Batman has teamed up with his fellow DC heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash numerous times, but sometimes fans crave a fresh twist. These cross-universe collaborations have led to some of the most iconic and unusual comic book crossovers over the years. From expected pairings like Batman/Spider-Man and Batman/The Shadow to the quirky Batman/Elmer Fudd, we've curated a list of the top 10 best (and most intriguing) Batman crossovers. Note that this list focuses solely on stories where Batman is the central character, excluding broader Justice League crossovers like Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong.
As the world's most renowned superheroes, it was inevitable that Batman and Spider-Man would eventually meet. Surprisingly, Marvel and DC waited until 1995 to bring these two titans together. The crossover, Spider-Man and Batman, was well worth the wait, highlighting the shared tragic pasts of both heroes while pitting them against the menacing duo of the Joker and Carnage. The creative team behind this gem included Kraven's Last Hunt writer J.M. DeMatteis and Amazing Spider-Man artist Mark Bagley, delivering a story that feels like a natural extension of the '90s Spider-Man saga.
Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.
With their dark personas and dedicated fanbases, Spawn and Batman make a compelling pairing. There have been three crossovers between these vigilantes, but the original stands out thanks to its stellar creative team of The Dark Knight Returns writer Frank Miller and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane. This collaboration results in a thrilling and appropriately dark adventure.
Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.
Since their 2011 reboot at IDW, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have engaged in numerous crossovers, with Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles standing out as one of the finest. The collaboration between Batman veteran James Tynion IV and artist Freddie E. Williams II brings to life a dynamic clash of personalities between the Batman family and the Turtles. This crossover not only entertains but also explores the emotional bond forged between the Dark Knight and the Heroes in a Half Shell. Its success led to two direct sequels and a 2019 animated movie, both of which are highly recommended.
Buy Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 1 (2025 Edition) on Amazon.
7. First Wave -------------Batman's original Golden Age incarnation is a stark contrast to his modern counterpart, and this unique crossover series showcases that early version. Written by 100 Bullets' Brian Azzarello and drawn by Identity Crisis' Rags Morales, First Wave brings together a host of pulp heroes into a single universe. Here, Batman, uncharacteristically armed with guns, interacts with icons like Doc Savage, The Spirit, and Rima the Jungle Girl. The series is delightfully fun and leaves fans wishing the Pulpverse had become a permanent fixture in DC's multiverse.
Buy First Wave on Amazon.
Without The Shadow, Batman might not exist, making their pairing a natural fit. Batman/The Shadow opens with Batman investigating a Gotham City murder, with the prime suspect being none other than Lamont Cranston, presumed dead for half a century. This leads to a thrilling team-up. The creative team, including writers Scott Snyder and Steve Orlando and artist Riley Rossmo, delivers a captivating narrative. Although the sequel, The Shadow/Batman, didn't feature the same team, it remains an enjoyable read.
Buy Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses on Amazon.
Despite the waning popularity of the Predator films, the franchise thrived in '90s comics, including three crossovers with Batman. The first, with a story by Watchmen's Dave Gibbons and art by pre-X-Men Andy and Adam Kubert, is the standout. The premise is straightforward yet compelling: a Yautja hunts in Gotham, and Batman must track him down. The creators craft a tense atmosphere, outshining the urban setting of Predator 2.
Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.
Both Batman and Judge Dredd are committed to upholding the law in their dystopian cities, but their methods differ significantly. In their first crossover, Judge Death allies with Scarecrow, forcing Batman and Dredd to collaborate despite their differences. DC and 2000 AD produced three Batman/Judge Dredd crossovers in the '90s, with the original being the best thanks to Dredd co-creator John Wagner and the surreal artwork of Simon Bisley.
Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.
Though not as well-known, Grendel's themes of violence and vengeance resonate deeply with Batman's world. Matt Wagner, who has worked extensively with Batman, brings these characters together seamlessly. The 1993 crossover pits Batman against the original Grendel, Hunter Rose, while the 1996 sequel focuses on Grendel-Prime. Both are highly recommended and leave readers wishing Grendel were a permanent addition to Batman's rogues gallery.
Buy Batman/Grendel: Devil's Riddle on Amazon.
Warren Ellis and John Cassaday, the creative team behind the acclaimed sci-fi series Planetary, joined forces for this standout crossover. In Planetary/Batman: Night on Earth, Elijah Snow and his team investigate a killer in a Batman-less Gotham, leading to encounters with various versions of the Caped Crusader across different eras. This crossover not only extends the Planetary narrative but also celebrates Batman's rich history, making it one of the best Batman crossovers.
Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.
Perhaps the most surprising yet brilliant crossover, Batman/Elmer Fudd Special combines the DC Universe with Looney Tunes. This comic treats the pairing with utmost seriousness, resulting in a poignant yet hilarious story. Elmer Fudd is portrayed as a tragic figure akin to Sin City's Marv, with his characteristic speech impediment intact. Writer Tom King and artist Lee Weeks craft an emotionally rich narrative that elevates the crossover 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.