Batman's New Costume Unveiled: Top Batsuits Ranked

Exciting news for Batman fans: DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series this September, and with it comes a new look for Bruce Wayne, courtesy of artist Jorge Jiménez. This fresh take on the iconic Batsuit reintroduces the classic blue cape and cowl, proving that even after nearly 90 years, DC is committed to evolving the Dark Knight's appearance.

But how does this new Batsuit stack up against its predecessors? We've curated a list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age design to contemporary interpretations like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Dive in to see which suits have made the cut.

For fans of Batman's cinematic appearances, 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, this all-black Batsuit became an iconic look. While DC didn't fully adopt it in the comics beyond actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89, they did create a suit inspired by the films in the 1995 storyline "Troika." This costume maintained the all-black body but added a traditional blue cape and cowl, along with more extreme elements like boot spikes. These features were later toned down, yet the suit remained a formidable and stealthy choice for Batman throughout the '90s.

9. Batman Incorporated

After Bruce Wayne's return post-Final Crisis in 2008, DC launched Batman Incorporated with a new suit designed by David Finch. This costume reintroduced the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and eliminated the black trunks. It offered a more functional, armor-like quality, distinguishing it from Batman's New 52 suit and creating a clear visual difference from Dick Grayson's Batman attire. The only critique is the somewhat unconventional armored codpiece.

8. Absolute Batman

Absolute Batman stands out for its imposing design in a rebooted DCU where Bruce Wayne lacks his usual resources. Nearly every part of this suit is a weapon, from ear daggers to a removable Bat emblem that doubles as a battle axe. The cape, redesigned with flexible arm-like tendrils, adds to the suit's uniqueness. Its sheer size and Scott Snyder's humorous description of "the Batman who lifts" emphasize its impact.

7. Flashpoint Batman

In the Flashpoint timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after Joe Chill kills a young Bruce. This darker version features bold red accents instead of yellow, including the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters. The dramatic shoulder spikes and the use of guns and a sword make this alternate universe Batman visually striking.

6. Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman

Lee Bermejo's distinctive take on the Batsuit is far from typical spandex, focusing instead on armor. His Batman exudes a haunting, Gothic quality, inspiring the look of Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in 2022's The Batman. Bermejo's work, seen in projects like the infamous Batman: Damned, showcases a Batman as much about function as form.

5. Gotham by Gaslight Batman

Gotham by Gaslight's steampunk Victorian Batman, illustrated by Mike Mignola, is a perfect fit for the setting. The Batsuit, with its stitched leather and billowing cloak, is iconic, and Mignola's shadowy, granite-like portrayal endures in follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.

4. Golden Age Batman

Bob Kane and Bill Finger's original Batsuit remains iconic after nearly 90 years. Its menacing curved ears, purple gloves, and bat-wing-like cape set it apart. This foundational design continues to inspire modern artists.

3. Batman Rebirth

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman Rebirth suit improved upon the New 52 design, retaining a tactical look while simplifying details and adding color through the yellow Bat emblem outline and purple cape lining. Though short-lived, this suit stands out among modern redesigns.

2. Bronze Age Batman

During the late '60s and '70s, artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López transformed Batman's look to match the era's shift to more serious storytelling. Their leaner, more agile Batman became the standard for many fans, with García-López's art becoming synonymous with Batman merchandise.

1. Batman: Hush

Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline marked the beginning of modern Batman comics, thanks in part to Lee's elegant Batsuit redesign. The removal of the yellow oval and the introduction of a sleek black emblem became the default look, influencing subsequent artists and enduring through various eras before returning as the standard.

How the New Batsuit Compares

Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit, debuting in September 2025 with writer Matt Fraction, reintroduces the blue cape and cowl, diverging from recent trends. The heavily shaded cape evokes Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series, and the blue, angular Bat emblem adds a unique touch. While it's thrilling to see Batman evolve, only time will tell if this redesign will achieve the iconic status of its predecessors.