Exciting news for Batman fans: DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series this September, and with it comes a fresh look for Bruce Wayne, courtesy of artist Jorge Jiménez. This new Batsuit reintroduces the classic blue cape and cowl, a nod to Batman's storied history that spans nearly 90 years. As DC continues to refine the Dark Knight's iconic costume, fans are eager to see how this latest iteration stacks up against the classics.
Speaking of classics, we've curated a list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age design to modern takes like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Dive into our gallery below to explore these legendary Batsuits.
For those more interested in the cinematic side of the Caped Crusader, don't miss our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits.
Inspired by the 1989 Batman movie, this all-black Batsuit became a defining look for the Dark Knight. While DC didn't fully adopt the movie's design in the comics (except in actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89), the 1995 "Troika" storyline introduced a suit that combined the movie's dark aesthetic with a traditional blue cape and cowl. The addition of spikes on the boots added an edge, making this Batsuit a symbol of Batman's intimidating presence throughout the '90s.
Following Bruce Wayne's return after his supposed death in 2008's Final Crisis, DC launched Batman Incorporated with a new costume designed by David Finch. This suit brought back the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and ditched the black trunks, offering a more functional and visually cohesive look compared to the later New 52 suit. The Batman Inc. suit emphasized armor over spandex, distinguishing Bruce from Dick Grayson, who was also Batman at the time. The only minor flaw? The slightly comical armored codpiece.
Absolute Batman, a recent addition to the list, stands out for its imposing design. In a rebooted DCU, Bruce Wayne, without his usual resources, crafts a Batsuit that's a weapon in itself, from razor-sharp ear daggers to a battle-axe Bat emblem and a cape made of flexible tendrils. The sheer size of this Batman, humorously dubbed "the Batman who lifts" by writer Scott Snyder, makes the Absolute suit a memorable one.
In the alternate Flashpoint timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after his son's murder. This darker version sports a Batsuit with bold red accents, including the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters. Coupled with dramatic shoulder spikes and the use of guns and a sword, this alternate universe Batman offers a visually striking and unique take on the character.
Lee Bermejo's distinctive Batsuit, seen in works like Batman/Deathblow and the infamous Batman: Damned, moves away from spandex to a more armored, functional design. Bermejo's Batman embodies a haunting, Gothic quality, inspiring the look of Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in 2022's The Batman.
Set in a steampunk Victorian world, Gotham by Gaslight's Batman, illustrated by Mike Mignola, trades spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak. This iconic design, which has continued through follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age, perfectly fits the character's shadowy, chiseled aesthetic.
Bob Kane and Bill Finger's original Batsuit has remained largely unchanged for nearly 90 years, a testament to its iconic status. With curved ears, purple gloves, and a cape resembling bat wings, this design not only set the standard but also offers unique elements that continue to inspire modern artists.
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman Rebirth costume improved upon the New 52 design by retaining its tactical look while adding color with a yellow-outlined Bat emblem and a purple-lined cape, echoing the Golden Age. Though short-lived, this suit remains a standout modern redesign.
During the late '60s and '70s, artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López redefined Batman's look, emphasizing a leaner, more agile physique that suited the character's ninja-like abilities. This era's Batsuit, with its blue cape and yellow oval, became a benchmark for subsequent designs and a staple in Batman merchandise.
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline introduced a sleek, elegant Batsuit that became the standard for years. Lee's design, with its black Bat emblem and dynamic rendering, perfectly captured Batman's power and versatility, facing down his greatest foes and even Superman. The Hush suit's influence persisted through the New 52 and DC Rebirth eras, eventually returning as the definitive look for the Dark Knight.
As Jorge Jiménez and writer Matt Fraction kick off DC’s relaunched Batman series in September 2025, the new Batsuit brings back the blue cape and cowl, with a heavily shaded cape reminiscent of Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series. The blue Bat emblem now features a larger, more angular design. While it's exciting to see Batman evolve, only time will tell if this new look will endure like its predecessors.