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

Get ready for a fresh look for Bruce Wayne! DC Comics is relaunching its flagship Batman series this September, and artist Jorge Jiménez has unveiled a brand-new Batsuit. This design brings back the classic blue cape and cowl, a welcome return after nearly 90 years of variations on the Dark Knight's iconic costume.

But how does this new suit stack up against the all-time greats? We've compiled 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. Ready to see which made the cut? Keep scrolling!

And for those who prefer their Batman on the big screen, be sure to check out our ranking 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 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 version maintained the all-black body but kept the classic blue cape and cowl, adding dramatic spikes to the boots (later toned down). The result? A stealthier, more intimidating Batman, the standard look for the rest of 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 ditched the black trunks. It felt like a refined version of the New 52 suit, offering a more functional, armored look without cluttering the design. It also visually distinguished Bruce from Dick Grayson, the concurrent Batman. The only minor drawback? Perhaps the slightly unusual armored codpiece.

8. Absolute Batman

This recent addition makes a powerful statement. Absolute Batman presents a formidable Dark Knight, operating in a rebooted DCU with fewer advantages than his usual counterpart. This suit is practically weaponized, from razor-sharp ear daggers to a detachable Bat emblem doubling as a battle axe. Even the cape is redesigned, featuring flexible, arm-like tendrils. The suit's imposing size, jokingly described as "the Batman who lifts," truly sets it apart.

7. Flashpoint Batman

In the *Flashpoint* alternate timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after the death of his son, Bruce. This darker Batman demands a darker suit, trading traditional yellow for bold red accents on the emblem, belt, and holsters. Dramatic shoulder spikes on the cape, coupled with the use of guns and a sword, create a visually striking and unique look.

6. Lee Bermejo's Armored Batman

Lee Bermejo's distinctive artistic style has given us many memorable Batman interpretations. His Batsuit is far from the typical spandex look; this is full-fledged armor, prioritizing function. Yet, it's not simply realistic; it's haunting, Gothic, and gritty, influencing the look of Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in *The Batman* (2022).

5. Gotham by Gaslight Batman

The *Gotham by Gaslight* Batman perfectly embodies the steampunk Victorian setting. This version trades spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak, a design that feels intrinsically tied to the story's aesthetic. Illustrated by Mike Mignola, this Batman is iconic, shadowy, and powerfully rendered, leaving a lasting impression even beyond the original series.

4. Golden Age Batman

The original Bob Kane/Bill Finger design has endured for almost 90 years with minimal changes, a testament to its enduring appeal. Beyond its foundational role, the Golden Age suit boasts unique features: curved cowl ears for a more menacing look, purple gloves adding a pop of color, and a cape resembling actual bat wings. It continues to inspire modern artists.

3. Batman Rebirth

Greg Capullo's *Rebirth* redesign improves upon the New 52 suit. It maintains the tactical aesthetic while simplifying extraneous details. The return of the yellow Bat emblem outline and the purple cape lining (a Golden Age nod) adds color and visual appeal. It's a shame this design wasn't used longer; it's a standout among modern redesigns.

2. Bronze Age Batman

The late '60s and '70s saw a shift in Batman's portrayal, moving away from camp. Artists Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López defined this era, refining the character's physique. While the core elements remained (blue cape, cowl, yellow emblem), these artists emphasized a leaner, more agile Batman, reflecting his ninja-like abilities. García-López's work, in particular, has become iconic and widely recognized.

1. Batman: Hush

Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's *Hush* storyline is often seen as the beginning of modern Batman comics, largely due to Lee's Batsuit redesign. This suit features elegant simplicity, replacing the yellow oval with a sleek, black emblem. Lee's powerful depiction of Batman established a new standard, influencing subsequent artists. The *Hush* design's enduring appeal is evidenced by DC's eventual return to it after experimenting with armored suits.

How the New Batsuit Compares

Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit, debuting in DC's relaunched Batman series (September 2025), isn't drastically different from the *Hush* suit but adds interesting touches. It brings back the blue cape and cowl, with heavy shading creating contrast and evoking *Batman: The Animated Series*. The Bat emblem is also blue and more angular. Only time will tell if this redesign achieves the same iconic status as its predecessors.

What's your favorite Batsuit from the comics?

Hush BatmanBronze Age BatmanBatman RebirthGolden Age BatmanGotham by Gaslight BatmanLee Bermejo's BatmanFlashpoint BatmanAbsolute BatmanBatman Incorporated'90s BatmanOther (let us know in the comments)

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For more Batman adventures, check out IGN's top 27 Batman comics and graphic novels.