In case you missed the news, Bruce Wayne is set to don a fresh look when DC Comics relaunches its flagship Batman series this September. Artist Jorge Jiménez has crafted a new Batsuit that revives the classic blue cape and cowl, spotlighting them once again. After nearly 90 years in publication, DC continues to refine the Dark Knight's iconic attire.
How does this new Batsuit stack up against the classics? What are the greatest Batman costumes of all time? We've curated our top 10 favorite Batsuits from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age costume to modern takes like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Scroll down to explore them all.
If you prefer Batman in movies, don't miss 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 revolutionary all-black Batsuit, cementing its status as one of the Dark Knight's most iconic outfits across all mediums. While DC didn't fully adopt this costume for the comics outside of actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89, they did draw inspiration from the films for the 1995 storyline "Troika."
This new Batsuit embraced the all-black body but retained the traditional blue cape and cowl. It also featured more extreme elements like boot spikes, which were later softened. The result was a more intimidating and stealthy look that became the standard for the Caped Crusader throughout the '90s.
Batman Incorporated
When Bruce Wayne returned following his apparent death in 2008's Final Crisis, DC celebrated with the launch of Batman Incorporated and a new costume designed by David Finch. The Batman Inc. suit is notable for reintroducing the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and eliminating the black trunks.
This suit successfully blended functionality with aesthetics, presenting Batman's attire as a true suit of armor rather than mere spandex, yet maintaining a clean design without excessive lines. It also distinguished Bruce Wayne's Batman from Dick Grayson's, who was also donning the mantle at the time.
The only minor flaw in the Batman Inc. look is the somewhat quirky armored codpiece, which remains a bit of a mystery in terms of design intent.
Absolute Batman
As the most recent addition to our list, the Absolute Batman Batsuit makes a strong first impression. This is Batman at his most formidable.
In a rebooted DCU where Bruce Wayne lacks the usual luxuries like a mansion and vast wealth, he still manages to create an impressive crime-fighting arsenal. Every part of this Batsuit is a weapon, from razor-sharp ear daggers to a removable Bat emblem that serves as a battle axe, and even the cape, which is now composed of flexible, arm-like tendrils.
What sets the Absolute suit apart is its sheer size. Writer Scott Snyder humorously dubbed Absolute Batman as "the Batman who lifts," a fitting description given its imposing presence.
Flashpoint Batman
In the alternate timeline of Flashpoint, a young Bruce Wayne's murder by Joe Chill leads to his father, Thomas Wayne, becoming Batman. This darker, alternate Batman requires a unique Batsuit, characterized by bold red accents instead of the traditional yellow. The Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters all feature a deep crimson, creating a striking look. Combined with dramatic shoulder spikes on the cape and the use of guns and a sword, this version presents one of the most visually arresting alternate universe Batmen.
Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Artist Lee Bermejo has consistently portrayed Batman across various projects, from the Batman/Deathblow crossover to the Joker graphic novel and the infamous Batman: Damned. His distinctive take on the Batsuit is unlike any other at DC Comics.
Bermejo's Batsuit is a departure from the typical spandex, focusing on armor and functionality. It's not about realism but rather creating a haunting, Gothic figure steeped in dirt and grime. This Batsuit significantly influenced the look of Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in 2022's The Batman.
Gotham by Gaslight Batman
Within the vast DC multiverse, countless Batsuit variations exist, but none quite match the impact of Gotham by Gaslight's Batman. This steampunk Victorian setting seems tailor-made for the character, with the Batsuit transformed into stitched leather and a billowing cloak.
Illustrated by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, this Batman is iconic, shrouded in shadow and appearing as if carved from granite. Even though Mignola's time at DC has passed, this version endures through follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.
Golden Age Batman
It's remarkable that the original Batsuit designed by Bob Kane and Bill Finger has endured with only minor adjustments for nearly 90 years. This design laid the foundation for all subsequent Batsuits and included unique features like curved ears and purple gloves, adding a menacing and colorful flair. The cape resembles actual bat wings, making it a delight to see modern artists revisit this classic look.
Batman Rebirth
During their successful run on DC's flagship Batman series, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo primarily used the New 52 costume. However, Capullo's redesign for the DC Rebirth relaunch was a significant improvement. The Rebirth suit refined the tactical aesthetic of the New 52 while reintroducing color with the yellow outline around the Bat emblem and the purple inner lining of the cape, a nod to the Golden Age. It's a pity DC phased this Batsuit out after just a few years, as it stands out among modern redesigns.
Bronze Age Batman
From the late ‘60s to the ‘70s, DC's Batman comics shifted from the campy Silver Age and TV series to more serious action/adventure and detective stories. Artists Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López defined Batman's look during this period, maintaining the classic blue cape and cowl and yellow oval Bat emblem. Their work brought a new physicality to the character, portraying Batman as a lean, agile ninja rather than a bulky brawler. This era's Batman remains a benchmark for many fans, largely thanks to Garcia-López's influential artwork on merchandise.
Batman: Hush
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline is often considered the beginning of the modern era of Batman comics, largely due to Lee's iconic Batsuit redesign. The Hush costume simplified the Batsuit, eliminating the yellow oval for a sleek, black emblem. Lee's ability to render powerful, dynamic superhero physiques was evident, making readers believe this Dark Knight could face his greatest foes, including Superman.
The Hush redesign quickly became the standard look for Batman, influencing subsequent artists like Andy Kubert and Tony Daniel. After experimenting with more armored looks in the New 52 and DC Rebirth eras, DC returned to the Hush costume, affirming its enduring appeal.
How the New Batsuit Compares
Artist Jorge Jiménez, a seasoned Batman artist, will unveil a new Batsuit when he and writer Matt Fraction kick off DC's relaunched Batman series in September 2025.
The new Batsuit subtly deviates from the Hush design, reintroducing the blue cape and cowl, a departure from the recent trend towards black. The cape features heavy shading, creating a striking contrast reminiscent of Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series. The Bat emblem is also blue, larger and more angular.
It's exciting to see Batman continue to evolve visually. Whether this latest redesign will match the staying power of his most iconic suits remains to be seen.
AnswerSee ResultsFor more Batman fun, check out IGN's top 27 Batman comics and graphic novels.
