Funniest Batman comics that turn the Dark Knight into a joke

Batman may be the Dark Knight, but in comics, he’s also been the Butt of the Joke Knight. Writers and artists have long delighted in showing what happens when Bruce Wayne’s grim world of rooftop brooding collides with absurdity. The result? Some of the funniest “Batman movies” never filmed — but immortalised on the comic page.

Batman: The Movie! (The 1966 Adaptation)

The comic tie-in to Adam West’s campy classic is a kaleidoscope of POW!s and BAM!s in print form. Shark repellent spray? Check. A quacking Penguin submarine? Double check. Reading it feels like someone spiked Gotham’s water supply with pure glitter.

Batman ’66 Meets The Green Hornet

This crossover miniseries leans into the delicious awkwardness of West’s Batman teaming up with Van Williams’ Green Hornet. You get henchmen with worse aim than Stormtroopers, campy dialogue that sounds like rejected Bond puns, and Bruce trying very hard to look serious while standing next to Kato.

Bat-Mite Adventures

Bat-Mite, the impish fifth-dimensional fanboy, once produced his own “Batman movies” in the comics. Imagine Batman starring in his own fan-fiction, directed by a sugar-addled gremlin. Every panel is a fourth-wall demolition derby, with Batman gritting his teeth while Bat-Mite treats him like a Funko Pop.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold (Comic Tie-in)

The animated show’s comic counterpart delivers Batman teaming with everyone from Aquaman to Scooby-Doo — with dialogue so tongue-in-cheek it’s practically biting itself. Brave and the Bold Batman may be the only version who can say “old chum” unironically and get away with it.

Batman: Holy Musical B@man! (Comic Adaptation Excerpts)

Yes, the cult parody stage musical about Batman’s tragic — and hilariously melodramatic — life was partially adapted into comic form. Picture Batman belting about dead parents, Robin twirling like he’s auditioning for Glee, and Gotham criminals breaking into dance numbers. Utterly ridiculous. Utterly perfect.