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

In September, DC Comics is relaunching its flagship Batman series with a brand-new look for Bruce Wayne, courtesy of artist Jorge Jiménez. This new Batsuit brings back the classic blue cape and cowl, a refreshing change after nearly 90 years of variations on the Dark Knight's iconic costume.

But how does this new design stack up against the classics? To answer that, we've compiled a list of our 10 favorite Batman costumes from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age suit to modern interpretations like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Read on to see them all! And for those more interested in the cinematic versions, be sure to check out our ranking of the movie Batsuits.

The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time

12 Images10. '90s Batman

The 1989 Batman film introduced a revolutionary all-black Batsuit, instantly iconic across all media. 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 traditional 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 his apparent death in 2008's Final Crisis ushered in Batman Incorporated, a new 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 what DC attempted with the New 52 suit, offering a functional, armor-like appearance without overly complex details. It also visually distinguished Bruce from Dick Grayson, the concurrent Batman. The only drawback? Perhaps the slightly unusual armored codpiece.

8. Absolute Batman

A recent addition to this list, the Absolute Batman suit makes a powerful statement. This Batman is imposing. Set in a rebooted DCU where Bruce lacks his usual advantages, this suit is weaponized from head to toe: razor-sharp ear daggers, a removable Bat emblem doubling as a battle-axe, and a cape of flexible, arm-like tendrils. The sheer size and imposing presence of this Batman truly sets this suit apart.

7. Flashpoint Batman

In the Flashpoint alternate timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after the death of his son, Bruce. This darker Batman needed a darker suit—one that replaces the traditional yellow with bold red accents on the emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters. Combined with dramatic shoulder spikes on the cape and the use of guns and a sword, this is a visually striking alternate universe Batman.

6. Lee Bermejo's Armored Batman

Lee Bermejo's distinctive Batsuit is far from the typical spandex look. This is armor, functional and haunting, with a Gothic quality. It's a far cry from realism, yet incredibly striking. This design significantly influenced the look of Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in 2022's The Batman.

5. Gotham by Gaslight Batman

The Gotham by Gaslight Batman perfectly fits its steampunk Victorian setting. This bold revamp trades spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak. Mike Mignola's illustration created an iconic Batman, shadowy and imposing, a look that continues to inspire in later stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.

4. Golden Age Batman

The original Bob Kane/Bill Finger design has endured for nearly 90 years with only minor changes, a testament to its iconic nature. The curved cowl ears add menace, the purple gloves a pop of color, and the cape resembles actual bat wings. It's a design that continues to inspire modern artists.

3. Batman Rebirth

While Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman run initially focused on the New 52 suit, Capullo's Rebirth redesign is a significant improvement. It retains the tactical feel while simplifying details, adding back the yellow Bat emblem outline and purple cape lining (a Golden Age nod). It's a shame this design wasn't used longer.

2. Bronze Age Batman

The late '60s and '70s saw a shift towards more serious Batman stories. Artists Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López defined this era. While the core design remained similar, they emphasized a leaner, more agile physique—fitting for a ninja-like superhero. García-López's work, in particular, became incredibly popular.

1. Batman: Hush

Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline is considered the start of modern Batman. Lee's Batsuit redesign is elegantly simple, eliminating the yellow oval for a sleek black emblem. This design's impact is evident in the work of subsequent artists and its eventual return as the standard look.

How the New Batsuit Compares

Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit, debuting in the September 2025 relaunch with Matt Fraction, isn't drastically different from the Hush suit but adds interesting touches. It brings back the blue cape and cowl, with heavy shading reminiscent of Batman: The Animated Series. The Bat emblem is also blue and more angular. Time will tell if this new design achieves lasting iconic status.