Top 10 Batman Crossovers: All-Time Greatest

Batman's adventures often take him across the DC Universe, but some of the most thrilling stories happen when he ventures beyond, teaming up with characters from entirely different universes. These crossovers not only refresh the iconic hero's narrative but also offer fans a delightful mix of genres and styles. From the expected pairings like Batman teaming up with Spider-Man to the utterly unexpected like Batman joining forces with Elmer Fudd, these crossovers showcase the versatility and appeal of the Dark Knight. Here, we're focusing solely on stories where Batman himself takes center stage, rather than 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 crossover was a long-awaited event that beautifully explored the parallels between their tragic origins. This gripping tale, penned by J.M. DeMatteis and illustrated by Mark Bagley, pits the duo against the sinister partnership of the Joker and Carnage, delivering a narrative that feels seamlessly integrated into the '90s Spider-Man saga.

Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.

9. Spawn/Batman

Both Spawn and Batman are known for their dark, vigilante personas, making them a natural fit for a crossover. The first of their three collaborations stands out, thanks to the legendary partnership of Frank Miller and Todd McFarlane. Their combined talents create a dark and engaging adventure that fans of both characters will relish.

Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.

8. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Since their IDW reboot in 2011, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been involved in numerous crossovers, but their encounter with Batman stands out as particularly memorable. James Tynion IV and Freddie E. Williams II craft a compelling narrative that delves into the dynamics between the Batman family and the Turtles. The story not only entertains but also explores the intriguing question of who would win in a duel between Batman and Shredder. The success of this crossover led to two sequels and a 2019 animated movie.

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

First Wave offers a unique take on Batman by revisiting his Golden Age roots. In this series, Brian Azzarello and Rags Morales bring together a host of pulp heroes including Doc Savage and The Spirit, creating a vibrant and fun universe. The inclusion of a gun-toting Batman adds an intriguing twist to his character, making this series a delightful read and leaving fans wishing for more adventures in the so-called Pulpverse.

Buy First Wave on Amazon.

6. Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses

Given the influence of The Shadow on Batman's creation, their crossover is a must-read. In Batman/The Shadow, the Dark Knight investigates a murder linked to Lamont Cranston, leading to an exciting team-up. The creative team of Scott Snyder, Steve Orlando, and Riley Rossmo delivers a captivating story, though the follow-up series, The Shadow/Batman, is still worth exploring.

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

5. Batman Versus Predator

Even as the Predator film series struggled, its comic book adaptations thrived in the '90s. The first Batman Versus Predator crossover, crafted by Dave Gibbons and the Kubert brothers, is a standout. The story follows Batman as he hunts a Yautja in Gotham, creating a tense and atmospheric narrative that surpasses the urban setting of Predator 2.

Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.

4. Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham

Both Batman and Judge Dredd are dedicated to maintaining order in their dystopian cities, yet their first crossover reveals their stark differences. When Judge Death teams up with Scarecrow, these two law enforcers must unite despite their clashing methods. The original story, with John Wagner's writing and Simon Bisley's distinctive art, remains the best of the three '90s crossovers.

Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.

3. Batman/Grendel

Though Grendel may not be as widely recognized, its themes of violence and vengeance align perfectly with Batman's world. Both the 1993 and 1996 crossovers, penned by Matt Wagner, are compelling. The first pits Batman against Hunter Rose, while the sequel focuses on Grendel-Prime, making readers wish for more interactions between these characters.

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

2. Planetary/Batman: Night on Earth

Warren Ellis and John Cassaday's Planetary series is a landmark in comics, and their crossover with Batman is exceptional. In Planetary/Batman, the team investigates a killer in a Batman-less Gotham, leading to encounters with various versions of the Caped Crusader. This crossover celebrates Batman's rich history and seamlessly blends with the main Planetary narrative.

Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.

1. Batman/Elmer Fudd Special

Perhaps the most unexpected yet brilliant Batman crossover is the Batman/Elmer Fudd Special. Part of the DC/Looney Tunes mash-ups, this comic earned a perfect 10 in our IGN review. Tom King and Lee Weeks treat the premise with utmost seriousness, transforming Elmer Fudd into a tragic figure akin to Sin City's Marv. This blend of humor and pathos results in a deeply engaging story.

Buy Batman by Tom King and Lee Weeks on Amazon.

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