In case you missed the exciting news, Bruce Wayne is set to don a fresh new look when DC Comics relaunches its flagship Batman series this September. Renowned artist Jorge Jiménez has crafted a stunning new Batsuit that reintroduces the classic blue cape and cowl, bringing a fresh twist to the Dark Knight's iconic ensemble. After nearly 90 years of captivating readers, DC continues to refine and evolve Batman's costume, keeping fans eagerly anticipating what's next.
But how does this new Batsuit stack up against the classics? Which Batman costumes have truly stood the test of time? We've carefully selected our top 10 favorite Batsuits from the comic books, spanning from the timeless Golden Age design to contemporary reimaginings like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Dive in below to explore our picks.
And 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
Tim Burton's 1989 Batman film introduced a striking all-black Batsuit, which quickly became one of the Dark Knight's most memorable outfits across all media. Although DC Comics didn't fully adopt this look for the comics outside of actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89, they did draw inspiration for the 1995 storyline "Troika."
This new suit embraced the all-black aesthetic for Batman's body but retained the traditional blue cape and cowl. It also featured bold elements like spikes on the boots, which were later moderated. The result was a more intimidating and stealth-focused Batsuit that became the standard for Batman throughout the '90s.
Batman Incorporated
After Bruce Wayne's dramatic return following his apparent demise in 2008's Final Crisis, DC launched Batman Incorporated with a new costume designed by David Finch. The Batman Inc. suit is distinguished by its return to the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and the removal of the black trunks.
This design successfully merges functionality with visual appeal, presenting the Batsuit as armor rather than mere spandex. It also provided a clear distinction from Dick Grayson's Batman attire at the time. The only slight misstep is the somewhat quirky armored codpiece.
Absolute Batman
One of the newest additions to our list, the Absolute Batman Batsuit makes a bold statement. In a rebooted DC Universe, Bruce Wayne, sans his usual wealth and resources, crafts an impressive crime-fighting arsenal. This suit is loaded with weapons, from razor-sharp ear daggers to a detachable Bat emblem that serves as a battle axe, and even a redesigned cape with flexible, arm-like tendrils.
The sheer size and imposing nature of this Batman, humorously dubbed "the Batman who lifts" by writer Scott Snyder, sets the Absolute suit apart.
Flashpoint Batman
In the alternate Flashpoint timeline, where Joe Chill kills a young Bruce Wayne, Thomas Wayne steps into the role of Batman. This darker, alternate Batman required a darker costume, marked by bold red accents on the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters. Coupled with dramatic shoulder spikes and a willingness to use guns and swords, this Batsuit offers a visually striking take on an alternate universe Batman.
Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Artist Lee Bermejo has consistently delivered a unique take on the Batsuit, evident in works like the Batman/Deathblow crossover and the infamous Batman: Damned. His Batsuit design leans heavily into armor, prioritizing function while maintaining a haunting, Gothic aesthetic. This approach notably influenced the look of Robert Pattinson's Batman in the 2022 film, The Batman.
Gotham by Gaslight Batman
Within the vast DC multiverse, Gotham by Gaslight's Batman stands out. Perfectly suited to its steampunk Victorian setting, this Batsuit swaps spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak. Illustrated by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, this Batman is iconic, with a shadowy presence and a granite-like appearance. This version continues to inspire through follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.
Golden Age Batman
Bob Kane and Bill Finger's original Batsuit design has endured with only minor tweaks for nearly 90 years, demonstrating its timeless appeal. The Golden Age Batsuit is distinguished by curved ears, purple gloves, and a cape resembling actual bat wings. It's always thrilling to see modern artists revisit this classic design.
Batman Rebirth
Throughout their acclaimed run on DC's flagship Batman series, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo initially focused on the New 52 costume. However, Capullo's redesign for the DC Rebirth relaunch improved upon it significantly. The Rebirth suit retains a tactical look but simplifies the design, reintroducing color with a yellow Bat emblem outline and a purple cape lining reminiscent of the Golden Age. Although short-lived, this Batsuit remains a standout modern redesign.
Bronze Age Batman
During the late '60s and '70s, DC's Batman comics transitioned from campy Silver Age adventures to more serious narratives. Artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López defined this era's Batman look, focusing on a leaner, more agile figure befitting a ninja-like superhero. The classic blue cape and cowl with the yellow oval remained, but the physicality and dynamism of these artists' work set a new standard for Batman's appearance, influencing countless merchandise designs.
Batman: Hush
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline is often heralded as the beginning of the modern era of Batman comics, largely due to Lee's iconic Batsuit redesign. This suit stripped away the yellow oval, opting for a sleek black emblem that complemented Lee's detailed, powerful depictions of Batman. The Hush costume became the go-to look for Batman, influencing subsequent artists and enduring through various iterations until DC returned to it after experimenting with more armored designs in the New 52 and DC Rebirth eras.
How the New Batsuit Compares
Artist Jorge Jiménez, well-versed in Batman's world, will introduce a new Batsuit when he and writer Matt Fraction kick off DC’s relaunched Batman series in September 2025. This latest design retains elements of the Hush costume but reintroduces the blue cape and cowl, now with heavy shading reminiscent of Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series. The Bat emblem also shifts to blue and takes on a more angular shape.
As Batman continues to evolve, it's exciting to see new looks emerge. Whether this redesign will stand alongside Batman's most iconic suits remains to be seen, but it promises to add a fresh chapter to the Dark Knight's storied history.
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