The Top 10 Greatest Batman Crossovers of All Time

Batman's adventures within the DC Universe are legendary, but sometimes the thrill of teaming up with the likes of Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash can wear thin. To keep things fresh and exciting, comic book creators have occasionally thrown Batman into entirely different universes, resulting in some of the most iconic and bizarre crossovers in comic history. These collaborations not only entertain but also challenge Batman's character in unique ways, pushing the boundaries of his world. Here, we focus solely on crossovers where Batman himself takes center stage, leaving out broader team-ups like Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong.

The Top 10 Best Batman Crossovers of All Time

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10. Spider-Man and Batman

It was only a matter of time before the world's two most iconic superheroes, Batman and Spider-Man, would meet. Surprisingly, it took until 1995 for this dream team-up to happen, but the wait was well worth it. The crossover dives deep into the shared tragic histories of both heroes, cleverly pitting them against the deadly duo of the Joker and Carnage. With J.M. DeMatteis, known for his work on Kraven's Last Hunt, and the prolific Mark Bagley from Amazing Spider-Man at the helm, the comic feels like a seamless extension of the '90s Spider-Man universe, sans the convoluted Clone Saga.

Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.

9. Spawn/Batman

Both Spawn and Batman are dark vigilantes with passionate followings, making their team-up a natural fit. Out of the three crossovers they've had, the original stands out, primarily due to its stellar creative team. Frank Miller, famous for The Dark Knight Returns, and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane crafted a thrilling and atmospheric story that perfectly blends the grim worlds of both characters.

Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.

8. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Since their 2011 reboot, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been involved in numerous crossovers, but their pairing with Batman remains a standout. Thanks to Batman veteran James Tynion IV and artist Freddie E. Williams II, this crossover delivers a fun and engaging clash of personalities between the Bat-family and the Turtles. The story also explores the intriguing question of who would win in a fight between Batman and Shredder, while building an emotional connection between the Dark Knight and the Heroes in a Half Shell. The success of this initial crossover led to two sequels and even a 2019 animated movie.

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

This unique crossover series delves into the Golden Age version of Batman, a character quite different from his modern incarnation. Brian Azzarello, known for 100 Bullets, and Rags Morales of Identity Crisis fame, bring together various pulp heroes in a shared universe. Here, Batman, equipped with guns, interacts with legends like Doc Savage, The Spirit, and Rima the Jungle Girl. First Wave is both fun and engaging, leaving readers wishing for more adventures in the so-called Pulpverse.

Buy First Wave on Amazon.

6. Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses

Without The Shadow, there would be no Batman, making their team-up a fitting tribute to the origins of the Caped Crusader. In this series, Batman investigates a murder in Gotham, only to find the prime suspect is Lamont Cranston, presumed dead for 50 years. The creative synergy between writers Scott Snyder and Steve Orlando, along with artist Riley Rossmo, makes this crossover a compelling read. Although the team didn't return for the sequel, The Shadow/Batman, it remains an enjoyable continuation.

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

5. Batman Versus Predator

Despite the waning popularity of the Predator movie series, the franchise thrived in comics during the '90s, leading to three thrilling crossovers with Batman. The first, featuring a story by Dave Gibbons of Watchmen fame and art by the Kubert brothers, Andy and Adam, stands out. The premise is straightforward yet effective: a Yautja stalks Gotham, and Batman must track it down. The comic captures a tense atmosphere and outshines the urban hunting theme of Predator 2.

Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.

4. Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham

Both Batman and Judge Dredd are staunch enforcers of the law in their dystopian cities, yet their first crossover reveals their clashing ideologies. When Judge Death teams up with Scarecrow, these two heroes must unite despite their differences. The original '90s crossover, crafted by Dredd co-creator John Wagner and artist Simon Bisley, is a visually stunning and surreal journey, arguably making it the best-looking Batman crossover ever.

Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.

3. Batman/Grendel

Though Grendel may not be as well-known as some other characters, its thematic resonance with Batman's world makes for a compelling crossover. Matt Wagner's Grendel saga explores violence and vengeance, themes central to Batman's narrative. Both the 1993 original and the 1996 sequel are must-reads, showcasing Batman's confrontations with Grendel's Hunter Rose and his futuristic successor, Grendel-Prime. These stories are so engaging that one wishes 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 is a celebrated sci-fi epic, and their crossover with Batman is a standout. When the Planetary team investigates a mysterious killer in Gotham without Batman, the story takes a thrilling turn as different versions of the Dark Knight from various eras come into play. This crossover is a loving nod to Batman's rich history and a seamless integration of Planetary's narrative, making it one of the best Batman crossovers ever.

Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.

1. Batman/Elmer Fudd Special

Perhaps the most unexpected yet brilliant crossover, the Batman/Elmer Fudd Special takes a seemingly absurd premise and turns it into a poignant tale. Part of a series blending DC heroes with Looney Tunes, this comic treats Elmer Fudd's role with seriousness, portraying him as a tragic figure akin to Sin City's Marv. Tom King and Lee Weeks, who have a stellar track record with Batman, elevate this crossover into an emotionally rich and hilariously dark adventure.

Buy Batman by Tom King and Lee Weeks on Amazon.

What's your favorite Batman crossover? Share your thoughts in the comments below.