Exciting news for Batman fans! DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series this September, and artist Jorge Jiménez is bringing a fresh take on the iconic Batsuit. This new design reintroduces the classic blue cape and cowl, a nod to Batman's storied history that spans nearly 90 years. The Dark Knight's costume continues to evolve, keeping fans on their toes with each new iteration.
But how does this new Batsuit stack up against the classics? Let's explore some of the greatest Batman costumes of all time. We've curated a list of our top 10 favorite Batsuits from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age costume to modern reinterpretations like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Scroll down to see our selections.
If you're more into Batman movies, don't miss our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits.
Introduced in the 1989 Batman movie, the all-black Batsuit became a cultural icon. While DC Comics didn't fully adopt this design in their main continuity (except for actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89), the 1995 storyline "Troika" brought a movie-inspired Batsuit to the comics. This suit retained the all-black body but featured a traditional blue cape and cowl, adding spikes on the boots for an extra intimidating look. This became Batman's default costume throughout the ‘90s, enhancing his stealth and intimidation factor.
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 revived the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and ditched the black trunks, creating a more cohesive and functional look. It successfully balanced the aesthetic of armor with the iconic Batman silhouette, distinguishing Bruce from Dick Grayson, who was also Batman at the time. The only critique is the slightly awkward armored codpiece.
Absolute Batman, the most recent entry on our list, makes a bold statement with its imposing design. In a rebooted DCU where Bruce Wayne lacks his usual resources, this Batsuit is a weaponized marvel, from ear daggers to a battle-axe Bat emblem and a redesigned cape with flexible tendrils. The suit's sheer size, humorously dubbed "the Batman who lifts" by writer Scott Snyder, sets it apart.
In the Flashpoint timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after young Bruce's murder. This darker version of the character sports a Batsuit with bold red accents on the emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters, along with dramatic shoulder spikes. This alternate universe Batman, who uses guns and a sword, offers a visually striking take on the character.
Lee Bermejo's distinctive take on Batman, seen in works like Batman/Deathblow and the infamous Batman: Damned, emphasizes a gritty, armored aesthetic over the traditional spandex. This haunting, functional design inspired the look of Robert Pattinson's Batman in 2022's The Batman.
Gotham by Gaslight offers a steampunk Victorian take on Batman, with a Batsuit made of stitched leather and a billowing cloak. Illustrated by Mike Mignola, this iconic design fits perfectly into the setting and has been revisited in follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.
Bob Kane and Bill Finger's original Batsuit design has remained remarkably consistent for nearly 90 years, proving its timeless appeal. Unique features like curved ears and purple gloves, along with a cape resembling bat wings, set it apart. Modern artists continue to pay homage to this classic look.
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman Rebirth costume improved upon the New 52 design, balancing a tactical look with a return to classic colors. The yellow outline around the Bat emblem and the purple inner lining of the cape pay homage to Batman's Golden Age roots, making it a standout modern redesign.
During the late '60s and '70s, Batman's look evolved under artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López. Their work emphasized a leaner, more agile Batman, fitting for a ninja-like superhero. This era's design remains a benchmark for many fans, especially thanks to García-López's iconic illustrations.
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline introduced a sleek, elegant Batsuit that became the standard for years. Lee's design removed the yellow oval, focusing on a powerful, dynamic Batman who could face formidable foes. The Hush costume's influence persists, even as DC experimented with other designs.
Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit, set to debut in the kick off DC’s relaunched Batman series in September 2025, brings back the blue cape and cowl, diverging from the recent trend toward black. The heavily shaded cape and angular blue Bat emblem evoke Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series. While it's thrilling to see Batman evolve, only time will tell if this new design will join the ranks of the most iconic Batsuits.