences. When Judge Death teams up with Scarecrow, these two law enforcers must unite despite their clashing ideologies. The collaboration between John Wagner and Simon Bisley results in a visually stunning and intellectually engaging story that is a must-read for fans.
Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.
Batman/Grendel
Grendel, though less known, is a perfect match for Batman, given its themes of violence and vengeance. Matt Wagner's dual role in crafting both characters results in a seamless blend of their worlds. The original 1993 crossover and its 1996 sequel both offer compelling narratives that make us 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 series is legendary, and their crossover with Batman is a highlight. In this story, Elijah Snow and his team investigate a killer in a Batman-less Gotham, leading to encounters with various versions of the Dark Knight across different eras. This crossover celebrates Batman's rich history and adds an exciting dimension to the Planetary narrative.
Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.
Batman/Elmer Fudd Special
Perhaps the most unexpected yet brilliant crossover, Batman/Elmer Fudd Special, reimagines Elmer as a tragic figure akin to Sin City's Marv. Tom King and Lee Weeks deliver a poignant and humorous tale that treats the premise with utmost seriousness, resulting in a unique and highly acclaimed comic. This crossover exemplifies how blending humor with drama can elevate storytelling to new heights.
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.
