In an exciting development for fans, DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series this September, introducing a fresh look for Bruce Wayne. Artist Jorge Jiménez has crafted a new Batsuit that revives the iconic blue cape and cowl, marking a significant update to the Dark Knight’s attire after nearly 90 years in publication.
This new design sparks curiosity about how it compares to Batman's legendary costumes. To celebrate Batman's storied history, we've curated a list of our top 10 favorite Batsuits from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age costume to modern interpretations like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Scroll down to explore this iconic collection.
For enthusiasts of Batman films, don't miss our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits.
The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time
12 Images
10. ‘90s Batman
Introduced in the 1989 Batman movie, the all-black Batsuit became a cultural icon. While DC Comics did not fully adopt this look outside of actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89, the 1995 storyline "Troika" brought a version inspired by the film's aesthetics into the comics. This Batsuit featured an all-black body with a traditional blue cape and cowl, enhanced with spikes on the boots for a more intimidating and stealthy appearance, which defined Batman's look throughout the '90s.
Batman Incorporated
Following Bruce Wayne's return after his apparent death in 2008's Final Crisis, DC launched Batman Incorporated with a new costume designed by David Finch. This suit brought back the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and eliminated the black trunks, offering a more functional and visually cohesive look. It highlighted Batman's armor-like quality while distinguishing him from Dick Grayson, who was also Batman at the time. The only slight drawback was the armored codpiece, which seemed a bit unconventional.
Absolute Batman
Absolute Batman, a recent addition to the list, presents Batman at his most formidable. In a rebooted DCU where Bruce Wayne lacks his usual resources, he crafts an arsenal that includes this heavily weaponized Batsuit. From razor-sharp ear daggers to a removable Bat emblem that serves as a battle axe, every part of this suit is a tool for combat. Its imposing size, humorously dubbed "the Batman who lifts" by writer Scott Snyder, makes it particularly memorable.
Flashpoint Batman
In the alternate Flashpoint timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman following the murder of young Bruce Wayne. This darker version of the character sports a Batsuit with bold red accents, including the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters. The dramatic shoulder spikes on the cape and Batman's use of guns and swords contribute to one of the most visually striking alternate universe Batmen.
Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Lee Bermejo's distinctive take on the Batsuit, seen in works like the Batman/Deathblow crossover and infamous Batman: Damned, moves away from the traditional spandex to a more armored, functional design. His Batman embodies a haunting, Gothic aesthetic that influenced the look of Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in 2022's The Batman.
Gotham by Gaslight Batman
Set in a steampunk Victorian world, Gotham by Gaslight's Batman is a perfect fit for the era, featuring stitched leather and a billowing cloak instead of spandex. Illustrated by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, this Batman is iconic and shadowy, continuing to inspire through follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.
Golden Age Batman
Designed by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, the Golden Age Batsuit remains a cornerstone of Batman's visual identity. Its enduring appeal lies in its menacing curved ears, unique purple gloves, and bat-wing-like cape. This classic design continues to captivate and inspire modern interpretations.
Batman Rebirth
Following the New 52 era, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo introduced a refined Batsuit for the DC Rebirth relaunch. This costume improved upon the tactical New 52 design by simplifying extraneous details and reintroducing color with a yellow Bat emblem outline and purple cape lining, nodding to Batman's Golden Age roots. Although short-lived, it remains a standout modern redesign.
Bronze Age Batman
During the late '60s and '70s, artists Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López redefined Batman's look, shifting from camp to serious action and detective stories. While maintaining the classic elements like the blue cape and yellow oval, these artists emphasized Batman's physicality, portraying him as a lean, agile ninja. This portrayal became the standard for many fans and influenced a wide range of Batman merchandise.
Batman: Hush
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline marked the beginning of the modern era of Batman comics, largely due to Lee's iconic Batsuit redesign. The Hush costume introduced an elegant simplicity, replacing the yellow oval with a sleek black Bat emblem. Lee's dynamic art made Batman a believable adversary against his greatest foes, including Superman. This design became the go-to look for Batman, influencing subsequent artists and enduring through various iterations.
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 eager to see the new Batsuit. While it retains elements of the Hush costume, 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, offering a fresh yet familiar look. Whether this new design will stand the test of time remains to be seen.
