Top 10 Batman Crossovers: All-Time Greats

Batman's adventures with his DC allies like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash are iconic, yet the thrill of seeing him collaborate across different universes brings a refreshing twist to his storied legacy. Over the years, these crossovers have ranged from the expected, such as Batman teaming up with Spider-Man or The Shadow, to the delightfully bizarre, like his encounter with Elmer Fudd. This article celebrates the best and most unusual Batman crossovers, focusing solely on those where the Dark Knight takes the lead role.

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 didn't disappoint. This story delves into the similarities between these two heroes, focusing on their tragic origins and pitting them against the deadly duo of the Joker and Carnage. Crafted by Spider-Man legends J.M. DeMatteis and Mark Bagley, the comic feels like a seamless extension of the '90s Spider-Man saga, sans the Clone Saga complications.

Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.

9. Spawn/Batman

Spawn and Batman, both dark vigilantes with passionate followings, were a natural fit for a crossover. While there have been multiple collaborations, the original stands out due to its stellar creative team of Frank Miller, known for The Dark Knight Returns, and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane. This pairing results in a thrilling and appropriately dark 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 featured in numerous crossovers, but their meeting with Batman is particularly noteworthy. Written by Batman veteran James Tynion IV and illustrated by Freddie E. Williams II, this crossover successfully blends the worlds of Gotham and the Turtles, showcasing the dynamic interplay between their characters. The emotional connection forged between Batman and the Heroes in a Half Shell adds depth to the story. The success of this initial crossover led to two sequels and a 2019 animated movie.

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

This series revisits Batman's Golden Age roots, presenting a unique crossover with other pulp heroes. Written by Brian Azzarello and drawn by Rags Morales, First Wave brings together Batman with characters like Doc Savage and The Spirit in a shared universe dubbed the Pulpverse. While it didn't become a permanent fixture in DC's multiverse, the series offers a fun and engaging read.

Buy First Wave on Amazon.

6. Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses

Given The Shadow's influence on Batman's creation, their team-up feels inevitable. In this crossover, Batman investigates a murder in Gotham, only to find the prime suspect is Lamont Cranston, believed to have died decades earlier. The creative team of Scott Snyder, Steve Orlando, and Riley Rossmo delivers a compelling narrative, though the sequel, The Shadow/Batman, doesn't feature the same team but remains a worthwhile read.

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

5. Batman Versus Predator

Despite the waning success of the Predator film series, the comic crossovers thrived in the '90s. The first Batman versus Predator story, crafted by Dave Gibbons and the Kubert brothers, remains the standout. It follows Batman as he tracks a Yautja hunter wreaking havoc in Gotham, creating a tense and atmospheric tale that surpasses the cinematic efforts.

Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.

4. Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham

Batman and Judge Dredd share a commitment to law and order, yet their first crossover reveals significant differences. When Judge Death teams up with Scarecrow, the two heroes must unite despite their contrasting methods. The original story, featuring John Wagner and Simon Bisley's psychedelic art, is a visually stunning and compelling read.

Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.

3. Batman/Grendel

Matt Wagner's Grendel, a series exploring themes of violence and vengeance, aligns well with Batman's narrative. The 1993 crossover and its 1996 sequel both offer rich storytelling, pitting Batman against Grendel's Hunter Rose and later Grendel-Prime. These stories leave readers wishing Grendel could become a permanent fixture in Batman's world.

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

2. Planetary/Batman: Night on Earth

Warren Ellis and John Cassaday's Planetary series led to several crossovers, but their Batman collaboration is exceptional. In this story, the Planetary team investigates a killer in a Batman-less Gotham, leading to encounters with various versions of Batman across different eras. The crossover seamlessly integrates with the Planetary narrative, celebrating Batman's diverse history.

Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.

1. Batman/Elmer Fudd Special

This unexpected crossover, part of a series pairing DC heroes with Looney Tunes characters, is both the best and the most bizarre. Batman/Elmer Fudd Special treats its premise seriously, presenting Elmer Fudd as a tragic figure akin to Sin City's Marv. Tom King and Lee Weeks craft a story that is both emotionally deep and hilariously absurd, earning a perfect score in reviews.

Buy Batman by Tom King and Lee Weeks on Amazon.

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