Batman's collaborations with fellow DC heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash are iconic, yet there comes a time when fans crave something new and exciting. The thrill of seeing Batman venture beyond the DC Universe to team up with characters from other universes has led to some of the most memorable and unusual comic book crossovers. These stories, where Batman takes center stage, offer a fresh perspective and showcase his versatility across different genres and narratives. Here, we explore the top 10 Batman crossovers that have captivated fans over the years.
As the two most renowned superheroes in the world, it was only a matter of time before Batman and Spider-Man crossed paths. Surprisingly, it took until 1995 for Marvel and DC to bring this dream team to life. The crossover, "Spider-Man and Batman," not only highlights the similarities between these heroes and their tragic origins but also smartly pits them against the menacing duo of the Joker and Carnage. With seasoned Spider-Man writer J.M. DeMatteis and artist Mark Bagley at the helm, the comic feels like a seamless continuation of the '90s Spider-Man series, devoid of any Clone Saga complications.
Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.
Spawn and Batman, both cloaked in darkness and beloved by fans, were bound to team up. Their three crossovers, including the recent "Batman/Spawn," have thrilled readers, but it's the original that stands out. The first collaboration brought together Frank Miller, the visionary behind "The Dark Knight Returns," and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane. This powerhouse creative team delivered a thrilling and appropriately grim adventure that fans still celebrate.
Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.
Since their 2011 reboot at IDW, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been involved in numerous crossovers, but "Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" stands out as one of the best. Thanks to the talents of Batman veteran James Tynion IV and artist Freddie E. Williams II, this crossover masterfully blends the worlds of Gotham and the Turtles. The dynamic between the Batman family and the Turtles is both entertaining and emotionally resonant, especially in the bond forged between Batman and the Heroes in a Half Shell. The success of this crossover led to two direct sequels and a 2019 animated movie adaptation.
Buy Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 1 (2025 Edition) on Amazon.
7. First Wave -------------Exploring Batman's roots in the Golden Age, "First Wave" presents a unique crossover penned by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Rags Morales. This series brings together a diverse array of pulp heroes, including Doc Savage, The Spirit, and Rima the Jungle Girl, with Batman sporting an unusual pair of guns. "First Wave" is a delightful and engaging series that fans wish had become a staple in DC's multiverse.
Buy First Wave on Amazon.
Without The Shadow, there might not have been a Batman, making their crossover a fitting tribute to their shared legacy. "Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses" kicks off with Batman investigating a murder in Gotham, only to find the prime suspect is Lamont Cranston, supposedly dead for 50 years. The creative team, including Scott Snyder, Steve Orlando, and Riley Rossmo, crafts a compelling narrative that honors both characters' dark avenger personas.
Buy Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses on Amazon.
Despite the fluctuating success of the Predator film series, its comic book adaptations thrived in the '90s, including three thrilling crossovers with Batman. The first, "Batman Versus Predator," remains the standout, thanks to the talents of Dave Gibbons and Andy and Adam Kubert. This comic delivers a gripping tale of a Yautja stalking Gotham, with Batman hot on its trail, creating a tense atmosphere that outshines even the urban setting of "Predator 2."
Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.
Both Batman and Judge Dredd are dedicated to law and 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 overcome their disagreements to save their worlds. The collaboration between DC and 2000 AD, featuring John Wagner and Simon Bisley's surreal and brutal artwork, makes this one of the most visually striking Batman crossovers ever.
Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.
Grendel, though less known, shares Batman's thematic focus on violence and vengeance, making their crossover a natural fit. Both the 1993 original and its 1996 sequel, crafted by Matt Wagner, are compelling reads. The first pits Batman against the original Grendel, Hunter Rose, in a battle that spans Gotham's streets and high society, while the sequel introduces Grendel-Prime, leaving readers wishing for more encounters between these two characters.
Buy Batman/Grendel: Devil's Riddle on Amazon.
Warren Ellis and John Cassaday's "Planetary" series is a sci-fi masterpiece, and its crossover with Batman, "Night on Earth," is a standout. As Elijah Snow and his team investigate a mysterious killer in a Batman-less Gotham, they encounter various versions of the Dark Knight, celebrating his history from the Golden Age to "The Dark Knight Returns." This crossover seamlessly integrates Batman into the "Planetary" universe, making it a must-read for fans.
Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.
In a surprising twist, the most bizarre Batman crossover also ranks as the best. "Batman/Elmer Fudd Special" takes the concept of merging DC heroes with Looney Tunes characters to new heights, earning a perfect 10 in IGN reviews. Tom King and Lee Weeks treat the premise with utmost seriousness, casting Elmer Fudd as a tragic figure akin to Marv from "Sin City." The result is a poignant yet hilarious tale that showcases the duo's storytelling prowess.
Buy Batman by Tom King and Lee Weeks on Amazon.
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AnswerSee ResultsFor more Batman fun, check out the top 10 Batman costumes of all time and the top 27 Batman comics and graphic novels.