Exciting news for Batman fans: DC Comics is set to relaunch its flagship Batman series this September, and artist Jorge Jiménez has unveiled a stunning new Batsuit that reintroduces the classic blue cape and cowl. After nearly 90 years, DC continues to innovate the Dark Knight's iconic look, keeping fans eagerly anticipating what's next.

But how does this new Batsuit stack up against the classics? We've curated a list of the 10 greatest Batman costumes from the comics, spanning from the original Golden Age design to contemporary reimaginings like Batman Incorporated and Batman Rebirth. Dive in to explore these legendary looks.

For those more interested in the cinematic side of the Caped Crusader, 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, the all-black Batsuit became an iconic look, though DC only partially adopted it in the comics outside of actual Burton-Verse tie-ins like Batman ‘89. The 1995 storyline "Troika" brought a Batsuit that combined the all-black body with a traditional blue cape and cowl, adding spikes to Batman's boots for a more intimidating and stealthy appearance. This design became the standard for the Caped Crusader throughout the '90s.

9. Batman Incorporated

Following Bruce Wayne's return after his apparent death in 2008's Final Crisis, DC launched Batman Incorporated with a new costume designed by David Finch. This suit brought back the classic yellow oval around the Bat emblem and eliminated the black trunks, offering a more functional and visually cohesive look than the later New 52 suit. It distinguished Bruce from Dick Grayson, who was also Batman at the time, though the armored codpiece remains a quirky element.

8. Absolute Batman

Absolute Batman, the newest addition to this list, presents a formidable and imposing version of the Dark Knight. In a rebooted DCU, Bruce Wayne, without his usual resources, crafts a Batsuit that's a weapon from head to toe, featuring razor-sharp ear daggers and a battle-axe Bat emblem. The sheer size and redesigned, tendril-like cape make this suit stand out, earning it the nickname "the Batman who lifts" from writer Scott Snyder.

7. Flashpoint Batman

In the alternate Flashpoint timeline, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after young Bruce's murder. This darker version sports a Batsuit with bold red accents on the emblem, utility belt, and leg holsters, complemented by dramatic shoulder spikes and the use of guns and a sword. It's a visually striking take on an alternate universe Batman.

6. Lee Bermejo’s Armored Batman

Lee Bermejo's distinctive Batsuit, seen in works like Batman/Deathblow and the infamous Batman: Damned, is a departure from the typical spandex, focusing on armor and function. This gritty, Gothic-inspired design influenced Robert Pattinson's Batsuit in 2022's The Batman, showcasing Bermejo's impact on the character's visual evolution.

5. Gotham by Gaslight Batman

Set in a steampunk Victorian world, Gotham by Gaslight's Batman, illustrated by Mike Mignola, trades spandex for stitched leather and a billowing cloak. This iconic design, fitting perfectly into its setting, continues to inspire through follow-up stories like Gotham by Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age.

4. Golden Age Batman

Bob Kane and Bill Finger's original Batsuit has remained largely unchanged for nearly 90 years, a testament to its timeless design. Unique features like curved ears and purple gloves, along with a cape resembling bat wings, make it a standout. Modern artists often revisit this classic look, keeping it relevant.

3. Batman Rebirth

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman Rebirth costume improved upon the New 52 design, retaining a tactical look while adding color with a yellow-outlined Bat emblem and a purple-lined cape. This modern redesign, though short-lived, is considered one of the best.

2. Bronze Age Batman

During the late '60s and '70s, artists like Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, and José Luis García-López redefined Batman's look, shifting from camp to serious action and detective stories. Their work emphasized Batman's physicality, portraying him as a lean, agile ninja rather than a bulky brawler. This era's design remains a benchmark for many fans.

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 redesign. The sleek, black Bat emblem replaced the yellow oval, and Lee's dynamic artwork made Batman appear powerful enough to face his greatest foes. 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, debuting in the relaunched Batman series in September 2025 with writer Matt Fraction, brings back the blue cape and cowl, diverging from the recent trend of black. The heavily shaded cape and angular, blue Bat emblem evoke the style of Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series. While it's exciting to see Batman evolve, only time will tell if this new look will endure like its predecessors.