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 brand-new look, 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? We've compiled a list of 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. Read on to see them all! And for those who prefer the silver screen, don't miss 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 translate this 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 rest of the '90s.

9. Batman Incorporated

Following Bruce Wayne's apparent death in 2008's *Final Crisis*, *Batman Incorporated* launched, featuring 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 functional, armored look without overly complex details. This design also provided visual distinction between Bruce and Dick Grayson, the simultaneous Batman at the time. The only minor drawback? Perhaps the slightly unusual armored codpiece.

8. Absolute Batman

This recent addition to the list makes a powerful statement. Absolute Batman depicts a rebooted DCU where Bruce lacks his usual resources. Yet, his crime-fighting arsenal is impressive. This Batsuit is practically weaponized—from razor-sharp ear daggers to a removable Bat emblem doubling as a battle axe. Even the cape is redesigned into flexible, arm-like tendrils. The suit's imposing size, jokingly referred to as "the Batman who lifts" by writer Scott Snyder, 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 needed a darker suit, featuring bold red accents instead of yellow. The crimson Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters create a unique look, enhanced by dramatic shoulder spikes on the cape. This Batman's use of guns and a sword further contributes to the visually striking design.

6. Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman

Lee Bermejo’s distinctive Batsuit is far from the typical spandex look. It's pure armor, prioritizing function over a purely aesthetic design. However, it's not simply realistic; it's haunting, gritty, and Gothic. This Batsuit 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. The suit trades spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak. Illustrated by Mike Mignola, this Batman is iconic, shadowy, and imposing. This design continues to live on through follow-up stories like *Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age*.

4. Golden Age Batman

The original Bob Kane/Bill Finger Batsuit's enduring design speaks volumes. It's the foundation for every subsequent suit. The curved cowl ears add menace, and the purple gloves provide a pop of color. Even the cape is unique, resembling bat wings more than a traditional cape. It's exciting to see modern artists revisit this classic design.

3. Batman Rebirth

Greg Capullo's *Rebirth* redesign is an improvement on the New 52 suit. It retains the tactical look but simplifies the details. The yellow outline around the Bat emblem and purple cape lining (a Golden Age throwback) add color. It's a shame this design didn't last longer; it's a standout modern redesign.

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 the look of this era. While the core elements remained (blue cape, cowl, yellow oval emblem), these artists emphasized a leaner, more agile Batman, reflecting his ninja-like skills. Garcia-López's art, in particular, remains highly influential.

1. Batman: Hush

Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's *Hush* storyline is often considered the start of modern Batman comics. Lee's Batsuit redesign is instantly iconic, featuring elegant simplicity. The yellow oval is gone, replaced by a sleek black emblem. Lee's depiction of a powerful, detailed Batman established a clear model for subsequent artists. DC's eventual return to this design after experimenting with more armored looks speaks to its effectiveness.

How the New Batsuit Compares

Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit, debuting in September 2025, isn't a drastic departure from the *Hush* design. However, it features interesting embellishments. It brings back the blue cape and cowl, with heavy shading creating contrast and recalling *Batman: The Animated Series*. The Bat emblem is also blue and more angular. Time will tell if this redesign achieves the lasting impact of Batman's most iconic suits.

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.