Exciting news for Batman fans: DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series this September, featuring a new Batsuit designed by artist Jorge Jiménez. This latest iteration brings back the classic blue cape and cowl, a nod to the Dark Knight's enduring legacy after nearly 90 years. But how does this new suit stack up against the iconic designs of the past? We've curated a list of the top 10 greatest Batman costumes from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age to modern reinterpretations like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Dive in to see our picks.
For those more interested in the cinematic side of Batman, don't miss our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits.
The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time

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10. ‘90s Batman
Inspired by the 1989 Batman movie, the ‘90s Batsuit embraced an all-black aesthetic for the body, while retaining the traditional blue cape and cowl. This design, introduced in the 1995 "Troika" storyline, added more aggressive elements like boot spikes, which were later toned down. This suit became the defining look for Batman throughout the decade, enhancing his stealth and intimidation.
Batman Incorporated
Following Bruce Wayne's return in 2008's Final Crisis, the Batman Incorporated series debuted with a new suit designed by David Finch. It reintroduced the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and ditched the black trunks, offering a more armored and functional look. This design was a step ahead of the New 52 suit, distinguishing Bruce from Dick Grayson's Batman. The only minor flaw? The slightly comical armored codpiece.
Absolute Batman
In the rebooted DCU of Absolute Batman, Bruce Wayne, without his usual resources, crafts a formidable Batsuit. Nearly every part of this suit is a weapon, from ear daggers to a battle-axe Bat emblem, and even the cape transforms into flexible tendrils. Its imposing size and weaponry make it a standout, earning the nickname "the Batman who lifts" from writer Scott Snyder.
Flashpoint Batman
In the Flashpoint timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after young Bruce's murder. This alternate Batman sports a suit with bold red accents on the emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters, paired with dramatic shoulder spikes and a penchant for guns and swords. This unique and visually striking design sets it apart as one of the coolest alternate universe Batsuits.
Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman
Lee Bermejo's distinctive take on the Batsuit, seen in works like Batman/Deathblow and the infamous Batman: Damned, focuses on armor over spandex. His Batman exudes a gritty, Gothic vibe, inspiring the look of Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight in 2022's The Batman.
Gotham by Gaslight Batman
Gotham by Gaslight's steampunk Victorian Batman, illustrated by Mike Mignola, perfectly adapts the Batsuit with stitched leather and a billowing cloak. This iconic design continues to influence through follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.
Golden Age Batman
Bob Kane and Bill Finger's original Batsuit design, with its curved ears, purple gloves, and bat-wing-like cape, has remained largely unchanged for nearly 90 years, serving as the foundation for all subsequent versions.
Batman Rebirth
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman Rebirth suit refines the New 52 design, bringing back the yellow oval and adding a distinctive purple inner lining to the cape, echoing the Golden Age. This modern redesign is a standout, despite its short-lived use.
Bronze Age Batman
In 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 aligned with the character's ninja-like abilities. This era's design remains a benchmark for many fans.
Batman: Hush
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline introduced a sleek, elegant Batsuit that ditched the yellow oval for a black emblem. This design became the standard for years, influencing subsequent artists and even returning after the New 52 and DC Rebirth eras.
How the New Batsuit Compares
Jorge Jiménez's new Batsuit for the relaunch of DC's Batman series in September 2025 with writer Matt Fraction 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 is larger and more angular, adding a fresh twist to the Hush costume. While it's exciting to see Batman evolve, the staying power of this new look remains to be seen.