Exciting news for Batman fans: DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series in September, introducing a new Batsuit designed by artist Jorge Jiménez. This latest iteration brings the classic blue cape and cowl back into focus, proving that even after nearly 90 years, the Dark Knight's iconic look is still evolving.
But how does this new Batsuit compare to the classics? We've curated a list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age design to contemporary reimaginings like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Dive in to see our top picks.
If you're more interested in the cinematic versions of Batman, be sure to explore 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 movie introduced an all-black Batsuit that became iconic. While DC didn't fully adopt this look in the comics outside of actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89, they did draw inspiration from it for the 1995 storyline "Troika." This Batsuit retained a blue cape and cowl but embraced the movie's all-black body approach, adding spikes to Batman's boots for a more intimidating and stealthy appearance that dominated 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 suit designed by David Finch. This costume reintroduced the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and ditched the black trunks, presenting a more functional armor-like appearance. It successfully distinguished Bruce from Dick Grayson, who was also Batman at the time, though the armored codpiece remains a quirky feature.
Absolute Batman
Absolute Batman's Batsuit is a recent addition that stands out for its imposing nature. In this rebooted DCU, Bruce Wayne lacks his usual resources but compensates with a highly weaponized suit, from razor-sharp ear daggers to a removable Bat emblem that doubles as a battle axe. The redesigned cape with arm-like tendrils and the suit's sheer size, humorously referred to by writer Scott Snyder as "the Batman who lifts," make it uniquely memorable.
Flashpoint Batman
In the alternate Flashpoint timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after young Bruce's murder. This darker version sports a Batsuit with bold red accents on the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters, complemented by dramatic shoulder spikes and the use of guns and swords. This visually striking design is one of the most memorable alternate universe takes on Batman.
Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Lee Bermejo's distinctive Batsuit is a departure from the traditional spandex, focusing on armor and a haunting, Gothic aesthetic. This design, seen in various works including the infamous Batman: Damned, influenced Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in 2022's The Batman, blending functionality with a striking visual presence.
Gotham by Gaslight Batman
Gotham by Gaslight's steampunk Victorian setting reimagines Batman in stitched leather and a billowing cloak. Illustrated by Mike Mignola, this Batman is bathed in shadow, exuding a raw, iconic presence that has been revisited in follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.
Golden Age Batman
Bob Kane and Bill Finger's original Batsuit has endured with minimal changes for nearly 90 years, setting the standard for superhero costumes. Unique features like curved ears, purple gloves, and bat-wing-like cape add distinctive elements, making it a timeless design that modern artists continue to revisit.
Batman Rebirth
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman Rebirth suit improves upon the New 52 design by retaining a tactical look while introducing color with a yellow-outlined Bat emblem and purple cape lining, nodding to the Golden Age. Though short-lived, this redesign stands out among modern interpretations.
Bronze Age Batman
During the late '60s and '70s, Batman's costume, defined by artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López, shifted from camp to serious action. Retaining the classic blue and yellow, these artists emphasized Batman's physicality, transforming him into a lean, gymnast-like figure. This design remains a benchmark for Batman's look, especially thanks to García-López's influence on merchandise.
Batman: Hush
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline redefined Batman with a sleek, elegant Batsuit, removing the yellow oval for a black emblem. Lee's dynamic and powerful depiction of Batman became the standard for subsequent artists, proving its enduring appeal even after the New 52 and DC Rebirth eras.
How the New Batsuit Compares
Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit, debuting in the relaunched Batman series in September 2025 with writer Matt Fraction, brings back the blue cape and cowl, with a heavily shaded cape reminiscent of Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series. The blue, angular Bat emblem adds a fresh touch. While it's exciting to see Batman evolve, only time will tell if this redesign will match the staying power of his most iconic suits.
