Exciting news for Batman fans: DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series this September, and artist Jorge Jiménez has unveiled a stunning new Batsuit. This design brings back the classic blue cape and cowl, a nod to Batman's rich history as he celebrates nearly 90 years in the comics.
But how does this new look stack up against the iconic Batsuits of the past? We've curated a list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age design to contemporary reinterpretations like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Dive in and explore the evolution of the Dark Knight's attire.
For fans of the cinematic Batman, don't miss our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits.
The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time
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‘90s Batman
The 1989 Batman movie introduced a groundbreaking all-black Batsuit, which became one of the most iconic looks for the Dark Knight. While DC didn't fully adopt this design in the comics outside of actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89, they did create a Batsuit inspired by the films in the 1995 storyline "Troika." This suit retained the all-black body but featured a traditional blue cape and cowl, along with more extreme elements like spiked boots. This intimidating and stealthy design became the standard for Batman 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 reintroduced the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and eliminated the black trunks, offering a more functional and visually cohesive look compared to the later New 52 suit. The Batman Inc. suit emphasized armor over spandex, distinguishing Bruce Wayne from Dick Grayson, who was also Batman at the time. The only minor flaw is the somewhat quirky armored codpiece.
Absolute Batman
The Absolute Batman Batsuit, the newest on our list, makes a bold statement. In a rebooted DCU where Bruce Wayne lacks his usual resources, this suit is a testament to his ingenuity. Every part of the suit is a weapon, from the razor-sharp ear daggers to the detachable Bat emblem that serves as a battle axe. The redesigned cape features flexible, arm-like tendrils, and the sheer size of this Batman, humorously dubbed "the Batman who lifts" by writer Scott Snyder, sets it apart.
Flashpoint Batman
In the alternate timeline of Flashpoint, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after the murder of his son, Bruce. This darker version of Batman sports a Batsuit with bold red accents on the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters, complemented by dramatic shoulder spikes on the cape. This Batman's use of guns and a sword adds to the visually striking and unique design.
Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Lee Bermejo's distinctive take on the Batsuit, seen in works like Batman/Deathblow and the infamous Batman: Damned, emphasizes armor over spandex. His Batman is a haunting figure, steeped in dirt and grime, with a Gothic aesthetic that inspired Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in 2022's The Batman.
Gotham by Gaslight Batman
The steampunk Victorian setting of Gotham by Gaslight perfectly suits Batman's Batsuit, which trades spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak. Illustrated by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, this Batman is iconic, shrouded in shadow and resembling raw granite. This design continues to influence follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.
Golden Age Batman
The original Batsuit designed by Bob Kane and Bill Finger has remained largely unchanged for nearly 90 years, a testament to its iconic status. Unique features like curved ears, purple gloves, and a cape resembling bat wings set it apart, and it's always thrilling to see modern artists revisit this classic design.
Batman Rebirth
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman Rebirth costume improved upon the New 52 design by retaining a tactical look while simplifying extraneous details. The yellow outline around the Bat emblem and the purple inner lining of the cape pay homage to Batman's Golden Age roots, making this modern redesign a standout.
Bronze Age Batman
The late '60s and '70s marked a shift in Batman's comics from camp to more serious storytelling, with artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López defining the era. Their work emphasized Batman's physicality, portraying him as a lean, agile ninja rather than a burly brawler. This design remains a benchmark for many fans, especially thanks to García-López's influential artwork on various 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 sleek, black Bat emblem replaced the traditional yellow oval, and Lee's dynamic rendering of Batman's physique made this suit the standard for years to come. Even after experimenting with more armored designs, DC returned to the Hush costume, proving its enduring appeal.
How the New Batsuit Compares
Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit, set to debut in the relaunched Batman series in September 2025 with writer Matt Fraction, brings back the blue cape and cowl, diverging from the recent trend of black. The heavily shaded cape evokes the style of Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series, and the blue, angular Bat emblem adds a fresh twist. While it's exciting to see Batman evolve, only time will tell if this new look will join the ranks of his most iconic costumes.
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