Exciting news for Batman fans: DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series in September 2025, featuring a new Batsuit designed by acclaimed artist Jorge Jiménez. This new costume brings back the iconic blue cape and cowl, refreshing the Dark Knight's look after nearly 90 years of evolution. How does this new design stack up against Batman's legendary costumes? Let's delve into the greatest Batsuits from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age to modern reinterpretations like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth.
If you're more into the cinematic universe, 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
Tim Burton's 1989 Batman movie introduced a groundbreaking all-black Batsuit, which became one of the Dark Knight's most iconic looks. Although DC didn't fully adopt this design 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 combined the all-black body with a traditional blue cape and cowl, adding edgy spikes to the boots for a more intimidating and stealthy appearance. It set the standard for Batman's look throughout the '90s.
Batman Incorporated
Following Bruce Wayne's return 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 New 52 suit. It portrayed the Batsuit as armor rather than spandex, distinguishing Bruce Wayne from Dick Grayson's Batman. The only minor flaw was the slightly quirky armored codpiece.
Absolute Batman
Absolute Batman, a recent addition to the list, presents a formidable and imposing Dark Knight. In this rebooted DCU, Bruce Wayne lacks traditional resources but still crafts a highly weaponized Batsuit. From razor-sharp ear daggers to a detachable Bat emblem that serves as a battle axe, and a redesigned cape with arm-like tendrils, this suit is a testament to Batman's ingenuity. Its sheer size and design earned it the nickname "the Batman who lifts" from writer Scott Snyder.
Flashpoint Batman
In the Flashpoint alternate timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after young Bruce's death. This version sports a darker Batsuit with bold red accents on the emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters, complemented by dramatic shoulder spikes on the cape. This Batman's use of guns and swords adds to the suit's unique and arresting visual style.
Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Lee Bermejo's distinctive take on the Batsuit emphasizes armor and function over traditional spandex. His Batman exudes a haunting, Gothic quality, evident in works like Batman/Deathblow, the Joker graphic novel, and the infamous Batman: Damned. Bermejo's design significantly influenced the look of Robert Pattinson's Batman in the 2022 film The Batman.
Gotham by Gaslight Batman
Set in a steampunk Victorian Gotham, Gotham by Gaslight's Batman features a costume that perfectly fits the era, trading spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak. Mike Mignola's iconic illustrations, known from Hellboy, bring this Batman to life with a shadowy, granite-like presence. This design 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 has remained iconic for nearly 90 years. Its enduring design includes menacing curved ears, purple gloves for a pop of color, and a cape reminiscent of bat wings. Modern artists often revisit this classic look, showcasing its timeless appeal.
Batman Rebirth
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman Rebirth costume improved upon the New 52 design by emphasizing a tactical yet streamlined look. It reintroduced color with a yellow outline around the Bat emblem and a distinctive purple inner lining on the cape, nodding to the Golden Age. Despite its short run, this Batsuit stands out as a top modern redesign.
Bronze Age Batman
During the late '60s and '70s, Batman's look evolved under artists Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López. They maintained the classic blue cape and cowl but emphasized a leaner, more agile Batman, fitting his ninja-like persona. García-López's work became synonymous with Batman, gracing various merchandise and setting a high standard for future designs.
Batman: Hush
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline introduced a sleek and elegant Batsuit that became the modern standard. Lee's design replaced the yellow oval with a black emblem, highlighting Batman's powerful physique. This look endured through subsequent artists and even returned after the New 52 and DC Rebirth eras, proving its lasting impact.
How the New Batsuit Compares
Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit, debuting in the relaunched Batman series in September 2025, subtly evolves the Hush design. It reintroduces the blue cape and cowl, with heavy shading creating a stark contrast reminiscent of Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series. The Bat emblem is now blue and more angular, adding a fresh twist to the classic look. Whether this new design will stand the test of time like its predecessors remains to be seen.
