Batman Is Getting a New Costume: These Are the Greatest Batsuits of All Time

DC Comics is relaunching its flagship Batman series this September, and Bruce Wayne is getting a stylish upgrade. Artist Jorge Jiménez has designed a new Batsuit, bringing back the classic blue cape and cowl. After nearly 90 years, the Dark Knight's iconic costume is still evolving! But how does this new suit stack up against the greats? Let's explore ten of the best Batman costumes from the comics, from the original Golden Age design to modern interpretations.

Prefer the silver screen? Check out our ranking of the best movie Batsuits!

The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time

10. '90s Batman

1989's Batman movie introduced a revolutionary all-black Batsuit. While DC didn't fully adapt it to the comics (except for Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman '89), a movie-inspired suit appeared in the 1995 "Troika" storyline. This suit retained the classic blue cape and cowl, adding elements like spiked boots (later toned down). The result? A stealthier, more intimidating Batman, the standard look for the '90s.

9. Batman Incorporated

Bruce Wayne's return after Final Crisis (2008) brought the Batman Incorporated series and a new suit designed by David Finch. This suit notably revived the classic yellow oval Bat emblem and eliminated the black trunks. It felt like a refined version of the New 52 suit, offering a functional, armored look without overly complex details. It also visually distinguished Bruce from Dick Grayson (also Batman at the time). The only drawback? Perhaps a slightly awkward armored codpiece.

8. Absolute Batman

This recent addition makes a strong impression. In a rebooted DCU where Bruce lacks his usual advantages, this Batman is incredibly imposing. Almost every part of this suit is a weapon: razor-sharp ear daggers, a removable Bat emblem doubling as a battle-axe, and a flexible, tentacle-like cape. The sheer size and imposing stature of this Batman make the Absolute suit stand out.

7. Flashpoint Batman

In the Flashpoint alternate timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after the death of his son, Bruce. This darker Batman sports a darker suit with bold red accents on the emblem, belt, and holsters, replacing the traditional yellow. Dramatic shoulder spikes on the cape and the use of guns and a sword complete this striking, alternate universe look.

6. Lee Bermejo's Armored Batman

Lee Bermejo's distinctive Batsuit is far from the typical spandex look. It's pure armor, emphasizing function over form, yet maintaining a haunting, Gothic quality. This suit significantly influenced the look of Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in 2022's The Batman.

5. Gotham by Gaslight Batman

The steampunk setting of Gotham by Gaslight perfectly complements this unique Batsuit. Trading spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak, it's a bold revamp. Mike Mignola's art style contributes to this iconic, shadowy Batman, a look that continues in follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.

4. Golden Age Batman

The original Bob Kane/Bill Finger design, surviving with minor changes for nearly 90 years, is a testament to its iconic nature. The curved cowl ears, purple gloves, and unique bat-wing cape add interesting details that modern artists continue to revisit.

3. Batman Rebirth

Greg Capullo's redesign for the DC Rebirth relaunch is an upgrade on the New 52 suit. It retains the tactical look while simplifying details, adding back the yellow Bat emblem outline and purple cape lining (a Golden Age throwback). A shame it was phased out so quickly, as it's a strong modern redesign.

2. Bronze Age Batman

The late '60s and '70s saw a shift towards more serious stories. Artists Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López defined Batman's look during this period. While the basic costume remained, they emphasized a leaner, more agile physique, reflecting Batman's ninja-like skills. García-López's art, in particular, has become iconic and widely used in merchandise.

1. Batman: Hush

Jim Lee's redesign for the Hush storyline is often considered the start of the modern Batman era. Its elegant simplicity, sleek black emblem (replacing the yellow oval), and dynamic physique created an instantly iconic look. This design became the standard, influencing subsequent artists and eventually becoming the default look once more after a period of armored suits.

How the New Batsuit Compares

Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit, debuting in September 2025, is a subtle but interesting update. It brings back the blue cape and cowl, with heavy shading creating a contrast reminiscent of Batman: The Animated Series. The Bat emblem is also blue and more angular. Time will tell if this redesign achieves the lasting impact of its predecessors.

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