In exciting news for fans, 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 revives the classic blue cape and cowl, showcasing DC's ongoing commitment to innovate even after nearly 90 years of Batman's presence in comics.
But how does this new Batsuit stack up against the classics? We've curated a list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes from the comics, spanning from the iconic Golden Age to contemporary designs like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Dive in to explore these legendary looks.
If you're more inclined towards Batman's cinematic appearances, don't miss our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits.
The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time
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10. ‘90s Batman
Tim Burton's 1989 Batman film introduced a striking all-black Batsuit, which became one of the Dark Knight's most iconic looks across all media. While DC did not directly adopt this suit into the comics, except in specific tie-ins like Batman ‘89, they were inspired to create a new Batsuit in the 1995 storyline "Troika." This suit featured an all-black body with a traditional blue cape and cowl, and initially included more aggressive elements like boot spikes. These were later softened, but the result was a sleek, stealthy Batsuit that dominated Batman's look throughout the '90s.
Batman Incorporated
Following Bruce Wayne's return after his supposed demise in 2008's Final Crisis, DC launched Batman Incorporated with a new costume designed by David Finch. This suit not only brought back the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem but also eliminated the black trunks. It presented a more armor-like appearance, enhancing Batman's functionality without overcomplicating the design. This helped distinguish Bruce Wayne's Batman from Dick Grayson's version, although the armored codpiece received mixed reactions for its quirky appearance.
Absolute Batman
Absolute Batman, a recent addition to the list, stands out with its imposing design. Set in a rebooted DC Universe, this Batman, despite lacking traditional resources, boasts a highly weaponized suit. From razor-sharp ear daggers to a removable Bat emblem that serves as a battle axe, and a cape redesigned into flexible tendrils, this suit is all about intimidation and utility. Its sheer size, humorously dubbed "the Batman who lifts" by writer Scott Snyder, makes it a standout.
Flashpoint Batman
In the alternate Flashpoint timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after the murder of a young Bruce Wayne. This Batman's costume, devoid of the usual yellow, features bold red accents on the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters, complemented by dramatic shoulder spikes and a more aggressive armament, including guns and a sword. This alternate universe Batman offers a visually striking and unique take on the character.
Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Lee Bermejo's distinctive interpretation of the Batsuit emphasizes function over form, presenting Batman as a figure of armor rather than spandex. His artwork, spanning from Batman/Deathblow to Batman: Damned, captures a gritty, Gothic essence that influenced the design of Robert Pattinson's Batsuit in 2022's The Batman.
Gotham by Gaslight Batman
In the steampunk Victorian setting of Gotham by Gaslight, Batman's costume transforms into stitched leather and a billowing cloak, perfectly fitting the era. Illustrated by Mike Mignola, this version of Batman stands out for its shadowy, granite-like presence, and has been revisited in subsequent stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.
Golden Age Batman
Bob Kane and Bill Finger's original Batsuit remains a testament to enduring design, with minimal alterations over nearly 90 years. Its unique features, including curved ears, purple gloves, and bat-wing-like cape, continue to inspire modern reinterpretations.
Batman Rebirth
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman Rebirth costume refined the New 52 design, focusing on tactical elements while reintroducing vibrant colors like the yellow Bat emblem outline and a purple cape lining, paying homage to Batman's Golden Age origins. Despite its short-lived use, it's considered a benchmark for modern Batman redesigns.
Bronze Age Batman
During the late '60s and '70s, artists Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López redefined Batman's appearance, emphasizing a leaner, more agile figure that reflected the shift towards more serious storytelling. This era's Batman, with its classic blue and yellow design, remains a fan favorite and a standard for Batman's visual representation.
Batman: Hush
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline introduced a sleek, iconic Batsuit that marked the beginning of the modern era for Batman comics. Lee's design eliminated the yellow oval, opting for a streamlined black Bat emblem and a dynamic, powerful physique. This look became the go-to for Batman, influencing subsequent artists and even returning after more experimental designs in the New 52 and DC Rebirth eras.
How the New Batsuit Compares
Artist Jorge Jiménez, collaborating with writer Matt Fraction, will unveil a new Batsuit in DC's relaunched Batman series in September 2025. This design reintroduces the blue cape and cowl, adding heavy shading to the cape for dramatic effect, reminiscent of Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series. The blue Bat emblem also features a bolder, more angular shape. As Batman continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether this new look will endure as long as its predecessors.
