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 stylish upgrade. Artist Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit brings back the classic blue cape and cowl, proving that even after nearly 90 years, the Dark Knight's iconic costume is still evolving. But how does this new suit stack up against the all-time greats? Let's explore ten of the best Batman costumes from the comics, from the original Golden Age design to modern interpretations like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth.

Prefer the cinematic versions? Be sure to check out our ranking of all the movie Batsuits!

The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time

10. '90s Batman

The 1989 Batman film introduced a revolutionary all-black suit, instantly iconic. While DC didn't fully adapt it to comics (except for Burton-Verse tie-ins like *Batman '89*), the 1995 "Troika" storyline featured a movie-inspired design. This suit retained the classic blue cape and cowl, adding intimidating spikes to the boots (later toned down). It established a stealthier, more menacing Batman for the rest of the '90s.

9. Batman Incorporated

Bruce Wayne's return after *Final Crisis* (2008) ushered in *Batman Incorporated*, and a new David Finch-designed suit. This suit notably revived the classic yellow oval Bat emblem and eliminated the black trunks. It successfully combined functionality (appearing less like spandex and more like armor) with a clean design, offering a visual distinction from Dick Grayson's Batman. The only minor drawback? A slightly awkward armored codpiece.

8. Absolute Batman

This recent addition is strikingly imposing. In a rebooted DCU where Bruce lacks his usual advantages, this Batman creates an impressive arsenal. The suit is practically weaponized, from razor-sharp ear daggers to a detachable Bat emblem doubling as a battle axe. The flexible, arm-like cape tendrils add to its unique design. Its imposing size, jokingly referred to 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 requires 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, coupled with Thomas Wayne's use of guns and a sword, create a visually arresting look.

6. Lee Bermejo's Armored Batman

Lee Bermejo's distinctive Batsuit style, seen in works like *Batman/Deathblow* and *Batman: Damned*, is far from the typical spandex look. This is heavy armor, prioritizing function, yet retaining a haunting, Gothic quality, mired in grime and shadow. This design significantly influenced Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in *The Batman* (2022).

5. Gotham by Gaslight Batman

The *Gotham by Gaslight* Batman perfectly embodies its steampunk Victorian setting. Trading spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak, this design, illustrated by Mike Mignola, is iconic, bathed in shadow and possessing a raw, granite-like quality. This look continues to inspire, as seen in follow-up stories like *Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age*.

4. Golden Age Batman

The original Bob Kane/Bill Finger design's enduring appeal speaks volumes. Its iconic elements have survived for nearly 90 years with minimal changes. Beyond its foundational role, the curved cowl ears enhance its menace, and the purple gloves add a striking pop of color. The cape, resembling bat wings, sets it apart from typical superhero capes.

3. Batman Rebirth

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's *Batman Rebirth* costume improves upon the New 52 suit. It retains the tactical aesthetic while simplifying extraneous details. The yellow outline around the Bat emblem and the purple cape lining (a Golden Age nod) add vibrant color. This design, unfortunately short-lived, remains a high point in modern redesigns.

2. Bronze Age Batman

The late '60s and '70s saw a shift towards more serious stories, and artists Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López defined Batman's look. While the core elements remained, their work emphasized a leaner, more agile physique, reflecting Batman's ninja-like abilities. García-López's art, in particular, became widely recognizable and influential.

1. Batman: Hush

Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's *Hush* storyline marked a modern era for Batman comics, largely due to Lee's Batsuit redesign. Its elegant simplicity, replacing the yellow oval with a sleek black emblem, and Lee's dynamic portrayal of Batman's physique, established a new standard. This design, with variations in cape color, became the default for years, highlighting its effectiveness.

How the New Batsuit Compares

Jorge Jiménez's new suit, debuting in September 2025's relaunched Batman series, builds upon the *Hush* design. While largely similar, it reintroduces the blue cape and cowl, with heavy shading creating a contrast reminiscent of *Batman: The Animated Series*. The blue Bat emblem also features a bolder, more angular shape. Whether this redesign achieves lasting iconic status remains to be seen.

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, explore IGN's top 27 Batman comics and graphic novels.