Batman has had many looks over the years throughout comics, games, TV, cartoons, movies, and more. With the Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight set releasing next month, we have seen many costume reveals for the character, but I still think there are other costumes I’d like added to the game. From the reveals we have seen so far, this game seems like a celebration of Batman. The game adapts multiple versions of the character through movies, comics, and cartoons. This is a perfect time to introduce and honor some of Batman’s greatest costumes throughout the various forms of media in which the character has been portrayed.
This list comprises various costumes, many of which are fairly well known, but there are also costumes here that are not as popular and that I feel deserve more recognition. Lego is a brand full of creativity and variety, so this is a perfect gateway for many fans to be introduced to many versions of this character. Here is my list for the top 10 skins that need to be in Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight
Honorable Mention 1: Owl Man
First introduced in Justice League of America #29 in August 1964 and created by Gardner Fox alongside Mike Sekowsky, Owl Man is an alternate, evil version of Batman from another Earth. The villain believes there is no point to anything because there are infinite Earths in which every possible outcome occurs. His costume looks really cool with the silver, the goggles, and that feather cape. As much as I love this look, I would rather see Owl Man as his own character in a DLC or possibly the main story for the game. 
Honorable Mention 2: Dark Detective
This is a more recent look for Batman, first appearing in Future State: Dark Detective #1, released in January 2021. The book is written by Mariko Tamaki and drawn by the legendary Dan Mora. In the story, Bruce Wayne is broke and works as an underground vigilante against a regime in a dystopian Gotham City. The spray-painted logo is really unique. I also love the trench coat and armor on the costume. As much as I love this costume, there are others I want a little more. 
10: Absolute Batman
This very recent, unique version of Batman first appears in Absolute Batman #1, published in October 2024, written by Scott Snyder and drawn by Nick Dragotta. Absolute Batman is an alternate version of the character who is a construction worker and a member of the middle class. Absolute Batman is a monster, with long knife ears, spikes on his shoulders, and a logo that looks more like a brick than a bat (which works for LEGO). I think a more modern comic Batman would be a good fit for this game. 
9: Gotham By Gaslight
This version of Batman first appeared in the graphic novel Batman: Gotham by Gaslight, released in February 1989, and was written by Brian Augustyn with art by Mike Mignola. Batman in Gotham By Gaslight is a version of the character that exists in the 1880’s and takes on Jack the Ripper. This costume was available in LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham, so I think it would be cool to get an updated version. It would be unique compared to the other costumes, with the rope tying the cape together, the old-fashioned cloth material, and the crazy-looking belt. 
8: The Batman 2004
The Batman is a cartoon I remember watching growing up. The show was released in September 2004 and was directed by Brandon Vietti, Seung Eun Kim, Anthony Chun, and Sam Liu. One thing I specifically love about the show is Batman’s costume. He has the classic yellow oval as his logo, along with distinct features such as a really long cape, big, sharp eyes, and talons on his gloves. This Batman is cool in every way and would make a great addition to the game. 
7: Two-Face Batman
This Batman first appeared in the 2009 run, Batman Reborn run by Grant Morrison, making a prominent appearance in issue 691. This run took place right after the Battle for the Cowl arc. The Two-Face Batman is a wackier costume that would be fun and unique for the game. Red and black are my all-time favorite color combinations, and it looks really cool on the costume. This look would stand out really well compared to the other costumes. 
6: Rebirth Batman
This is one of my favorite Batman looks ever. First appearing in June 2016 in Batman: Rebirth #1, written by Scott Snyder and art by Mikel Janín, the rebirth Batman was a fresh reset to the DC universe. The logo is the plain bat with a yellow border, making it pop. The inside of the cape is also purple, which is a cool, unique feature for a Batman costume. The yellow belt is a nice touch as well. 
5: Vampire Batman
First appearing in Tales of the Multiverse: Batman Vampire, written by Doug Moench and illustrated by Kelly Jones in 1991, this is a dark tale of Batman. This version of Batman faced Dracula and became a vampire himself. This is another costume that appeared in LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham, but it would still be nice to see it again. The fangs and blood make this version of Batman absolutely terrifying. Normally, I don’t like super-long ears on Batman, but for this version, it works exceptionally well and somehow makes him look scarier than he already is. 
4: Flashpoint Batman
Flashpoint Batman first appeared in Flashpoint #1, written by Geoff Johns and art by Andy Kubert, in May 2011. This version of Batman is Thomas Wayne, Bruce Wayne’s father. In this timeline, Bruce is shot and killed in the alley. Martha Wayne is unable to handle the grief, going crazy and becoming the Joker of this universe. Thomas Wayne becomes Batman not only to strike fear into the hearts of criminals, but also to ensure they never become a problem again. Unlike Bruce, Thomas isn’t afraid of killing and using guns. We saw this costume in Batman: Arkham Knight, and it looked amazing. This version, however, should have a cape that covers his arms while gliding. The red behind the logo is cool, along with the red holsters, belt, and eyes. My favorite part is the spikes on the shoulders. Overall, it’s just a perfect design. 
3: Azrael Batman
Azrael first took on the mantle as Batman during the Knightfall run in Batman #500, written by Doug Moench with art by Jim Aparo in August 1993. Jean-Paul Valley, a.k.a Azrael, takes up the mantle of Batman after Bruce Wayne gets his back broken by Bane in the events of Knightfall. This costume is extremely ridiculous, which I love. It has so many spikes on it, along with the red visor, and bulky gauntlets. This is just a crazy look players can wear if they want a more extreme Batman look. 
2: Justice Lord Batman
This version of the Dark Knight first appeared in the animated Justice League series developed by the iconic duo, Bruce Timm and Paul Dini, in November 2003. This Batman is an alternate evil version of Batman from another timeline. The costume is simple and clean with the silver cape/cowl combo, and the rest of the suit is black. The silver logo also looks really awesome. Everything about this costume screams cool. 
1: Hellbat Armor Batman
This crazy looking armor first appeared in Batman and Robin #33, written by Peter Tomasi and drawn by Patrick Gleason in 2014. The Justice League makes this armor for Batman when he has to fight Darkseid in Hell after taking Damien Wayne, Batman’s son. The armor is as cool as the story behind it. It is all black with a red Bat symbol and visor. There are also red lines throughout to break up the design. The shoulders and knees also have spikes, which is a nice touch. The armor also comes equipped with clawed gauntlets, the best part of the look. There are also wings so Batman can fly in the armor. What else could you want out of a Batman suit? It’s just perfection.
All of these costumes represent unique moments and stories in Batman’s history. These creators and artists deserve to be recognized by fans, new and old, because the costumes I have chosen are important parts of the characters’ histories. Whether you agree with the list or not, behind each of these designs are hard-working artists. Artists who put real time, effort, and care into these stories. Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is a celebration of all things Batman. The history of comics, movies, games, and cartoons. The costumes need to reflect this, too.
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