Batman has teamed up with fellow DC heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash countless times, but these familiar pairings can start to feel a bit repetitive. Sometimes, breaking the barriers between pop culture universes is exactly what's needed to bring fresh and exciting stories to life. Over the years, this approach has given us some of the most iconic and unusual comic book crossovers, featuring Batman alongside characters from other franchises. This list focuses solely on stories where Batman is the central figure, excluding broader Justice League crossovers such as Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong.
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As two of the world's most beloved superheroes, it was only a matter of time before Batman and Spider-Man crossed paths. It's surprising that it took until 1995 for Marvel and DC to bring these iconic characters together, but the wait was well worth it. The crossover delves into the similarities between the heroes and their tragic origins, cleverly pitting them against the menacing duo of the Joker and Carnage.
Spider-Man and Batman shines thanks to the contributions of seasoned Spider-Man creators, including writer J.M. DeMatteis of Kraven's Last Hunt fame and prolific artist Mark Bagley. The result is a story that feels like a seamless continuation of '90s Spider-Man comics, free from the complexities of the Clone Saga.
Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.
Spawn and Batman, both dark vigilantes with devoted followings, naturally make for a compelling team-up. There have been three crossovers between these franchises, but the original stands out due to its stellar creative team. Featuring The Dark Knight Returns writer Frank Miller and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane, this crossover delivers a thrilling and suitably dark adventure.
Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.
Since their 2011 reboot at IDW, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have featured in numerous crossovers, but Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stands out as one of the best. The dynamic pairing of Batman veteran James Tynion IV and artist Freddie E. Williams II results in a highly entertaining clash of worlds.
This crossover brilliantly highlights the differences between the Batman family and the Turtles, while also exploring the intriguing question of whether Batman could defeat Shredder in combat. Tynion and Williams add emotional depth by forging a strong bond between the Dark Knight and the Heroes in a Half Shell. The success of the initial crossover led to two sequels and a 2019 animated movie, both of which are highly recommended.
Buy Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 1 (2025 Edition) on Amazon.
7. First Wave -------------
First Wave offers a unique take on Batman by revisiting his Golden Age roots. Written by Brian Azzarello of 100 Bullets fame and illustrated by Rags Morales of Identity Crisis, this series brings together a host of pulp heroes into a shared universe. Here, Batman, armed with guns, interacts with characters like Doc Savage, The Spirit, and Rima the Jungle Girl. The series is a delightful romp, and fans wish the Pulpverse had become a permanent fixture in DC's multiverse.
Buy First Wave on Amazon.
Given that The Shadow inspired Batman, their team-up is a natural fit. Batman/The Shadow kicks off with the Dark Knight investigating a murder in Gotham, only to find the prime suspect is Lamont Cranston, believed to have died 50 years earlier. This sets the stage for an exhilarating collaboration.
The creative team behind this crossover, including writers Scott Snyder and Steve Orlando and artist Riley Rossmo, elevates the story. Although the follow-up series, The Shadow/Batman, didn't feature the same team, it remains a worthwhile read.
Buy Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses on Amazon.
Despite the waning popularity of the Predator films, the franchise thrived in comics during the '90s, including three crossovers with Batman. The first, featuring a story by Watchmen's Dave Gibbons and art by Andy and Adam Kubert before their X-Men fame, remains the standout.
Batman Versus Predator follows a simple yet compelling premise: a Yautja is loose in Gotham, and Batman must track its deadly path. The creators craft a gripping atmosphere, surpassing the urban hunting theme of Predator 2.
Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.
Both Batman and Judge Dredd are dedicated to upholding the law in their dystopian cities, yet their first crossover reveals their stark differences. When Judge Death teams up with Scarecrow, these two heroes must set aside their conflicts to combat a greater threat.
DC and 2000 AD produced three Batman/Judge Dredd crossovers in the '90s, but the original, with its involvement of Dredd co-creator John Wagner and the striking artwork of Simon Bisley, is the best. It may well be the most visually stunning Batman crossover ever.
Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.
Though not as widely known, the pairing of Batman with Grendel makes perfect sense. Matt Wagner's Grendel series explores themes of violence and vengeance, which resonate deeply with Batman's narrative. Wagner's previous work with Batman adds to the synergy between these characters.
Both the 1993 original and its 1996 sequel are highly recommended. The first pits Batman against the original Grendel, Hunter Rose, in a battle that spans Gotham's streets and high society. The sequel introduces Grendel-Prime, making readers wish Grendel were a permanent fixture in Batman's world.
Buy Batman/Grendel: Devil's Riddle on Amazon.
Warren Ellis and John Cassaday's Planetary is one of DC's greatest sci-fi epics, spawning crossovers with The Authority and the Justice League. However, the Batman crossover, featuring the full Planetary creative team, is the standout.
In Planetary/Batman, Elijah Snow and his team investigate a mysterious killer in a Batman-less Gotham, leading to encounters with various versions of the Caped Crusader. This crossover celebrates Batman's history across different eras, from the Golden Age to The Dark Knight Returns, making it one of the best Batman crossovers ever.
Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.
Surprisingly, the best Batman crossover is also the most bizarre. Batman/Elmer Fudd Special, part of a series pairing DC heroes with Looney Tunes characters, is a standout. It earned a perfect 10 in our IGN review.
The genius of Batman/Elmer Fudd lies in its serious treatment of the premise, resulting in both hilarious and poignant moments. Elmer Fudd is portrayed as a tragic figure akin to Sin City's Marv, complete with his iconic speech impediment but filled with fury and pathos.
Tom King and Lee Weeks, known for their work on DC's 2016 Batman series, bring depth and emotion to this unique crossover, elevating it to new heights.
Buy Batman by Tom King and Lee Weeks on Amazon.
What's your favorite Batman crossover? Vote in our poll and let us know in the comments below.
AnswerSee ResultsFor more Batman fun, check out the top 10 Batman costumes of all time and the top 27 Batman comics and graphic novels.
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