Batman's adventures within the DC Universe are legendary, but sometimes the most thrilling stories come from crossing the boundaries into other worlds. These crossovers not only bring fresh narratives but also blend genres in unexpected and exciting ways. From iconic team-ups with Spider-Man to more eccentric pairings like Batman and Elmer Fudd, these collaborations showcase Batman's versatility and enduring appeal across different universes. Here, we'll explore the top 10 Batman crossovers that have captivated fans and pushed the boundaries of comic book storytelling, focusing solely on stories where Batman himself takes center stage.

The Top 10 Best Batman Crossovers of All Time

11 Images10. Spider-Man and Batman

As the two most iconic superheroes in the world, it was inevitable that Batman and Spider-Man would eventually cross paths. Their 1995 crossover was well worth the wait, focusing on the shared tragedies of their pasts while pitting them against the formidable duo of the Joker and Carnage. Crafted by seasoned Spider-Man creators J.M. DeMatteis and Mark Bagley, this comic feels like a natural extension of the '90s Spider-Man series, minus the Clone Saga drama.

Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.

9. Spawn/Batman

Both Spawn and Batman embody the archetype of the dark vigilante, making their collaboration a natural fit. Of their three crossovers, the original stands out for its stellar creative team, featuring Frank Miller of The Dark Knight Returns fame and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane. Their collaboration results in a gripping, shadowy adventure that lives up to the dark reputations of both characters.

Buy Batman/Spawn: The Classic Collection on Amazon.

8. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Since their 2011 reboot at IDW, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been part of numerous crossovers, but their team-up with Batman stands out. Written by Batman veteran James Tynion IV and illustrated by Freddie E. Williams II, this crossover brilliantly merges the worlds of Gotham and the Turtles. It explores the dynamics between the Batman family and the Turtles, and even satisfies curiosities about a Batman vs. Shredder showdown. The emotional bond formed between Batman and the Turtles adds depth to this entertaining tale, which spawned sequels and a 2019 animated movie.

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

First Wave offers a unique look at Batman, harking back to his Golden Age roots. This series, penned by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Rags Morales, brings together classic pulp heroes in a shared universe. Here, Batman, sporting guns, interacts with characters like Doc Savage and The Spirit. This entertaining crossover makes us wish the "Pulpverse" had become a lasting addition to DC's multiverse.

Buy First Wave on Amazon.

6. Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses

Given The Shadow's influence on Batman's creation, their crossover is a fitting homage. In Batman/The Shadow, the Dark Knight investigates a murder in Gotham, leading him to Lamont Cranston, presumed dead for decades. This thrilling team-up, crafted by Scott Snyder, Steve Orlando, and Riley Rossmo, showcases the synergy between these two nocturnal avengers.

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

5. Batman Versus Predator

Despite the waning success of the Predator films, the franchise thrived in comics during the '90s. The first Batman vs. Predator crossover, with a story by Dave Gibbons and art by Andy and Adam Kubert, remains the best. It follows Batman as he tracks a Yautja causing havoc in Gotham, delivering a tense, atmospheric narrative that outshines Predator 2.

Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.

4. 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 their contrasting approaches. When Judge Death teams up with Scarecrow, Batman and Dredd must unite despite their differences. The original crossover, featuring work by Dredd co-creator John Wagner and artist Simon Bisley, is a visually stunning and compelling read.

Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.

3. Batman/Grendel

Matt Wagner's Grendel series delves into themes of violence and vengeance, resonating deeply with Batman's world. Both the 1993 and 1996 crossovers are excellent, pitting Batman against Grendel's Hunter Rose and his futuristic successor Grendel-Prime. These stories showcase a seamless blend of both universes, leaving readers wishing Grendel were a permanent fixture in Batman's rogues gallery.

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

2. Planetary/Batman: Night on Earth

Warren Ellis and John Cassaday's Planetary series is a sci-fi masterpiece, and their Batman crossover is a standout. In Planetary/Batman, Elijah Snow and his team arrive in a Batman-less Gotham to track a killer, leading to encounters with various versions of the Caped Crusader. This crossover celebrates Batman's rich history, making it one of the best ever.

Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.

1. Batman/Elmer Fudd Special

Perhaps the most unexpected yet brilliant crossover, Batman/Elmer Fudd Special blends the DC Universe with Looney Tunes in a serious yet hilariously effective way. Tom King and Lee Weeks present a somber Gotham where Elmer Fudd becomes a tragic figure akin to Sin City's Marv. This unique narrative earned a perfect score in our IGN review, showcasing the depth and emotion that can come from the most unlikely pairings.

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.