Exciting news for Batman fans: DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series this September, and artist Jorge Jiménez has introduced a stunning new Batsuit that revives the classic blue cape and cowl. Even after nearly 90 years, DC continues to innovate the Dark Knight's iconic look. But how does this new design stack up against the legendary Batsuits of the past? Here, we delve into our top 10 favorite Batman costumes from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age to contemporary reimaginings like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Scroll down to explore them all.
For fans of the cinematic Dark Knight, don't miss our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits.
The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time
12 Images
‘90s Batman
The 1989 Batman movie brought us a groundbreaking all-black Batsuit, which became one of the most iconic looks for the Dark Knight across all media. While DC didn't fully adopt this costume in the comics beyond actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89, they did introduce a Batsuit inspired by the films in the 1995 storyline "Troika." This suit combined the all-black body with a traditional blue cape and cowl, adding more intimidating elements like spiked boots. These features were later moderated, but the result was a sleeker, more stealthy Batsuit that defined the Caped Crusader's look throughout the '90s.
Batman Incorporated
Following Bruce Wayne's return after his supposed death in 2008's Final Crisis, DC launched Batman Incorporated with a new costume designed by David Finch. This suit revived the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and eliminated the black trunks. It successfully blended functionality with aesthetics, giving the impression of a true suit of armor rather than just spandex. This design also helped differentiate Bruce Wayne from Dick Grayson, who was also Batman at the time. The only slight drawback is the somewhat comical armored codpiece.
Absolute Batman
The newest entry on our list, the Absolute Batman Batsuit, makes a powerful 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 removable Bat emblem that serves as a battle axe. The cape is reimagined with flexible, arm-like tendrils, and the sheer size of this Batman, dubbed "the Batman who lifts" by writer Scott Snyder, is truly imposing.
Flashpoint Batman
In the alternate timeline of Flashpoint, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after the murder of his son, Bruce. This darker version of Batman features a Batsuit with bold red accents, including the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters. Combined with dramatic shoulder spikes and the use of guns and a sword, this suit offers a visually striking take on an alternate universe Batman.
Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Artist Lee Bermejo has given Batman a unique and gritty look over the years, from Batman/Deathblow to the infamous Batman: Damned. Bermejo's Batsuit is more about armor than spandex, blending functionality with a haunting Gothic aesthetic. This design notably inspired Robert Pattinson's Batsuit in the 2022 film The Batman.
Gotham by Gaslight Batman
The DC multiverse has seen countless Batsuit variations, but Gotham by Gaslight's steampunk Victorian version stands out. Illustrated by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, this Batman is bathed in shadow and features stitched leather and a billowing cloak. The design has continued 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 iconic for nearly 90 years. It introduced key elements like the menacing curved ears, purple gloves, and a cape resembling bat wings. This foundational design continues to inspire modern artists.
Batman Rebirth
Following their run on the New 52, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo introduced the Batman Rebirth costume. This design improved on the New 52 suit by incorporating a tactical look with fewer extraneous details. It also reintroduced color through a yellow outline around the Bat emblem and a purple inner lining on the cape, nodding to the Golden Age. Despite its short-lived use, this suit set a high standard for modern redesigns.
Bronze Age Batman
During the late '60s and '70s, Batman's comics shifted toward more serious storytelling, thanks to artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López. While the costume itself remained largely the same, these artists brought a new physicality to Batman, portraying him as a lean, agile ninja rather than a bulky brawler. García-López's design has become a staple in 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 elegant Batsuit redesign. The suit removed the yellow oval, opting for a sleek black emblem, and highlighted Batman's dynamic physique. This design quickly became the standard, influencing subsequent artists and even returning as the go-to look after the New 52 and DC Rebirth eras.
How the New Batsuit Compares
Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit for the relaunched Batman series in September 2025 retains elements of the Hush design while introducing unique features. It brings back the blue cape and cowl, with heavy shading reminiscent of Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series. The Bat emblem is also blue and more angular. As Batman continues to evolve, only time will tell if this latest redesign will join the ranks of his most iconic suits.
AnswerSee ResultsFor more Batman fun, check out IGN's top 27 Batman comics and graphic novels.