Top 10 Batman Crossovers Ever

Batman's adventures within the DC Universe can become familiar, but the thrill of seeing him interact with heroes from other universes offers a refreshing change. Over the years, these crossovers have ranged from the expected to the downright peculiar, providing fans with some of the most memorable and unusual stories featuring the Dark Knight. This list focuses solely on crossovers where Batman is the central figure, excluding broader team-ups like Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong.

The Top 10 Best Batman Crossovers of All Time

11 Images10. 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. Their 1995 collaboration was a long-awaited event that did not disappoint. The crossover highlights the parallels between their tragic origins and brings them face-to-face with the menacing duo of the Joker and Carnage. With J.M. DeMatteis, the writer behind Kraven's Last Hunt, and Mark Bagley, a prolific artist from Amazing Spider-Man, at the helm, the comic feels like a natural extension of '90s Spider-Man stories, sans the Clone Saga complications.

Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.

9. Spawn/Batman

Both Spawn and Batman are dark vigilantes with a penchant for dramatic entrances, making their crossover a natural fit. The first of their three collaborations stands out thanks to the powerhouse team of Frank Miller, the writer of The Dark Knight Returns, and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane. This pairing results in a gripping and suitably grim adventure.

Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.

8. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Following their 2011 reboot at IDW, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been involved in numerous crossovers, but their meeting with Batman stands out. Crafted by Batman veteran James Tynion IV and artist Freddie E. Williams II, this crossover delivers a thrilling clash of worlds. The story explores the dynamics between the Batman family and the Turtles, and even settles the age-old question of whether Batman could best Shredder in combat. The emotional depth forged between the Dark Knight and the Heroes in a Half Shell adds significant weight to the narrative. The success of the original led to two sequels and a 2019 animated movie.

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

First Wave reimagines the Golden Age Batman, showcasing a different side of the character. Written by Brian Azzarello of 100 Bullets fame and drawn by Rags Morales, known for Identity Crisis, this series brings together various pulp heroes in a shared universe. Batman, wielding guns in this iteration, interacts with characters like Doc Savage, The Spirit, and Rima the Jungle Girl. The series is both entertaining and unique, leaving fans wishing the Pulpverse had become a staple in DC's multiverse.

Buy First Wave on Amazon.

6. Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses

Given that The Shadow inspired Batman, their crossover is a logical and thrilling venture. In Batman/The Shadow, the Dark Knight investigates a murder in Gotham, with the prime suspect being Lamont Cranston, thought dead for half a century. The creative team of Scott Snyder, Steve Orlando, and Riley Rossmo brings this whirlwind team-up to life. While the sequel, The Shadow/Batman, is enjoyable, it lacks the original's creative team.

Buy Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses on Amazon.

5. Batman Versus Predator

Despite the waning success of the Predator movie series, the franchise thrived in comics during the '90s, culminating in three Batman crossovers. The first, featuring a story by Dave Gibbons of Watchmen fame and art by the Kubert brothers before their X-Men work, remains the standout. The premise is straightforward yet compelling: a Yautja hunter stalks Gotham, and Batman must track it down. This comic captures the atmosphere better than Predator 2, making it a thrilling read.

Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.

4. Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham

Batman and Judge Dredd, both committed to law and order in their dystopian cities, should theoretically align well. However, their first crossover reveals significant differences. When Judge Death teams up with Scarecrow, these heroes must work together despite their conflicts. The original '90s crossover, crafted by Judge Dredd co-creator John Wagner and artist Simon Bisley, is visually stunning and remains the best in the series.

Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.

3. Batman/Grendel

Though not as widely recognized, the crossover between Batman and Grendel is thematically apt. Matt Wagner's Grendel explores themes of violence and vengeance, echoing Batman's core narrative. Both the 1993 original and its 1996 sequel are compelling, pitting Batman against Grendel's Hunter Rose and his futuristic successor, Grendel-Prime. These stories are so engaging that fans wish Grendel were a permanent fixture in Batman's rogues gallery.

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 greatest sci-fi epics, and their Batman crossover stands out among Planetary's other collaborations. In this tale, Elijah Snow and his team arrive in a Batman-less Gotham to hunt a killer, leading to encounters with various versions of Batman across different eras. This crossover celebrates Batman's rich history, from the Golden Age to The Dark Knight Returns, making it a standout addition to the series.

Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.

1. Batman/Elmer Fudd Special

Perhaps the most surprising yet brilliant Batman crossover is with Elmer Fudd. Part of the DCU and Looney Tunes mash-ups, this special is exceptional in its execution. Treating the premise with utmost seriousness, it portrays 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 a mix of emotion, depth, and humor to this unexpected pairing, making it a standout in Batman's crossover history.

Buy Batman by Tom King and Lee Weeks on Amazon.

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