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

Get ready, Batman fans! Bruce Wayne is sporting a brand-new look as DC Comics relaunches its flagship Batman series this September. Artist Jorge Jiménez has crafted a stunning new Batsuit, bringing back the classic blue cape and cowl. After nearly 90 years, the Dark Knight's iconic costume gets another stylish update.

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 design to modern interpretations like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Let's dive in!

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

10. ‘90s Batman

The 1989 Batman movie introduced a revolutionary all-black Batsuit, instantly iconic. While DC didn't fully translate it to comics (except for Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89), a movie-inspired suit appeared in the 1995 "Troika" storyline. This version retained the classic blue cape and cowl, adding elements like spiked boots (later toned down). The result? A stealthier, more intimidating look that defined the ‘90s Batman.

9. Batman Incorporated

Bruce Wayne's return after his apparent death in 2008's Final Crisis 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 functional, armored look without cluttering the design. It also visually distinguished Bruce from Dick Grayson, the then-current Batman. The only minor drawback? A slightly awkward-looking armored codpiece.

8. Absolute Batman

The newest entry on this list, the Absolute Batman suit makes a powerful statement. This Batman is at his most imposing. In a rebooted DCU where Bruce lacks his usual advantages, he crafts an impressive arsenal. Every inch of this suit is a weapon, from ear daggers to a removable, axe-like Bat emblem. Even the cape is redesigned into flexible, arm-like tendrils. The sheer size and imposing physique 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, featuring bold red accents on the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters, replacing the traditional yellow. Dramatic shoulder spikes on the cape, combined with this Batman's use of guns and a sword, create a visually striking and unique look.

6. Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman

Lee Bermejo's distinctive Batsuit, featured in works like Batman/Deathblow and Batman: Damned, is far from the typical spandex look. This is pure armor, prioritizing function. However, it's not purely realistic; Bermejo's Batman is a haunting figure, steeped in grime and gothic atmosphere. This suit significantly influenced the look of Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in 2022's The Batman.

5. Gotham by Gaslight Batman

The steampunk setting of Gotham by Gaslight perfectly complements this unique Batsuit. Trading spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak, this suit, illustrated by Mike Mignola, is truly iconic, a shadowy figure seemingly carved from granite. The design's impact continues in follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.

4. Golden Age Batman

The original Bob Kane/Bill Finger design, surviving for almost 90 years with minor changes, is a testament to its iconic nature. Interesting features, like curved cowl ears, purple gloves, and a cape resembling bat wings, set it apart. Modern artists continue to revisit this classic design.

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 streamlining the design, incorporating the yellow Bat emblem outline and purple cape lining (a Golden Age throwback). A shame it was phased out so quickly, as 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 this era, emphasizing a leaner, more agile Batman. While the basic design remained, the physicality of the character changed, reflecting his ninja-like skills. Garcia-López's art, in particular, remains hugely influential.

1. Batman: Hush

Jim Lee's redesign for the Hush storyline is often considered the start of the modern Batman era. The elegant simplicity of this suit, featuring a sleek black emblem and a powerful physique, made it instantly iconic. Subsequent artists followed this model, solidifying its status as a default look. After experimenting with armored suits, DC ultimately returned to this design—a testament to its effectiveness.

How the New Batsuit Compares

Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit, debuting in the relaunched Batman series (September 2025), isn't a radical departure from the Hush suit. It brings back the blue cape and cowl, with a heavily shaded cape 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 lasting impact as Batman's most iconic suits.

See Results

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