Top 10 Epic Batman Crossovers Revealed

Batman teaming up with fellow DC heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash is a familiar tale, but sometimes, a fresh narrative can invigorate the Dark Knight's adventures. By breaking down the barriers between different pop culture universes, we've witnessed some truly remarkable and occasionally bizarre comic book crossovers over the years. From the expected collaborations like Batman/Spider-Man and Batman/The Shadow to the unexpected, such as Batman/Elmer Fudd, these crossovers have showcased Batman in some of his most intriguing and memorable stories. It's worth noting that our focus is strictly on narratives where Batman takes center stage, not those centered around the broader Justice League, like Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong.

The Top 10 Best Batman Crossovers of All Time

11 Images

10. Spider-Man and Batman

As two of the world's most iconic superheroes, it was inevitable that Batman and Spider-Man would eventually cross paths. Marvel and DC finally brought these legends together in 1995, resulting in a crossover that highlighted their shared tragic origins and pitted them against the formidable duo of Joker and Carnage. The story, crafted by seasoned Spider-Man writer J.M. DeMatteis and artist Mark Bagley, feels like a seamless extension of '90s Spider-Man comics, minus the convoluted Clone Saga drama.

Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.

9. Spawn/Batman

Spawn and Batman, both dark vigilantes with devoted followings, were destined for a crossover. The original collaboration stands out due to its stellar creative team, featuring The Dark Knight Returns writer Frank Miller and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane. Their combined talents deliver a thrilling and appropriately grim team-up that resonates with fans of both characters.

Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.

8. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Since their 2011 reboot at IDW, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have engaged in numerous crossovers, but Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a standout. Thanks to Batman veteran James Tynion IV and artist Freddie E. Williams II, this crossover offers a captivating blend of worlds, showcasing the dynamic interplay between the Batman family and the Turtles. The narrative also delves into the emotional connection forged between Batman and the Heroes in a Half Shell, while satisfying curiosities about who would win in a Batman vs. Shredder showdown. The success of this crossover led to two direct sequels and a 2019 animated movie, both worth exploring.

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

First Wave taps into the original Golden Age essence of Batman, offering a unique and entertaining crossover. Written by Brian Azzarello of 100 Bullets fame and illustrated by Rags Morales from Identity Crisis, this series unites Batman with other pulp heroes like Doc Savage, The Spirit, and Rima the Jungle Girl. While Batman wields guns uncharacteristically, the series remains a fun romp, leaving fans wishing the Pulpverse had become a permanent fixture in DC's multiverse.

Buy First Wave on Amazon.

6. Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses

Given The Shadow's influence on Batman's creation, their pairing is a natural fit. Batman/The Shadow kicks off with the Dark Knight investigating a murder in Gotham, only to find that the prime suspect is Lamont Cranston, thought dead for fifty years. The ensuing team-up is masterfully crafted by writers Scott Snyder and Steve Orlando, and artist Riley Rossmo. Although the creative team changed for the sequel, The Shadow/Batman, it remains an engaging read.

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

5. Batman Versus Predator

Despite the Predator film series' ups and downs, the '90s saw the franchise thrive in comics, including three Batman crossovers. The first, penned by Watchmen's Dave Gibbons and illustrated by a pre-X-Men Andy and Adam Kubert, stands out. The premise is simple yet compelling: a Yautja hunts in Gotham, and Batman must track its deadly path. The story captures a gripping atmosphere, outshining the concept explored in Predator 2.

Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.

4. Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham

Both Batman and Judge Dredd are committed to law and order in their dystopian cities, yet their methods clash, as demonstrated in the first Batman/Judge Dredd crossover. When Judge Death teams up with Scarecrow, the two heroes must overcome their differences to combat this threat. The original story, crafted by Dredd co-creator John Wagner and artist Simon Bisley, is visually stunning and arguably the best-looking Batman crossover.

Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.

3. Batman/Grendel

While Grendel may not be the most well-known character Batman has teamed up with, their pairing is thematically apt. Matt Wagner's Grendel saga explores violence and vengeance, themes central to Batman's narrative. Both the 1993 original and its 1996 sequel are compelling, pitting Batman against Hunter Rose and later Grendel-Prime, making fans wish Grendel were a permanent fixture in Batman's universe.

Buy Batman/Grendel: Devil’s Riddle on Amazon.

2. Planetary/Batman: Night on Earth

Warren Ellis and John Cassaday's Planetary series is a sci-fi masterpiece that spawned crossovers with The Authority and the Justice League. However, Planetary/Batman: Night on Earth, featuring the full creative team, stands out. As Elijah Snow's team investigates a killer in a Batman-less Gotham, the story celebrates various eras of Batman's history, from the Golden Age to The Dark Knight Returns. This crossover is a fitting addition to the Planetary series, making it one of the best Batman crossovers.

Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.

1. Batman/Elmer Fudd Special

Surprisingly, the best Batman crossover is also the most unconventional. Batman/Elmer Fudd Special, part of the DCU and Looney Tunes mash-ups, is exceptional, earning a perfect 10 in our IGN review. The story treats the pairing seriously, portraying Elmer Fudd as a tragic figure akin to Sin City's Marv, while still delivering humorous moments. Tom King and Lee Weeks' collaboration brings depth and emotion to this unique crossover, elevating it beyond expectations.

Buy Batman by Tom King and Lee Weeks on Amazon.

What's your favorite Batman crossover? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts in the comments below.