Like most years before it, 2021 featured numerous new costumes within the DC Comics universe for its heroes, villains, and reformed former villains. From events to ongoing series and limited series, the wardrobes of DC's characters were filled with updated designs, long-awaited tweaks, or entirely new and bold redesigns. And now that the year is coming to a close, it's time to pick DC's best dressed.
Screen Rant has compiled the best new looks that made their debut in the DC Comics universe from 2021. There is no way to tell if these designs will stand the test of time, be quickly erased, or come to represent entire eras of the publisher's mission. While it's too soon to make those calls, these are just a handful of the new DC costumes that we couldn't get enough of this year.
Batman: Urban Legends - Red Hood
Chip Zdarsky, Eddy Barrow, Eber Ferreira, Scott Eaton, Julio Ferreira, Oclair Albert, Marcus To, Adriano Lucas, Becca Carey (Editors: Jessica Chen, Ben Abernathy, Dave Wielgosz)
Jason Todd makes the list in his mash-up look from Batman: Urban Legends #6 in the finale story "Cheer." He combined part of his current Red Hood mask with an old Batsuit recovered from the Batcave, creating a new look out of a classic one (or two). Batman's suit provides the protection Jason needs to provide the much-needed antidote to his mentor, who is suffering the effects of a dangerous toxin. This suit blends the best of both heroes' looks, while also possessing tons of emotional significance for longtime fans of Jason Todd.
Fear State - Batgirl
Tom Taylor, Robbi Rodriguez, Adriano Lucas, Wes Abbott (Editors: Ben Abernathy, Jessica Chenn)
Batgirl's new suit, which debuted at the end of Nightwing #84, is a hit for multiple reasons. It brings back elements of her classic look while including updates based on her current role and status in the DCU. As her significance in the role of Oracle returned in recent months, Batgirl is needed to suit up once more. This new suit incorporates additional structure for her spine to lessen the strain of superheroics (providing a unique, additional mobility aid). It also allows her to effectively glide with her wings since they can be made rigid. Her outfit has new functions and better form, making it perfect for her present needs and challenges.
Wonder Girl/Nubia and the Amazons - Nubia
Joëlle Jones, Jordie Bellaire, Clayton Cowles (Editors: Marie Javins, Jamie S. Rich, Brittany Holzherr, Bixie Mathieu)
Nubia's role in DC Comics grew throughout 2021, becoming the new queen of Themyscira. That kind of promotion calls for a wardrobe upgrade, which makes its first appearance in the pages of Wonder Girl #1, but has since been carried over into her very own comic: Nubia and The Amazons. The costume is constructed of a regal blue dress with asymmetrical armor, lion pauldrons on occasion, and the wealth of golden accents expected of a queen. The historically-informed armor is as stunning as it is iconic, and fans are already looking forward to seeing more of it in the future.
Superman and the Authority - Superman
Grant Morrison, Mikel Janín, Jordie Bellaire, Steve Wands (Editors: Jamie S. Rich, Diego Lopez)
This year, Superman received a new suit as he teamed up with the Authority. The team hadn't been seen in full in many years, and are (or were) typically considered the kinds of heroes the Man of Steel aligns with only when absolutely necessary. However, the fact that Superman is losing his powers forces them to join forces -- thereby allowing him to show off a new look. The short-sleeved suit brings the return of Superman's iconic symbol debuted in Kingdom Come, while also ditching his signature cape. After all this time, it's still unclear what fans will have a harder time accepting: Superman in gloves, or Superman officially going gray.
Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point - Catwoman
Christos Gage, Reilly Brown, Nelson Faro DeCastro, John Kalisz, AndWorld Design, Donald Mustard (Editors: Katie Kubert, Liz Erickson)
This year, Batman entered the world of Fortnite, the hit battle royale video game. Within the series, both Batman and Catwoman receive new outfits, able to be enjoyed both in the comic, and the game itself. But when the heroes get a look at the multiverse of other Batman and Catwoman clones (created as part of the much larger Fortnite mystery), readers catch a glimpse of an instantly eye-catching Catsuit. The closed-face suit has nods to Selina's usual attire known and loved by comic fans, while incorporating Fortnite's Lynx Cassandra--blending the best of DC and Fortnite.
Fear State - Poison Ivy
Ram V, Mike Perkins, Mike Spicer, Aditya Bidikar (Editors: Diego Lopez, Jamie S. Rich)
Poison Ivy was experimented on by Simon Saint and first appeared in her Queen Ivy form in The Swamp Thing #3. She was physically split into two, with important aspects of her personality being separated. When she merged her halves once more, she was reborn with a new look, but her Queen Ivy outfit is definitely the best of the two. It's regal, organic, and absolutely gorgeous. It flows beautifully and more than deserves a spot on the list. Poison Ivy is an expert at incorporating florals into her wardrobe, and nowhere is that more evident than here.
Wonder Woman Historia - The Amazons
It might be cheating to group this entire roster as one collective entry, but no 'best comic costumes' list could be complete without the newest iteration of these warrior women. While Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons #1 released rather late in the year, it was worth the wait. The complexity of the Amazons' outfits is mind-blowing, with each telling its own nuanced story, pertaining to their tribe and mythological influences. An entire museum exhibit could be created around the outfits, meaning it's impossible to catch every detail in a single glance. Make no mistake: the Amazons brought their best this year.
Infinite Frontier - Wonder Woman
Becky Cloonan, Michael W. Conrad, Alitha Martinez, Mark Morales, Emilio Lopez
Infinite Frontier #0 reset the whole of DC continuity, ushering in a new era following the end of the Dark Nights: Death Metal event. Wonder Woman saved the multiverse by sacrificing herself, refusing an opportunity to become one of the immortal Quintessence--the most powerful group of beings in DC's universe. Thankfully, this refusal resulted in one of the best Wonder Woman outfits to date. Blending elements of her main costume, but shifting the color scheme to ethereal white and silver, Diana's new look has her set for the journey through Valhalla ahead of her. This outfit is elegant and fierce, presenting the best aspects of the heroine and an angelic look that helped kick off DC's new era. Steve Trevor has a history of calling her "angel," but DC truly made her one this year.