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 brand-new look! Artist Jorge Jiménez has crafted a Batsuit that brings back the classic blue cape and cowl, a refreshing change after nearly 90 years of variations on the Dark Knight's iconic costume.

But how does this new suit stack up against the classics? To answer that, 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. Ready to dive in?

And for those who prefer the silver screen, be sure to check out our ranking of all the movie Batsuits!

The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time

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10. ‘90s Batman

The 1989 Batman film introduced a revolutionary all-black Batsuit, instantly iconic. While DC didn't fully adapt it to the comics (except for Burton-Verse tie-ins like *Batman ‘89*), a movie-inspired suit appeared in the 1995 "Troika" storyline. This version maintained the all-black body but kept the traditional blue cape and cowl, adding spikes to the boots (later toned down). The result? A stealthier, more intimidating Batman, the standard look for the rest of the ‘90s.

9. Batman Incorporated

Bruce Wayne's return after *Final Crisis* (2008) brought the *Batman Incorporated* series and a new David Finch-designed costume. 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 excessive detail. The visual distinction from Dick Grayson's Batman was also a plus, although the armored codpiece is a bit…questionable.

8. Absolute Batman

This recent addition is instantly striking. Absolute Batman depicts a Bruce Wayne without his usual advantages, yet he crafts an impressive arsenal. This Batsuit is practically weaponized, from razor-sharp ear daggers to a detachable Bat emblem doubling as a battle axe. Even the cape is redesigned with flexible, arm-like tendrils. The suit's imposing size and the "Batman who lifts" description perfectly capture its essence.

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 emblem, belt, and holsters, replacing the traditional yellow. Dramatic shoulder spikes and the use of guns and a sword add to this alternate universe Batman's visual impact.

6. Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman

Lee Bermejo’s distinct Batsuit style, seen in works like *Batman/Deathblow* and *Batman: Damned*, is far from the typical spandex look. It's pure armor, prioritizing function but with a haunting, Gothic quality. This design heavily influenced Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in *The Batman* (2022).

5. Gotham by Gaslight Batman

The steampunk setting of *Gotham by Gaslight* perfectly complements its unique Batsuit. This design trades spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak. Mike Mignola's illustration style gives Batman a shadowy, granite-like appearance, making this a truly iconic version. The design continues to influence follow-up stories like *Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age*.

4. Golden Age Batman

The original Bob Kane/Bill Finger design has endured for almost 90 years with minimal changes, a testament to its effectiveness. The curved cowl ears, purple gloves, and bat-wing-like cape add unique elements not often seen in later iterations. It's a design that continues to inspire modern artists.

3. Batman Rebirth

Greg Capullo's *Rebirth* redesign improved upon the New 52 suit. It retained the tactical look while simplifying details, adding back the yellow emblem outline and purple cape lining (a Golden Age nod). This is a standout modern redesign, unfortunately phased out after a few years.

2. Bronze Age Batman

The late ‘60s and ‘70s saw a shift towards more serious Batman stories, reflected in the art of Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López. While the basic design remained, these artists depicted a leaner, more agile Batman, emphasizing his ninja-like abilities. García-López's art, in particular, has become widely recognizable and influential.

1. Batman: Hush

Jim Lee's *Hush* Batsuit design, often considered the start of modern Batman comics, is elegantly simple. The sleek black emblem replaces the yellow oval, and Lee's dynamic art style portrays a powerful Dark Knight capable of facing any foe. This design became the standard, influencing subsequent artists and eventually becoming the default look once more after a period of armored suits.

How the New Batsuit Compares

Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit, debuting in September 2025 with Matt Fraction's relaunched series, builds upon the *Hush* design. It brings back the blue cape and cowl, with a heavily shaded cape reminiscent of *Batman: The Animated Series*. The Bat emblem is also blue and more angular. Time will tell if this new design achieves the same lasting impact as Batman's most iconic suits.

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.