Batman's adventures with fellow DC heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash are iconic, but sometimes fans crave something different. Breaking the barriers between pop culture universes can lead to some of the most memorable and unusual comic book crossovers. From expected collaborations like Batman/Spider-Man and Batman/The Shadow to the more eccentric like Batman/Elmer Fudd, these crossovers showcase Batman's versatility and appeal across various genres. In this list, we focus on stories where Batman is the central figure, excluding Justice League-centric crossovers 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 renowned superheroes, it was inevitable that Batman and Spider-Man would eventually cross paths. Surprisingly, their first official crossover didn't occur until 1995, but the wait was well worth it. This crossover explores the similarities between their tragic origins and pits them against the formidable team of the Joker and Carnage. Crafted by seasoned Spider-Man creators J.M. DeMatteis and Mark Bagley, the story feels like a seamless extension of the '90s Spider-Man saga, without the complications of the Clone Saga.
Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.
Spawn/Batman
With their dark personas and dedicated fanbases, Spawn and Batman are a natural fit for a crossover. There have been three collaborations between these franchises, but the original stands out due to its stellar creative team. Featuring The Dark Knight Returns' Frank Miller and Spawn's creator Todd McFarlane, this crossover delivers a compelling and appropriately grim adventure.
Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.
Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Following their 2011 reboot at IDW, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have starred in numerous crossovers, with Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles being one of the standout successes. Helmed by Batman expert James Tynion IV and artist Freddie E. Williams II, this crossover brilliantly showcases the clash of personalities between the Batman family and the Turtles. It also delves into the emotional bond between Batman and the Heroes in a Half Shell, and even sparked a successful animated movie in 2019.
This crossover series harks back to Batman's Golden Age roots, offering a unique take on the character. Written by Brian Azzarello of 100 Bullets fame and illustrated by Rags Morales of Identity Crisis, First Wave brings together a host of pulp heroes in a shared universe. Here, Batman, armed with guns, mingles with the likes of Doc Savage, The Spirit, and Rima the Jungle Girl. The series is fun and engaging, leaving fans wishing this Pulpverse had become a staple in DC's multiverse.
Buy First Wave on Amazon.
Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses
As the precursor to Batman, The Shadow naturally pairs well with the Dark Knight. This series, penned by Scott Snyder and Steve Orlando with art by Riley Rossmo, kicks off with Batman investigating a murder in Gotham, only to find the prime suspect is Lamont Cranston, thought to be dead for fifty years. This thrilling team-up captures the essence of both characters brilliantly.
Buy Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses on Amazon.
Batman Versus Predator
Despite the waning popularity of the Predator film series, the character thrived in '90s comics, leading to multiple crossovers with Batman. The first of these, crafted by Dave Gibbons of Watchmen fame and the pre-X-Men duo Andy and Adam Kubert, remains the most memorable. The premise is straightforward yet captivating: a Yautja hunts in Gotham, and Batman follows the trail of destruction. The result is a gripping tale that outshines even Predator 2.
Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.
Batman/Judge Dredd: Judgment on Gotham
Both Batman and Judge Dredd are committed to law and order in their dystopian cities, yet their first crossover reveals stark differences. When Judge Death teams up with Scarecrow, these two law enforcers must collaborate despite their contrasting methods. This '90s collaboration, featuring Dredd co-creator John Wagner and the surreal artwork of Simon Bisley, is not only thrilling but also visually stunning.
Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.
Batman/Grendel
Though not as widely known, the pairing of Batman with Matt Wagner's Grendel makes perfect sense given their shared themes of violence and vengeance. Both the 1993 original and its 1996 sequel are compelling reads. The first pits Batman against the original Grendel, Hunter Rose, in a battle across Gotham's streets and high society. The sequel introduces Grendel-Prime, showcasing the potential for Grendel to be a permanent fixture in Batman's world.
Buy Batman/Grendel: Devil's Riddle on Amazon.
Planetary/Batman: Night on Earth
Warren Ellis and John Cassaday's Planetary is a seminal sci-fi comic, and its crossover with Batman is a standout. In this story, the Planetary team arrives in a Batman-less Gotham to hunt a mysterious killer, leading to encounters with various versions of Batman across different eras. This crossover is a celebration of Batman's history and a testament to the brilliance of the Planetary series.
Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.
Batman/Elmer Fudd Special
Perhaps the most unexpected yet brilliant crossover, Batman/Elmer Fudd Special combines the worlds of DC and Looney Tunes in a unique and hilarious way. This special, which earned a perfect 10 in our IGN review, treats the pairing with utmost seriousness, portraying Elmer Fudd as a tragic figure akin to Marv from Sin City. Tom King and Lee Weeks manage to extract deep emotion and humor from this unusual collaboration.
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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