In an exciting development for fans, Bruce Wayne is set to don a fresh look when DC Comics relaunches its flagship Batman series this September. The new Batsuit, designed by artist Jorge Jiménez, revives the classic blue cape and cowl, a nod to Batman's storied history that spans nearly 90 years. This update reflects DC's continuous effort to evolve the Dark Knight's iconic costume.
But how does this new Batsuit stack up against the classics? Let's explore the greatest Batman costumes from the comics, ranging from the original Golden Age design to modern reinterpretations like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. We've curated a list of our top 10 favorite Batsuits for you to peruse.
For those more interested in cinematic versions, be sure to check out our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits.
Inspired by the 1989 Batman movie, the '90s Batsuit introduced an all-black design that became one of the Dark Knight's most iconic looks. Although DC didn't fully adopt the movie's costume in the comics (except for actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89), the "Troika" storyline in 1995 introduced a Batsuit that combined the movie's all-black body with the traditional blue cape and cowl. This suit also featured bold additions like spiked boots, which were later moderated, resulting in a more intimidating and stealthy appearance that defined Batman's look throughout the decade.
Following Bruce Wayne's return after his supposed demise in 2008's Final Crisis, DC launched Batman Incorporated with a new costume designed by David Finch. This suit reintroduced the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and removed the black trunks, offering a more cohesive and functional look compared to the New 52 suit. The Batman Inc. suit suggested a true suit of armor rather than spandex, distinguishing Bruce Wayne's Batman from Dick Grayson's. The only slight drawback is the somewhat comical armored codpiece.
Absolute Batman, a recent addition to this list, stands out with its imposing presence. In a rebooted DCU, Bruce Wayne, without his usual resources, crafts a formidable crime-fighting arsenal. This Batsuit is a weapon from head to toe, featuring razor-sharp ear daggers and a removable Bat emblem that serves as a battle axe, alongside a redesigned cape with arm-like tendrils. The suit's sheer size, humorously dubbed "the Batman who lifts" by writer Scott Snyder, makes it truly distinctive.
In the alternate Flashpoint timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after Joe Chill kills young Bruce. This version of Batman sports a darker, unique Batsuit with red accents instead of the traditional yellow. The deep crimson Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters, combined with dramatic shoulder spikes and the use of guns and a sword, create a visually striking alternate universe Batman.
Lee Bermejo's interpretation of the Batsuit, seen in works from Batman/Deathblow to the infamous Batman: Damned, stands out for its armor-like appearance. Far from the typical spandex, this suit focuses on function while maintaining a haunting Gothic aesthetic. Bermejo's design notably influenced Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in the 2022 film The Batman.
Set in a steampunk Victorian world, Gotham by Gaslight's Batman is a perfect fit for its setting. Illustrated by Mike Mignola, this Batsuit replaces spandex with stitched leather and a billowing cloak, creating a truly iconic look. This design 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 only minor changes. This classic look introduced essential elements like the menacing curved ears and distinctive purple gloves, along with a cape resembling bat wings. Its influence is still felt as modern artists revisit and reinterpret this timeless design.
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's run on DC's flagship Batman series initially focused on the New 52 suit. However, their Rebirth redesign improved upon it, blending tactical elements with a more streamlined design and reintroducing the yellow Bat emblem and purple cape lining. This suit, though short-lived, is considered one of the best modern redesigns.
During the late '60s and '70s, Batman's comics shifted from campy to serious action/adventure and detective stories, influenced by artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López. Their work emphasized a leaner, more agile Batman, aligning with the character's ninja-like qualities. This period's Batman remains a benchmark for many fans, especially thanks to Garcia-López's widely used designs on merchandise.
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline marked the beginning of a modern era for Batman comics, largely due to Lee's redesign of the Batsuit. This elegant, simplified design replaced the yellow oval with a sleek black emblem, emphasizing Batman's dynamic and powerful physique. The Hush costume became the standard for subsequent artists and eventually returned after a focus on more armored suits, proving its lasting appeal.
Artist Jorge Jiménez, a seasoned Batman illustrator, will debut a new Batsuit in the relaunched Batman series with writer Matt Fraction kicking off in September 2025. This new design maintains the core elements of the Hush costume but introduces the blue cape and cowl, along with a heavily shaded cape reminiscent of Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series. The blue Bat emblem is also larger and more angular. As Batman continues to evolve, it remains to be seen if this new look will achieve the iconic status of its predecessors.