Batman's adventures within the DC universe are legendary, but sometimes, the thrill of teaming up with familiar faces like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash can feel a bit repetitive. That's where the magic of inter-universal crossovers comes into play, offering fresh narratives that break the mold of traditional comic storytelling. Over the years, these unique pairings have given us some of the most memorable and bizarre Batman crossovers, from the expected like Batman/Spider-Man and Batman/The Shadow to the unexpected like Batman/Elmer Fudd. Here, we celebrate the best and most intriguing of these crossovers, focusing solely on those where Batman is the central figure.
As two of the world's most iconic superheroes, Batman and Spider-Man were bound to cross paths. Their 1995 collaboration was a long-awaited treat that delved into the similarities between these two heroes, particularly their tragic origins. The story cleverly pits them against the sinister duo of the Joker and Carnage. Crafted by seasoned Spider-Man creators J.M. DeMatteis and Mark Bagley, this crossover feels like a seamless extension of '90s Spider-Man comics, sans the infamous Clone Saga.
Buy DC vs. Marvel Omnibus on Amazon.
Spawn and Batman, two dark vigilantes with a penchant for justice, are a natural fit for a crossover. The original collaboration stands out due to its powerhouse creative team, featuring Frank Miller of The Dark Knight Returns fame and Spawn's creator, Todd McFarlane. Their combined talents deliver 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 ventured into numerous crossovers. Their meeting with Batman, masterfully handled by Batman veteran James Tynion IV and artist Freddie E. Williams II, stands out. This crossover brilliantly captures the dynamic between the Batman family and the Turtles, exploring both humor and emotional depth. It also inspired two sequels and a 2019 animated movie.
Buy Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 1 (2025 Edition) on Amazon.
7. First Wave -------------This crossover harks back to Batman's Golden Age roots, presenting a different side of the Dark Knight. Brian Azzarello and Rags Morales bring to life a world where Batman, armed with guns, interacts with classic pulp heroes like Doc Savage and The Spirit. First Wave is a delightful blend of nostalgia and action, making us wish for more adventures in this Pulpverse.
Buy First Wave on Amazon.
Given that The Shadow inspired Batman's creation, their pairing is a fitting tribute. In this series, Batman investigates a murder linked to Lamont Cranston, The Shadow's alter ego. The creative team of Scott Snyder, Steve Orlando, and Riley Rossmo crafts a compelling narrative that honors both characters' legacies.
Buy Batman/The Shadow: The Murder Geniuses on Amazon.
Despite the waning success of the Predator movies, the comics flourished in the '90s, including three crossovers with Batman. The first, penned by Dave Gibbons and illustrated by Andy and Adam Kubert, is particularly noteworthy. It follows Batman as he tracks a Yautja wreaking havoc in Gotham, delivering a gripping tale that outshines its cinematic counterparts.
Buy Batman vs. Predator on Amazon.
Both Batman and Judge Dredd are dedicated to upholding the law, albeit in very different ways. Their initial crossover sees them reluctantly team up against Judge Death and Scarecrow. With John Wagner's writing and Simon Bisley's distinctive art, this crossover not only tells a thrilling story but also stands out visually.
Buy The Batman/Judge Dredd Collection on Amazon.
Though not as widely known, Grendel shares Batman's thematic focus on violence and vengeance. Matt Wagner's crossover with Batman in 1993 and its 1996 sequel are both compelling reads. The first pits Batman against the original Grendel, Hunter Rose, while the sequel introduces Grendel-Prime, showcasing the rich potential of this unique pairing.
Buy Batman/Grendel: Devil's Riddle on Amazon.
Warren Ellis and John Cassaday's Planetary series is a masterpiece, and their crossover with Batman is no exception. In this story, the Planetary team arrives in a Batman-less Gotham, leading to encounters with various iterations of the Caped Crusader. This crossover celebrates Batman's history across different eras, making it a standout addition to the series.
Buy Batman/Planetary: The Deluxe Edition on Amazon.
Perhaps the most unexpected yet brilliant crossover, Batman/Elmer Fudd Special combines the worlds of DC and Looney Tunes in a way that is both serious and hilarious. Tom King and Lee Weeks deliver a poignant and funny narrative where Elmer Fudd is reimagined as a tragic figure akin to Sin City's Marv. This unique take on the characters earned it a perfect 10 in our IGN review.
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.
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