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

Mar 20,25

In case you missed the news, Bruce Wayne is getting a stylish upgrade! DC Comics is relaunching its flagship Batman series this September, and 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 is getting a fresh coat of paint.

But how does this new suit stack up against the legendary designs that came before it? We've compiled 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. Let's dive in!

And for those who prefer their Caped Crusader on the big screen, be sure to check out our ranking of all the movie Batsuits!

The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time

12 Images10. '90s Batman

Tim Burton's 1989 Batman film introduced a revolutionary all-black Batsuit, instantly becoming an icon. While DC didn't fully translate this look to the comics (except for Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman '89), they did introduce a movie-inspired suit in the 1995 "Troika" storyline. This suit retained the all-black body but kept the traditional blue cape and cowl, adding edgy spikes to the boots (later toned down). The result? A stealthier, more intimidating Batman, defining his look for the rest of the '90s.

  1. Batman Incorporated

Bruce Wayne's return after his apparent death in 2008's Final Crisis ushered in Batman Incorporated, and with it, 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 what DC attempted with the New 52 suit, offering a functional, armor-like appearance without cluttering the design. It also cleverly differentiated Bruce from Dick Grayson, who was also Batman at the time. The only minor drawback? Perhaps the slightly unusual armored codpiece.

  1. Absolute Batman

The newest addition to this list, the Absolute Batman suit makes a powerful statement. This Batman is imposing, operating in a rebooted DCU where Bruce lacks his usual advantages. Yet, he crafts an impressive arsenal. This suit is practically a weapon itself, from razor-sharp ear daggers to a detachable Bat emblem doubling as a battle axe. Even the cape is redesigned into flexible, arm-like tendrils. The sheer size and imposing physique of this Batman truly set this suit apart.

  1. 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, trading traditional yellow for bold red accents on the emblem, belt, and holsters. Dramatic shoulder spikes on the cape add to the visual impact, reflecting this Batman's use of guns and a sword, creating a striking and memorable design.

  1. 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, emphasizing function over a sleek aesthetic. However, it's not just realism; Bermejo's Batman is a haunting figure, gritty and Gothic. This design significantly influenced the look of Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in The Batman (2022).

  1. Gotham by Gaslight Batman

The Gotham by Gaslight Batman perfectly fits its steampunk Victorian setting. Trading spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak, this suit, illustrated by Mike Mignola, is iconic, shadowy, and imposing. This version continues to resonate, even inspiring follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.

  1. Golden Age Batman

The original Bob Kane/Bill Finger Batsuit's enduring design speaks volumes. It's the foundation for every subsequent suit, featuring unique elements like curved cowl ears and purple gloves, adding to its menacing yet colorful appeal. The cape, resembling bat wings, further distinguishes this classic design.

  1. Batman Rebirth

Greg Capullo's Batman Rebirth costume is an improvement on the New 52 suit, retaining the tactical look while streamlining the design. The return of the yellow emblem outline and purple cape lining (a nod to the Golden Age) adds color and visual appeal. It's a shame this design wasn't used for longer.

  1. Bronze Age Batman

The late '60s and '70s saw a shift in Batman's portrayal, moving away from camp. Artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López redefined the character's physique, creating a leaner, more agile Batman, reflecting his ninja-like skills. García-López's art, in particular, became synonymous with the character.

  1. Batman: Hush

Jim Lee's Batman: Hush suit launched a new era for Batman comics. Its elegant simplicity, sleek black emblem (replacing the yellow oval), and dynamic physique made it instantly iconic. This design became the standard, influencing subsequent artists and ultimately becoming a benchmark for future iterations.

How the New Batsuit Compares

Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit, debuting in September 2025, isn't a radical departure from the Hush design but introduces interesting elements. It brings back the blue cape and cowl, with heavily shaded cape folds reminiscent of Batman: The Animated Series. The Bat emblem is also blue and more angular. Will this new design become as iconic as its predecessors? Only time will tell.

What's your favorite Batsuit from the comics? ---------------------------------------------

AnswerSee ResultsFor more Batman fun, check out IGN's top 27 Batman comics and graphic novels.

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