Exciting news for Batman fans: DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series this September, featuring a fresh look for Bruce Wayne, designed by the talented artist Jorge Jiménez. This new Batsuit brings back the iconic blue cape and cowl, paying homage to Batman's classic style while adding modern twists. After nearly 90 years, DC continues to innovate the Dark Knight's costume, keeping fans eagerly anticipating each new iteration.
With the new Batsuit on the horizon, it's the perfect time to reflect on the greatest Batman costumes of all time. We've carefully selected our top 10 favorite Batsuits from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age design to contemporary reimaginings like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Scroll down to explore our list and see which costumes made the cut.
For fans of the cinematic Batman, don't miss out on our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits.
The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time
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10. ‘90s Batman
1989's Batman movie introduced a striking all-black Batsuit that became an iconic representation of the Dark Knight across various media. While DC did not fully adopt this look into the comics (except for actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89), they drew inspiration from it for the 1995 storyline "Troika." This Batsuit embraced the all-black aesthetic for Batman's body but retained the classic blue cape and cowl. It also featured more aggressive elements like spiked boots, which were later softened. This design became the standard for Batman throughout the ‘90s, enhancing his stealth and intimidation.
Batman Incorporated
After Bruce Wayne's return post his apparent death in 2008's Final Crisis, DC launched Batman Incorporated, accompanied by a new costume designed by David Finch. The Batman Inc. suit reintroduced the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and eliminated the black trunks. It offered a more functional, armor-like appearance compared to the spandex of earlier designs, creating a visually cohesive look that distinguished Bruce from Dick Grayson, who was also donning the Batman mantle at the time. The only critique might be the somewhat quirky armored codpiece.
Absolute Batman
Absolute Batman, one of the newer additions to this list, makes a strong impact with its imposing design. In a rebooted DC Universe, where Bruce Wayne lacks his usual resources, he still manages to craft an impressive crime-fighting suit. This Batsuit is a weapon itself, featuring razor-sharp ear daggers, a removable Bat emblem that transforms into a battle axe, and a redesigned cape with flexible, arm-like tendrils. Its sheer size and bulk, humorously dubbed "the Batman who lifts" by writer Scott Snyder, set it apart.
Flashpoint Batman
In the alternate timeline of Flashpoint, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after his son's murder, resulting in a darker, unique costume. This Batsuit replaces the traditional yellow accents with bold red, seen in the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters. Coupled with dramatic shoulder spikes and the use of guns and a sword, this alternate universe Batman delivers a visually striking and intense presence.
Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Lee Bermejo, known for his work on various Batman projects including the infamous Batman: Damned, has created a distinctive Batsuit that diverges significantly from the typical spandex. His design emphasizes armor and functionality, with a haunting, gothic aesthetic that has influenced modern interpretations, such as Robert Pattinson's Batman in 2022's The Batman.
Gotham by Gaslight Batman
Within the vast DC multiverse, Gotham by Gaslight's Batman stands out with its steampunk Victorian aesthetic. This Batsuit trades spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak, perfectly suited to its setting. Illustrated by Mike Mignola, this iconic version of Batman has inspired subsequent stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.
Golden Age Batman
Originally designed by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, the Golden Age Batsuit has remained a staple for nearly 90 years, with only minor modifications. Its enduring elements include the curved ears, purple gloves, and bat-wing-like cape, making it a timeless and thrilling design for modern artists to revisit.
Batman Rebirth
During their popular run on DC's flagship Batman series, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo introduced the New 52 costume, but it was their Rebirth redesign that truly excelled. This updated suit retained a tactical edge while simplifying the design and reintroducing vibrant colors, such as the yellow Bat emblem outline and purple cape lining, paying homage to Batman's Golden Age roots. Though short-lived, this Batsuit stands out as a top modern redesign.
Bronze Age Batman
In the late ‘60s and ‘70s, Batman's comics shifted from camp to more serious narratives, thanks to artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López. These artists refined the classic blue cape and cowl with a yellow oval, emphasizing Batman's physicality and agility. This lean, ninja-like depiction became the standard for many fans and influenced countless pieces of Batman merchandise.
Batman: Hush
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline marked a pivotal moment in modern Batman comics, largely due to Lee's elegant redesign of the Batsuit. By removing the yellow oval and introducing a sleek black emblem, Lee crafted a timeless look that has become the default for many subsequent artists. Its enduring influence led DC to revisit this design after experimenting with more armored looks in the New 52 and Rebirth eras.
How the New Batsuit Compares
As Jorge Jiménez and writer Matt Fraction prepare to kick off DC’s relaunched Batman series in September 2025, fans are getting a new Batsuit to discuss. While it retains much of the Hush costume's essence, Jiménez's design brings back the blue cape and cowl, with a heavily shaded cape reminiscent of Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series. The Bat emblem is also blue and more angular, adding a fresh yet familiar touch. As Batman continues to evolve, it remains to be seen if this new look will stand the test of time like its predecessors.
