Batman’s High-Tech Armor Stays True to His Original Costume

Batman’s purple glove costume isn’t just one of his boldest fashion statements; it’s also a throwback to his original costume debut. While some might consider this fashion choice a relic of the Dark Knight’s past, it’s making a surprising comeback in the main continuity, albeit with a significant high-tech upgrade.

Scheduled for release on July 3, 2024, Absolute Power #1 by Mark Waid and Dan Mora heralds the beginning of DC’s summer blockbuster event bearing the same name. This storyline will pit the Trinity of Evil (Amanda Waller, Brainiac Queen, and Failsafe) against the greatest heroes of the DC Universe in a battle that will decide the fate of all metahumans.

ABSOLUTE POWER #1 (2024)
Release Date:	July 3, 2024
Writers:	Mark Waid
Artists:	Dan Mora
Cover Artist:	Dan Mora
Variant Covers:	Stephen Bliss, Puppeteer Lee, Chris Samnee, Dan Mora, Chrissie Zullo, John Timms, and Wes Craig
THE TRINITY OF EVIL HAS WON. DC’s epic summer event kicks off with a bang, as the combined might of FAILSAFE and the BRAINIAC QUEEN has at last given Amanda Waller the ability to steal the metahuman abilities of every hero and villain on planet Earth. As chaos erupts in the streets and a massive misinformation campaign sways public opinion to her side, the founder of the Suicide Squad methodically targets each superhero dynasty one at a time, starting with SUPERMAN. But even in this darkest of hours, a resistance is forming…and BATMAN is out for vengeance. It’s a shocking blitzkrieg across the globe that is decades in the making–and will shape the course of the DC Universe for years to come! Brought to you by the superstar talents of MARK WAID and DAN MORA–it all starts here!

A variant cover by Dan Mora hints at significant costume upgrades for the “Big Seven” of the former Justice League, meaning fans’ favorite heroes will be batting it out in style. Including Batman, whose new high-tech armor pays homage to his original costume.

Dan Mora Gives Batman’s Purple Glove Look a High-Tech Upgrade for Absolute Power

Mora’s variant cover depicts Batman donning a heavily armored Batsuit that appears to have undergone significant upgrades. While the specifics of these enhancements remain unclear, it’s almost certain that the Dark Knight is returning more equipped than ever, especially after numerous losses to Failsafe. Hence, the upgrades were likely designed with defeating Failsafe in mind. Additionally, the suit pays homage to Bruce’s original Bat-Suit in comics, which notably featured purple gloves. However, this new suit elevates the purple gloves with a cybernetic-looking upgrade, adding an extra layer of badassery compared to the cloth gloves Bruce originally wore.

Batman’s original costume first appeared in Detective Comics #27, introduced by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger in May 1939. This iconic attire boasted the timeless combination of black and gray, complemented by a black speedo and a vibrant yellow utility belt. Notably, the cape resembled rigid bat wings, and the cowl sported elongated, pointed ears that subtly protruded. However, what truly set Finger and Kane’s creation apart was the addition of the iconic purple gloves. Mora’s inclusion of purple gloves for Batman’s Absolute Power Bat-Suit is likely a direct tribute to Kane and Finger’s original creation.

Batman’s Original Costume Has Also Returned in the Ongoing The Bat-Man: First Knight Series

Mora’s Bat-Suit tribute to the original costume isn’t the only recent nod to the Dark Knight’s iconic attire. In Dan Jurgens and Mike Perkins’ ongoing The Bat-Man: First Knight mini-series, Batman’s inaugural suit takes center stage. Set in 1939, this gritty retelling of the Caped Crusader’s early exploits faithfully replicates the ensemble created by Finger and Kane. Hence, it’s in sharp contrast to Mora’s cutting-edge interpretation of the suit. Nevertheless, DC’s concerted effort to reintroduce Batman’s classic Bat-Suit is evident and is most definitely approved of by the purple-loving Batgirl Stephanie Brown.

Absolute Power #1 will be released on July 3, 2024, from DC Comics!