Exciting news for Batman fans: DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series this September, and with it comes a fresh new look for Bruce Wayne, courtesy of artist Jorge Jiménez. This new Batsuit revives the classic blue cape and cowl, bringing a nostalgic yet bold update to the Dark Knight's iconic attire after nearly 90 years of evolution.
But how does this new Batsuit stack up against the legendary costumes that have defined Batman's history? We've curated a list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age design to modern interpretations like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Dive into our gallery below to explore these iconic suits.
For those who prefer the cinematic take on the Caped Crusader, don't miss our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits.
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Inspired by Tim Burton's 1989 Batman film, the '90s Batsuit introduced an all-black design to the comics with the "Troika" storyline in 1995. While retaining the traditional blue cape and cowl, this suit added more intimidating elements like boot spikes. It became the standard for Batman's look throughout the '90s, enhancing his stealth and menace.
Following Bruce Wayne's return after his supposed death in Final Crisis, the Batman Incorporated series debuted with a new suit designed by David Finch. This costume reintroduced the yellow oval around the Bat emblem and ditched the black trunks, offering a more armored and functional look while distinguishing Bruce from Dick Grayson, who was also Batman at the time. The only critique? The slightly odd armored codpiece.
In the rebooted DCU of Absolute Batman, Bruce Wayne, without his usual resources, crafts a formidable Batsuit. This suit is a weapon in itself, with razor-sharp ear daggers and a battle-axe Bat emblem. The redesigned cape features flexible, arm-like tendrils. Its sheer size and imposing nature make it a standout, earning the nickname "the Batman who lifts."
In the Flashpoint alternate timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after his son's murder. His suit reflects this darker reality with bold red accents on the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters. Enhanced by dramatic shoulder spikes and the use of guns and a sword, this Batsuit is one of the most visually striking alternate universe designs.
Lee Bermejo's take on the Batsuit is a departure from the traditional spandex, focusing on armor and function. His Batman is a haunting, Gothic figure, which inspired the look of Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in 2022's The Batman. Bermejo's detailed and gritty approach sets his design apart.
Gotham by Gaslight places Batman in a steampunk Victorian setting, and the Batsuit adapts beautifully with stitched leather and a billowing cloak. Mike Mignola's iconic illustrations give this Batman a shadowy, granite-like presence, which continues to influence follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.
Bob Kane and Bill Finger's original Batsuit design has endured for nearly 90 years, with its menacing curved ears, purple gloves, and unique bat-wing-like cape. It serves as the foundation for all subsequent Batsuits and remains a favorite among fans and artists alike.
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman Rebirth costume refines the tactical look of the New 52 suit, adding color with a yellow Bat emblem outline and a purple cape lining. This modern redesign was phased out too soon, but it remains a standout for its balance of style and functionality.
During the Bronze Age, Batman's look evolved under artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López. They depicted a leaner, more agile Batman, fitting his ninja-like skills. This period's design became the benchmark for Batman's appearance and influenced countless pieces of merchandise.
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline introduced a sleek, elegant Batsuit that became the standard for modern Batman comics. Lee's design removed the yellow oval, opting for a black emblem, and emphasized Batman's powerful physique. This Batsuit's simplicity and effectiveness made it the go-to look for years.
Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit for the relaunched Batman series in September 2025 builds on the Hush design but brings back the blue cape and cowl, heavily shaded to create a dramatic effect reminiscent of Bruce Timm's animated series. The blue Bat emblem is larger and more angular. While it's exciting to see Batman evolve, whether this new look will stand the test of time remains to be seen.