Exciting news for fans of the Dark Knight: DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series this September, and with it comes a fresh new look for Bruce Wayne, courtesy of artist Jorge Jiménez. This new Batsuit brings the classic blue cape and cowl back into the spotlight, a nod to Batman's storied history as the character approaches his 90th anniversary. DC continues to innovate and refine the iconic costume, keeping the Caped Crusader's image dynamic and engaging.
But how does this new Batsuit stack up against the classics? We've curated a list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age design to modern interpretations like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Dive into the gallery below to explore these legendary looks.
For those more interested in the cinematic take on the Dark Knight, don't miss our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits.
The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time
12 Images
10. ‘90s Batman
Introduced in the 1989 Batman movie, the all-black Batsuit became one of the Dark Knight's most iconic outfits. While DC didn't fully adopt this look in the comics beyond actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89, they did create a Batsuit inspired by the films in the 1995 "Troika" storyline. This version retained the all-black body but featured a traditional blue cape and cowl, along with more extreme elements like spiked boots, which were later toned down. This design became the standard for Batman throughout the '90s, emphasizing a more intimidating and stealthy appearance.
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 revived the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and eliminated the black trunks, offering a cohesive and functional look. It presented Batman as a true suit of armor rather than spandex, distinguishing him from Dick Grayson, who was also Batman at the time. The only critique is the slightly comical armored codpiece.
Absolute Batman
Absolute Batman, the newest entry on our list, makes a bold statement with its imposing design. In a rebooted DCU, Bruce Wayne lacks his usual resources but still crafts an impressive arsenal. This Batsuit is a weapon in itself, featuring razor-sharp ear daggers and a battle axe Bat emblem. The redesigned cape consists of flexible, arm-like tendrils, and the sheer size of this Batman, humorously dubbed "the Batman who lifts" by writer Scott Snyder, sets it apart.
Flashpoint Batman
In the alternate Flashpoint timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after young Bruce's murder, resulting in a darker, more aggressive Batsuit. It features deep crimson accents on the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters, along with dramatic shoulder spikes and the use of guns and a sword, making for a visually striking alternate universe Batman.
Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Lee Bermejo's distinctive Batsuit design emphasizes armor over spandex, blending function with a haunting, Gothic aesthetic. His work, seen in projects like the Batman/Deathblow crossover and the infamous Batman: Damned, has influenced the look of Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in the 2022 film The Batman.
Gotham by Gaslight Batman
Gotham by Gaslight's Batman perfectly fits the steampunk Victorian setting, with a Batsuit of stitched leather and a billowing cloak. Mike Mignola's iconic illustrations, which have continued through follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age, bring a shadowy, granite-like presence to the character.
Golden Age Batman
Bob Kane and Bill Finger's original Batsuit design has endured for nearly 90 years with only minor changes. Its menacing curved ears, purple gloves, and bat-wing-like cape set it apart, and it remains a favorite for modern artists to reinterpret.
Batman Rebirth
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman Rebirth suit upgrades the New 52 design, balancing a tactical look with classic elements like the yellow Bat emblem outline and a purple cape lining, reminiscent of the Golden Age. Though short-lived, this suit stands out among modern redesigns.
Bronze Age Batman
During the late '60s and '70s, artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López redefined Batman's look, shifting from campy to serious action/adventure. Their work emphasized a leaner, more agile Batman, aligning with his ninja-like skills. García-López's iconic art has adorned countless pieces of Batman merchandise, making this costume a benchmark for many fans.
Batman: Hush
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline introduced a sleek, elegant Batsuit that became a modern standard. The removal of the yellow oval and the introduction of a black emblem, combined with Lee's powerful rendering of Batman's physique, made this suit instantly iconic. It has since been the go-to design for many artists, proving its lasting impact.
How the New Batsuit Compares
Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit, debuting in the relaunched Batman series in September 2025 alongside writer Matt Fraction, retains elements of the Hush design but introduces notable changes. The return of the blue cape and cowl, along with a heavily shaded cape reminiscent of Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series, and a larger, more angular blue Bat emblem, mark this suit as a fresh take on a classic. As Batman continues to evolve, only time will tell if this new look will join the ranks of the most iconic Batsuits.
