Bruce Wayne is getting a stylish upgrade! DC Comics is relaunching its flagship Batman series this September, and artist Jorge Jiménez has unveiled a new Batsuit. This design brings back the classic blue cape and cowl, a refreshing change after nearly 90 years of Dark Knight costume tweaks. But how does this new suit stack up against the greats? Let's dive into our top 10 favorite Batman costumes from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age suit to modern interpretations like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth.
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, instantly iconic. 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 maintained the all-black body but kept the classic blue cape and cowl, adding spikes to the 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) launched Batman Incorporated and a new David Finch-designed suit. This suit notably revived the classic yellow oval Bat emblem and ditched the black trunks. It felt like a refined version of the New 52 suit, offering a more functional, armored look without overly complex designs. It also visually distinguished Bruce from Dick Grayson, the concurrent Batman.
Minor drawback? The slightly odd-looking armored codpiece.
8. Absolute Batman
This recent addition makes a powerful statement. In a rebooted DCU where Bruce lacks his usual advantages, he creates an impressive arsenal. This Batsuit is practically weaponized—from razor-sharp ear daggers to a detachable, axe-like Bat emblem. Even the cape is redesigned with flexible, arm-like tendrils. The sheer size and imposing presence of this Batman make this suit truly stand out.
7. Flashpoint Batman
In the Flashpoint alternate timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after the death of his son, Bruce. This darker Batman needs a darker suit. This design replaces traditional yellow elements with bold red accents on the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters. Combined with dramatic shoulder spikes and the use of guns and a sword, it's a visually striking alternate universe Batman.
6. Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Lee Bermejo's distinctive Batsuit is far from the typical spandex look; it's pure armor, prioritizing function. However, it's not strictly realistic; it maintains a haunting, Gothic quality. This design heavily influenced Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in 2022's The Batman.
5. Gotham by Gaslight Batman
The steampunk setting of Gotham by Gaslight demanded a unique suit. This design replaces spandex with stitched leather and a billowing cloak, perfectly fitting the Victorian era. Illustrated by Mike Mignola, this Batman is iconic, shadowy, and imposing, a design that continues to inspire (see Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age).
4. Golden Age Batman
The original Bob Kane/Bill Finger design has endured for almost 90 years with minimal changes. Its iconic elements are timeless. However, notable features like curved cowl ears, purple gloves, and bat-wing-like cape distinguish it. It's a design that continues to inspire modern artists.
3. Batman Rebirth
Greg Capullo's redesign for the DC Rebirth relaunch is a significant upgrade on the New 52 suit. It retains the tactical look while simplifying the design, adding back the yellow outline on the Bat emblem and purple cape lining (a Golden Age nod). A shame it wasn't used longer, as it's a top modern redesign.
2. Bronze Age Batman
The late '60s and '70s saw Batman move away from camp. Artists Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López defined this era, emphasizing a leaner, more agile Batman, reflecting his ninja-like skills. Garcia-López's art, in particular, became iconic and widely used in merchandise.
1. Batman: Hush
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline marked a modern era for Batman comics, largely due to Lee's Batsuit redesign. This sleek, simpler design removed the yellow oval, showcasing Lee's ability to portray a powerful, dynamic Batman. This became the default look, influencing artists like Andy Kubert and Tony Daniel. Even after periods of armored suits, DC returned to this design—it simply works.
How the New Batsuit Compares
Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit, debuting in DC's relaunched Batman series (September 2025), isn't a radical departure from the Hush suit. However, it brings back the blue cape and cowl, with heavy shading creating contrast. The Bat emblem is also blue and more angular. Only time will tell if this new design achieves the same iconic status as its predecessors.
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