New Batman Costume Unveiled: A Look at the Best Batsuits Ever

Exciting news for Batman fans: DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series this September, and artist Jorge Jiménez has unveiled a fresh take on the iconic Batsuit, featuring the classic blue cape and cowl. After nearly 90 years, DC continues to innovate the Dark Knight's look, sparking curiosity about how this new suit compares to the timeless classics. We've curated a list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age design to contemporary interpretations such as Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Dive in to explore them all.

For fans of Batman movies, don't miss our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits.

The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time

12 Images10. ‘90s Batman

Introduced in the 1989 Batman movie, the all-black Batsuit became a cultural icon. Although DC Comics didn't fully adopt this look outside of actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89, they did create a movie-inspired costume in 1995's "Troika" storyline. This suit retained the traditional blue cape and cowl but added a more intimidating, stealth-focused design with spiked boots. It became the defining look for Batman throughout the '90s.

9. Batman Incorporated

Following Bruce Wayne's return after his apparent death in 2008's Final Crisis, DC launched Batman Incorporated with a new suit designed by David Finch. This costume brought back the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and eliminated the black trunks, achieving a more functional armor-like appearance. It distinguished Bruce from Dick Grayson, who was also Batman at the time, though the armored codpiece was a quirky addition.

8. Absolute Batman

Absolute Batman, a recent addition to the list, stands out with its imposing design. Set in a rebooted DCU where Bruce Wayne lacks traditional resources, this Batsuit is packed with weapons, from ear daggers to a battle-axe Bat emblem. The redesigned cape features flexible tendrils, and the sheer size of this Batman, dubbed "the Batman who lifts" by writer Scott Snyder, makes it a memorable addition.

7. Flashpoint Batman

In the Flashpoint alternate timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after the death of young Bruce. This darker version sports a Batsuit with bold red accents, including the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters. Coupled with shoulder spikes and the use of guns and a sword, it presents a visually striking alternate universe Batman.

6. Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman

Lee Bermejo's distinctive Batsuit, seen in works like Batman/Deathblow and the infamous Batman: Damned, emphasizes function over traditional spandex. His armor-clad Batman, with its gritty, Gothic aesthetic, inspired Robert Pattinson's look in 2022's The Batman.

5. Gotham by Gaslight Batman

Gotham by Gaslight's Batman perfectly fits its steampunk Victorian setting, featuring a stitched leather suit and a billowing cloak. Mike Mignola's iconic illustration, with its shadowy, granite-like appearance, has lived on through follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.

4. Golden Age Batman

Bob Kane and Bill Finger's original Batsuit design has remained largely unchanged for 90 years, featuring unique elements like curved ears, purple gloves, and bat-wing-like cape. It's exciting to see modern artists revisit and pay homage to this timeless look.

3. Batman Rebirth

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman Rebirth costume improves upon the New 52 suit with a tactical design and added color, including a yellow-outlined Bat emblem and a purple inner cape lining. Though short-lived, this suit is a standout modern redesign.

2. Bronze Age Batman

In the late '60s and '70s, artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López redefined Batman's look. They emphasized his physicality, portraying him as a lean, ninja-like figure. This period's design remains a benchmark for many fans, largely due to García-López's work, which graced numerous Batman merchandise.

1. Batman: Hush

Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline introduced an elegant Batsuit redesign, eliminating the yellow oval for a sleek, black emblem. Lee's dynamic art made this Batman a powerful figure, capable of facing his greatest foes. The Hush costume became the standard for subsequent artists, proving its enduring appeal.

How the New Batsuit Compares

Jorge Jiménez, no stranger to Batman, will debut a new Batsuit when he and writer Matt Fraction kick off DC’s relaunched Batman series in September 2025. While similar to the Hush costume, this new design brings back the blue cape and cowl, with a heavily shaded cape reminiscent of Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series. The Bat emblem is also blue and more angular. It's thrilling to see Batman evolve, but only time will tell if this redesign will match the impact of the iconic suits before it.