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

In case you missed it, Bruce Wayne is sporting a brand-new look when DC Comics relaunches its flagship Batman series this September. Artist Jorge Jiménez has crafted a redesigned Batsuit, bringing the classic blue cape and cowl back into the limelight. After nearly 90 years, DC continues to refine the Dark Knight's iconic costume.

But how does this new Batsuit stack up against the classics? What are the greatest Batman costumes of all time? We've compiled our top 10 favorite Batsuits from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age costume to modern interpretations like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Read on to see them all.

And for those who prefer the silver screen, be sure to check out our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits.

The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time

12 Images10. '90s Batman

The 1989 Batman film introduced a revolutionary, all-black Batsuit, instantly becoming one of the Dark Knight's most iconic looks across all media. While DC didn't fully adapt this costume to the comics (except for Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman '89), they did introduce a movie-inspired Batsuit in the 1995 "Troika" storyline.

This new suit maintained the all-black body but kept the traditional blue cape and cowl. It even included dramatic additions like spiked boots, though these were later toned down. The result was a more intimidating and stealthy Batsuit, becoming the Caped Crusader's standard look for the rest of the '90s.

9. Batman Incorporated

Bruce Wayne's return after his apparent death in 2008's Final Crisis was celebrated with the launch of Batman Incorporated, and a new costume designed by David Finch. This Batman Inc. suit is notable for the return of the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and the absence of black trunks.

In many ways, the Batman Inc. suit feels like a more successful and visually cohesive update than DC's later attempt with Batman's New 52 suit. It introduced a more functional aesthetic, suggesting less spandex and more armored protection, without overwhelming the design. It also provided much-needed visual distinction between Bruce and Dick Grayson, who was also Batman at the time. The only minor drawback might be the slightly unusual armored codpiece.

8. Absolute Batman

The newest entry on this list, the Absolute Batman Batsuit makes a powerful statement. This is Batman at his most imposing.

Absolute Batman takes place in a rebooted DCU where Bruce Wayne lacks his usual advantages, like a mansion and billions. Yet, he creates an impressive crime-fighting arsenal. Almost every part of this Batsuit is a weapon, from razor-sharp ear daggers to a detachable Bat emblem doubling as a battle axe. Even the cape is redesigned, featuring flexible, arm-like tendrils.

However, it's the sheer size of this Batman that truly sets the Absolute suit apart. Writer Scott Snyder jokingly called Absolute Batman "the Batman who lifts," and the visual certainly reflects that.

7. Flashpoint Batman

In the alternate timeline of Flashpoint, Joe Chill killed young Bruce Wayne, leading to Thomas Wayne becoming Batman. This darker Batman needed a darker suit, featuring bold red accents instead of the traditional yellow. The Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters are deep crimson, creating a striking look. Combined with dramatic shoulder spikes on the cape and this Batman's use of guns and a sword, it's one of the most visually arresting alternate universe Batsuits.

6. Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman

Artist Lee Bermejo has depicted Batman numerous times, from Batman/Deathblow to the Joker graphic novel to Batman: Damned. He's developed a distinctive Batsuit unlike any other at DC.

Bermejo's Batsuit is far from the typical spandex look; it's pure armor, prioritizing function. But it's not strictly realistic; Bermejo's Batman is haunting, gritty, and Gothic. This Batsuit heavily influenced the look of Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in 2022's The Batman.

5. Gotham by Gaslight Batman

The DC multiverse is vast, showcasing countless Batsuit variations. However, Gotham by Gaslight's Batman stands out. It perfectly fits the steampunk Victorian setting, trading spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak.

The original Gotham by Gaslight series was illustrated by Mike Mignola, whose Batman is iconic, shadowy, and seemingly carved from granite. Even though Mignola's DC days are over, this Batman lives on in follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.

4. Golden Age Batman

The original Bob Kane/Bill Finger Batsuit's longevity speaks volumes—it's survived with minor changes for almost 90 years. It had all the elements of an iconic superhero look from the start.

Beyond serving as the basis for every subsequent Batsuit, the Golden Age design boasts unique features. The curved cowl ears enhance its menacing vibe, while purple gloves add a pop of color. Even the cape is distinct, resembling bat wings more than a typical superhero cape. It's always exciting to see modern artists revisit this design.

3. Batman Rebirth

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's popular run on DC's Batman series largely featured the New 52 costume. As mentioned, that suit attempted a modern, tactical update, but other versions did it better. Capullo's redesign for DC Rebirth is a prime example.

Batman's Rebirth costume improves on the New 52 suit in almost every way. It retains the tactical look while simplifying extraneous details. It reintroduces color with the yellow outline around the Bat emblem and the purple cape lining (a Golden Age throwback). It's a shame DC phased this suit out after a couple of years. For modern redesigns, this one's hard to beat.

2. Bronze Age Batman

The late '60s and '70s were transformative for Batman comics. The series moved away from the campiness of the Silver Age and the TV series towards more serious stories. Three artists defined Batman's look: Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López.

These artists didn't drastically alter the costume itself—it's the same blue cape, cowl, and yellow-oval emblem popularized by the TV series. But Adams, Aparo, and García-López brought a new physicality to the character. The burly brawler of the Silver Age was replaced by a leaner, more agile Batman, fitting for a ninja-like superhero.

For many fans, this remains the benchmark for Batman costumes, especially thanks to García-López, whose art adorned countless Batman merchandise.

1. Batman: Hush

Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline is often considered the start of modern Batman comics, thanks in part to Lee's iconic Batsuit redesign.

Lee's Hush costume brought elegant simplicity. The yellow oval was gone, replaced by a sleek, black emblem. Lee's skill in depicting dynamic, detailed, and powerful superhero physiques is evident. Readers believed this Dark Knight could face his greatest foes—and Superman.

The Hush redesign immediately became the standard. Artists like Andy Kubert and Tony Daniel followed closely. While artists varied in cape color, the other details remained consistent. DC's eventual return to the Hush costume after the New 52 and Rebirth eras shows its effectiveness.

How the New Batsuit Compares

Jorge Jiménez, a veteran Batman artist, debuts a new Batsuit in the relaunched Batman series (September 2025) with writer Matt Fraction.

This new suit isn't a radical departure from the Hush costume, but it has interesting additions. While recent artists favored black capes and cowls, Jiménez brings back blue. The cape is heavily shaded, creating contrast and recalling Batman: The Animated Series. The Bat emblem is also blue, larger, and more angular.

It's great to see Batman still experimenting with new looks. But will this redesign achieve the lasting impact of his most iconic suits? Only time will tell.