Exciting news for fans of the Dark Knight: DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series this September, bringing with it a fresh look for Bruce Wayne, courtesy of artist Jorge Jiménez. This new design revives the classic blue cape and cowl, marking another evolution in Batman's nearly 90-year history of iconic costume changes.
But how does this new Batsuit stack up against the legends of Batman's past? We've curated a list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age to modern reimaginings like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Dive in to explore these legendary looks.
If you're more of a movie buff, don't miss our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits.
The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time
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10. ‘90s Batman
Introduced in the 1989 Batman movie, the all-black Batsuit became a cultural icon. While DC didn't fully adopt this look in the comics outside of actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89, they did create a 1995 "Troika" storyline suit that combined the movie's dark aesthetic with a traditional blue cape and cowl. This suit, complete with spiked boots, became the quintessential '90s Batman, enhancing his intimidating and stealthy persona.
Batman Incorporated
Following Bruce Wayne's return after Final Crisis in 2008, DC introduced Batman Incorporated, complete with a new costume designed by David Finch. This suit revived the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and eliminated the black trunks, offering a more armor-like appearance. It successfully balanced function and form, distinguishing Bruce Wayne from Dick Grayson's Batman and adding a modern twist to the classic look, though the armored codpiece remains a curious choice.
Absolute Batman
Absolute Batman, the most recent addition to our list, stands out for its imposing design. In a rebooted DCU, Bruce Wayne, without his usual resources, crafts a Batsuit that's essentially a weaponized fortress. From razor-sharp ear daggers to a battle-axe Bat emblem and tendril-like cape, this suit showcases Batman's resourcefulness and strength, humorously dubbed by writer Scott Snyder as "the Batman who lifts."
Flashpoint Batman
In the Flashpoint universe, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after young Bruce's murder. His Batsuit reflects his darker, more violent approach, featuring bold red accents instead of yellow, and dramatic shoulder spikes. This alternate universe Batman, who uses guns and a sword, offers a visually striking and unique take on the character.
Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Lee Bermejo's unique take on the Batsuit emphasizes armor over spandex, reflecting Batman's functional yet haunting persona. This design, steeped in dirt and Gothic aesthetics, notably influenced Robert Pattinson's Batsuit in 2022's The Batman, showcasing Bermejo's impact on the character's visual evolution.
Gotham by Gaslight Batman
Gotham by Gaslight transports Batman to a steampunk Victorian setting, where his Batsuit transforms into stitched leather and a billowing cloak. Mike Mignola's iconic artwork, with its shadowy and granite-like Batman, has left a lasting legacy, continued in follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.
Golden Age Batman
Bob Kane and Bill Finger's original Batsuit from the Golden Age remains a benchmark, enduring with minor changes over nearly 90 years. Its unique features, like curved ears and purple gloves, along with a bat-wing-inspired cape, add distinctive flair and continue to inspire modern artists.
Batman Rebirth
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman Rebirth suit refined the New 52 design, balancing tactical elements with a splash of color via a yellow Bat emblem and purple cape lining. This suit, a nod to Batman's Golden Age, stands as a top contender among modern redesigns, despite its brief run.
Bronze Age Batman
During the late ‘60s and ‘70s, artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López redefined Batman, shifting from camp to a more serious tone. Their work emphasized Batman's agility and ninja-like qualities, cementing this era's Batsuit as a fan favorite and a standard for subsequent designs.
Batman: Hush
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline marked a modern era for Batman comics with a sleek, elegant Batsuit design. The removal of the yellow oval and the introduction of a powerful, dynamic physique set a new standard, influencing subsequent artists and becoming the go-to look for Batman until more armored designs took over in the New 52 and DC Rebirth eras.
How the New Batsuit Compares
Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit for the upcoming DC relaunch in September 2025 subtly diverges from the Hush costume. It reintroduces the blue cape and cowl, with a shaded cape reminiscent of Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series, and a larger, angular blue Bat emblem. This redesign keeps Batman's look fresh while paying homage to his storied past.
