In case you missed the news, Bruce Wayne is set to don a fresh look when DC Comics relaunches its flagship Batman series this September. Artist Jorge Jiménez has crafted a new Batsuit that reintroduces the classic blue cape and cowl, spotlighting Batman's iconic silhouette once more. After nearly 90 years, DC continues to refine the Dark Knight's costume, keeping fans intrigued with each iteration.
But how does this new Batsuit stack up against the classics? Which are the most memorable Batman costumes of all time? We've carefully selected our top 10 favorite Batsuits from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age costume to contemporary reimaginings like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Scroll down to explore them all.
And if you're more into Batman movies, be sure to check out our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits.
The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time
12 Images
‘90s Batman
Introduced in the 1989 Batman movie, the all-black Batsuit became a hallmark of the Dark Knight's image across various media. Although DC didn't fully adopt this design into the comics beyond actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89, it inspired the "Troika" storyline in 1995. This Batsuit retained the all-black body but incorporated a traditional blue cape and cowl, with added spikes on the boots for a more intimidating and stealthy appearance. This design became Batman's standard look throughout the '90s.
Batman Incorporated
Following Bruce Wayne's return after his apparent demise in 2008's Final Crisis, DC launched Batman Incorporated with a new costume by David Finch. This suit brought back the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and omitted the black trunks. It presented a more functional, armor-like aesthetic, distinguishing Bruce from Dick Grayson, who was also Batman at the time. However, the slightly odd armored codpiece remains a curious element.
Absolute Batman
This recent addition to the list, Absolute Batman, makes an immediate impact with its imposing presence. In a rebooted DCU, Bruce Wayne, without his usual resources, crafts a formidable arsenal. The Batsuit features weapons throughout, from ear daggers to a battle-axe Bat emblem, and a redesigned, tendril-like cape. Its sheer size, humorously dubbed "the Batman who lifts" by writer Scott Snyder, sets it apart.
Flashpoint Batman
In the Flashpoint timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after Joe Chill kills young Bruce. This alternate Batman's suit eschews yellow for bold red accents on the emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters, complemented by dramatic shoulder spikes on the cape. Known for using guns and a sword, this Batman offers a visually striking alternative universe look.
Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Lee Bermejo has crafted a unique Batsuit over his extensive work on Batman, from Batman/Deathblow to infamous Batman: Damned. His design emphasizes armor over spandex, focusing on function while retaining a haunting, Gothic quality. Bermejo's suit inspired Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in 2022's The Batman.
Gotham by Gaslight Batman
Within the vast DC multiverse, Gotham by Gaslight's Batman stands out in its steampunk Victorian setting. The Batsuit, illustrated by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, swaps spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak. This iconic design has continued to influence follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.
Golden Age Batman
Bob Kane and Bill Finger's original Batsuit has endured for nearly 90 years with minimal changes. It set the foundation for all subsequent designs and includes unique elements like curved ears and purple gloves, enhancing Batman's menacing presence and adding vibrant color. The cape, resembling bat wings, adds a fun twist that modern artists often revisit.
Batman Rebirth
During their popular run on DC's flagship Batman series, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo primarily used the New 52 costume. However, Capullo's redesign for the DC Rebirth relaunch improved upon it, retaining a tactical look while minimizing extraneous details. The addition of the yellow outline around the Bat emblem and the purple inner lining of the cape paid homage to the Golden Age. Unfortunately, this suit was phased out after a short time, but it remains a standout modern redesign.
Bronze Age Batman
During the late '60s and '70s, Batman's comics shifted from camp to more serious storytelling, with artists Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López defining the character's look. They maintained the blue cape and cowl and yellow oval popularized by the TV series but emphasized Batman's physicality, presenting him as a lean, agile ninja rather than a bulky brawler. This era's design remains a benchmark for many fans, largely thanks to Garcia-López's widely used artwork on merchandise.
Batman: Hush
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline marked the beginning of Batman's modern era, largely due to Lee's iconic redesign. The Hush costume introduced a sleek, black Bat emblem, replacing the long-standing yellow oval. Lee's dynamic and powerful portrayal of Batman's physique convinced readers of his ability to confront formidable foes, including Superman. The Hush design became the standard for Batman, with subsequent artists closely following Lee's model. After experimenting with more armored looks in the New 52 and DC Rebirth, DC returned to the Hush costume, affirming its enduring appeal.
How the New Batsuit Compares
Artist Jorge Jiménez, already familiar with Batman, will unveil a new Batsuit in the relaunched Batman series with writer Matt Fraction in September 2025. This new design subtly deviates from the Hush costume, reintroducing the blue cape and cowl with heavy shading for a stark contrast reminiscent of Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series. The Bat emblem is also blue, with a larger, more angular shape. As Batman continues to evolve, only time will tell if this latest redesign will match the legacy of his most iconic suits.
