Exciting news for Batman fans! DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series this September, and with it comes a fresh look for Bruce Wayne. Artist Jorge Jiménez has crafted a new Batsuit that revives the classic blue cape and cowl, keeping the Dark Knight's iconic appearance fresh even after nearly 90 years.
As we anticipate the new design, let's take a moment to reflect on some of the greatest Batman costumes of all time. From the original Golden Age costume to modern reinterpretations such as Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth, we've curated a list of our top 10 favorite Batsuits. Scroll down to explore this gallery of iconic looks.
If you're more inclined towards the cinematic versions, be sure to check out our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits.
The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time
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10. ‘90s Batman
The 1989 Batman movie introduced a striking all-black Batsuit, which became one of the Dark Knight's most iconic outfits. While DC Comics didn't fully adopt this design in the comics (except in actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89), they did draw inspiration from the movie for the 1995 storyline "Troika." This new Batsuit retained the all-black body but featured a traditional blue cape and cowl, along with more extreme elements like spiked boots. This suit, which was toned down later, became the default look for Batman throughout the '90s, enhancing his stealth and intimidation.
9. 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 brought back the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and eliminated the black trunks, offering a more cohesive and functional look than the later New 52 suit. The Batman Inc. suit suggested a true suit of armor rather than spandex, distinguishing Bruce from Dick Grayson, who was also Batman at the time. The only slightly quirky element was the armored codpiece.
8. Absolute Batman
The most recent addition to this list, the Absolute Batman Batsuit is designed for maximum impact. In a rebooted DCU where Bruce Wayne lacks traditional resources, he still crafts an impressive arsenal. This Batsuit is a weapon in itself, from razor-sharp ear daggers to a removable Bat emblem that doubles as a battle axe, and a redesigned cape with flexible, arm-like tendrils. The sheer size of this Batman, humorously dubbed "the Batman who lifts" by writer Scott Snyder, sets this suit apart.
7. Flashpoint Batman
In the alternate timeline of Flashpoint, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after young Bruce Wayne's murder. This version sports a darker Batsuit with bold red accents on the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters, complemented by dramatic shoulder spikes. This Batman, who uses guns and a sword, presents one of the most visually arresting alternate universe designs.
6. Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Artist Lee Bermejo's take on Batman diverges significantly from the typical spandex look, focusing on armor and functionality. His Batsuit, seen in works like Batman/Deathblow and infamous Batman: Damned, exudes a haunting Gothic quality, inspiring the look of Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in 2022's The Batman.
5. Gotham by Gaslight Batman
The steampunk Victorian setting of Gotham by Gaslight perfectly suits Batman's Batsuit, transformed into stitched leather and a billowing cloak. Illustrated by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, this Batman is iconic, with shadow and granite-like features. The design has been revisited in follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.
4. Golden Age Batman
The original Batsuit by Bob Kane and Bill Finger has stood the test of time with minimal changes over 90 years. Its menacing curved ears, purple gloves, and bat-wing-like cape make it a timeless classic, influencing all subsequent designs.
3. Batman Rebirth
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman Rebirth costume enhances the New 52 design, maintaining a tactical look while reducing extraneous details. It reintroduces color with a yellow-outlined Bat emblem and a purple-lined cape, paying homage to the Golden Age. This design, though short-lived, is a standout among modern reinterpretations.
2. Bronze Age Batman
The late '60s and '70s marked a shift towards more serious Batman stories, with artists Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López defining the era's look. They kept the blue cape and cowl with the yellow oval but portrayed a leaner, more agile Batman, aligning with his ninja-like abilities. This period's design remains a benchmark for many fans.
1. Batman: Hush
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline ushered in the modern era of Batman comics with a sleek redesign, ditching the yellow oval for a black Bat emblem. Lee's detailed and powerful depiction of Batman's physique made it clear he could face any challenge, including Superman. The Hush design became the standard for subsequent artists and was eventually reinstated after the New 52 and DC Rebirth phases.
How the New Batsuit Compares
Jorge Jiménez, a seasoned Batman artist, will unveil a new Batsuit in September 2025 alongside writer Matt Fraction in DC's relaunched Batman series. This design brings back the blue cape and cowl, now heavily shaded for contrast reminiscent of Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series. The blue Bat emblem is larger and more angular. Whether this latest redesign will stand the test of time like Batman's most iconic suits remains to be seen.
For more Batman fun, check out IGN's top 27 Batman comics and graphic novels.
