New Batman Costume Unveiled: Top Batsuits Ranked

Exciting news for Batman fans: DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series this September, featuring a fresh Batsuit designed by artist Jorge Jiménez. This new look brings back the iconic blue cape and cowl, a nod to the classic style after nearly 90 years of evolving designs. But how does this new Batsuit stack up against the legends? We've curated a list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age to modern iterations like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Dive in to see our picks and discover the evolution of Batman's iconic attire.

For fans of the cinematic Dark Knight, don't miss our ranked list of all the movie Batsuits, where we delve into the film versions of Batman's iconic look.

The 10 Greatest Batman Costumes of All Time

12 Images10. ‘90s Batman

Tim Burton's 1989 Batman film introduced a striking all-black Batsuit that became a cultural icon. While DC Comics didn't fully adopt this look in their main continuity (except in actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89), the 1995 storyline "Troika" brought a similar all-black body suit to the comics, complemented by the traditional blue cape and cowl. This design added edgy elements like boot spikes, enhancing Batman's intimidating presence and stealth capabilities, and it became the standard for the remainder of the '90s.

9. Batman Incorporated

Following Bruce Wayne's return after his presumed death in 2008's Final Crisis, DC launched Batman Incorporated with a new suit designed by David Finch. This costume revived the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and eliminated the black trunks, offering a cohesive and functional design. Unlike the later New 52 suit, the Batman Inc. suit successfully balanced armor-like aesthetics with a streamlined look, distinguishing Bruce Wayne from Dick Grayson, who was also donning the Batman mantle at the time. The only minor flaw was the somewhat comical armored codpiece.

8. Absolute Batman

Absolute Batman, from a rebooted DCU where Bruce Wayne lacks his usual resources, showcases a formidable and heavily weaponized Batsuit. From razor-sharp ear daggers to a battle axe disguised as the Bat emblem, and a cape transformed into arm-like tendrils, this suit is a testament to Batman's ingenuity. The sheer size and imposing nature of this Batman, humorously dubbed "the Batman who lifts" by writer Scott Snyder, make it a standout.

7. Flashpoint Batman

In the Flashpoint timeline, where a young Bruce Wayne is killed, his father Thomas Wayne becomes Batman. This alternate Batman sports a darker costume with bold red accents on the Bat emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters, complemented by dramatic shoulder spikes on the cape. This Batman's willingness to use guns and a sword adds to his visually striking and unique presence.

6. Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman

Lee Bermejo's distinctive take on the Batsuit emphasizes armor over traditional spandex, giving Batman a gritty, functional look. This design, with its haunting and Gothic quality, inspired the aesthetic of Robert Pattinson's portrayal in 2022's The Batman. Bermejo's work across various projects, including the infamous Batman: Damned, showcases this unique vision of the Dark Knight.

5. Gotham by Gaslight Batman

Gotham by Gaslight presents Batman in a steampunk Victorian setting, with a Batsuit that trades spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak. Illustrated by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, this Batman is iconic, shrouded in shadow and exuding a raw, granite-like presence. This version has been further explored in 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 nearly 90 years, proving its timeless appeal. The Golden Age suit introduced unique features like curved ears and purple gloves, adding a menacing yet colorful flair. Its cape, resembling bat wings, adds a fun and distinctive element that continues to inspire modern artists.

3. Batman Rebirth

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman Rebirth costume improved upon the New 52 design, retaining a tactical look while simplifying extraneous details. The addition of yellow around the Bat emblem and a purple inner lining of the cape paid homage to Batman's Golden Age roots. Although short-lived, this Batsuit set a high standard for modern redesigns.

2. Bronze Age Batman

During the late '60s and '70s, Batman's comics shifted from campy to more serious storytelling, with artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López defining the character's look. While maintaining the classic blue cape and cowl with a yellow oval, these artists portrayed Batman as a lean, agile figure, fitting his ninja-like persona. García-López's design has become a staple on Batman merchandise, setting a benchmark for the character's aesthetic.

1. Batman: Hush

Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's Hush storyline marked the beginning of the modern era of Batman comics, thanks in part to Lee's elegant and simple Batsuit redesign. The removal of the yellow oval and introduction of a sleek black emblem, combined with Lee's dynamic portrayal of Batman's physique, solidified this look as the go-to design for subsequent artists. Its influence persisted through various eras, including the New 52 and DC Rebirth, before reverting to the Hush costume due to its enduring appeal.

How the New Batsuit Compares

With the upcoming relaunch of DC's Batman series in September 2025 by Jorge Jiménez and writer Matt Fraction, fans will see a new Batsuit that retains the essence of the Hush design while introducing fresh elements. The return of the blue cape and cowl, along with a heavily shaded cape reminiscent of Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series, and a larger, more angular blue Bat emblem, adds a unique twist. As Batman continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether this new look will stand the test of time like its predecessors.