Exciting news for Batman fans: DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series this September, bringing with it a new Batsuit designed by acclaimed artist Jorge Jiménez. This fresh look features the iconic blue cape and cowl, signaling a return to classic elements while updating the Dark Knight's image for modern audiences. With nearly 90 years of history, DC continues to innovate and evolve Batman's costume, keeping the character fresh and engaging.
But how does this new Batsuit stack up against the classics? Let's dive into our curated list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age design to recent reinterpretations like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Scroll down to explore these iconic looks.
For fans of Batman movies, don't miss our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits to see how the cinematic versions compare.
The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time
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10. ‘90s Batman
Inspired by the 1989 Batman movie, the ‘90s Batsuit introduced an all-black design that became a staple in the Dark Knight's wardrobe. While DC didn't fully adopt the movie's suit in the comics outside of actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89, they did create a suit for the 1995 storyline "Troika" that embraced the all-black body while retaining the traditional blue cape and cowl. This suit also featured more aggressive elements like spiked boots, which were later moderated. The result was a more intimidating and stealth-focused Batsuit that dominated the ‘90s.
Batman Incorporated
Following Bruce Wayne's return after the events of 2008's Final Crisis, DC launched Batman Incorporated, featuring a new costume designed by David Finch. This suit brought back the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and ditched the black trunks, offering a more functional and armor-like appearance than the spandex of previous designs. It successfully differentiated Bruce Wayne's Batman from Dick Grayson's, who was also donning the Batman mantle at the time. The only minor flaw is the somewhat peculiar armored codpiece.
Absolute Batman
Absolute Batman, one of the newer entries on this list, makes a striking impact with its imposing design. In a rebooted DC Universe, Bruce Wayne, without his usual resources, crafts a formidable crime-fighting suit. This Batsuit is a weapon in itself, with razor-sharp ear daggers, a removable Bat emblem that doubles as 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 Flashpoint timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after young Bruce's tragic death. This alternate universe Batman sports a darker costume with striking red accents, including the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters. The addition of shoulder spikes and the use of firearms and a sword create a visually distinctive and intense Batman.
Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Lee Bermejo's take on the Batsuit stands out with its emphasis on armor rather than traditional spandex. His Batman is a gritty, haunting figure that inspired the look of Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in the 2022 film The Batman. Bermejo's work across various Batman projects showcases a distinctive and impactful style.
Gotham by Gaslight Batman
Gotham by Gaslight presents a steampunk Victorian Batman, illustrated by Mike Mignola, the creator of Hellboy. This Batsuit swaps spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak, perfectly fitting the era. Mignola's shadowy, granite-like portrayal remains iconic, with the character further explored in follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.
Golden Age Batman
Bob Kane and Bill Finger's original Batsuit has remained largely unchanged for nearly 90 years, a testament to its enduring design. Unique features like curved ears and purple gloves add to its menacing yet colorful appeal, while the bat-wing-inspired cape sets it apart. Modern artists often revisit this classic, highlighting its timelessness.
Batman Rebirth
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman Rebirth costume refines the New 52 design, retaining a tactical look while simplifying details and reintroducing color through the yellow Bat emblem outline and a purple inner cape lining, echoing the Golden Age. Although short-lived, this Batsuit is a standout among modern redesigns.
Bronze Age Batman
During the late ‘60s and ‘70s, Batman's costume evolved from the campy Silver Age style to a more serious, action-oriented look, thanks to artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López. Their work emphasized a leaner, more agile Batman, fitting his ninja-like persona. This period's design has become a benchmark for many fans, especially due to García-López's influential art on Batman merchandise.
Batman: Hush
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline introduced a sleek, elegant Batsuit that defined the modern era of Batman comics. Lee's design eliminated the yellow oval for a simple black Bat emblem, emphasizing Batman's dynamic and powerful physique. This look became the standard for years, influencing subsequent artists and enduring through various comic eras.
How the New Batsuit Compares
Jorge Jiménez's upcoming Batsuit for the relaunched Batman series in September 2025 brings back the blue cape and cowl, diverging from the recent trend of black. The heavily shaded cape evokes Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series, and the blue, angular Bat emblem adds a fresh twist. While it remains to be seen if this redesign will have the lasting impact of its predecessors, it promises to keep Batman's look evolving.
