2022 Batman Gift Guide - Day 12: Running Press Metal Die-Cast Bat-Signal

Running Press has released a 5-inch tall metal die-cast replica of the bat-signal, complete with LED projector and rotatable base, as well as a 48-page booklet covering the history of the signal. It's perfect for any desk, mantle, or comic book shelf.

The first thing you notice when you open up the box is just how solid this thing is. Like it says in the title, it's die-cast metal, and standing at five inches tall, it comes in at around one and a half pounds. The detailing is also very impressive. The signal itself can rotate a full 360 degrees on its base, and it's able to tilt 45 degrees upwards for when you need to send out the call for the caped crusader. Because it's fully operational, the wiring doesn't feel out of place at all. It simply looks like a miniaturized version of the kind of electronics you'd expect on the real thing. The button to turn the light on and off is nicely hidden away under the casing for the LED, so it doesn't feel obtrusive.

Finally, we get to the main attraction for the bat-signal: the signal itself. Powered by three AAA batteries (not included), the bat-signal's LED light advertises itself as being able to project up to 20ft, and it's definitely not lying. I waited until night to try out this feature in my office, and it was able to brilliantly project the signal all the way across the room in a way that still maintained a sharp definition of the bat logo itself. I'm not sure what the absolute maximum range of the light would be; unfortunately my attempts to shine into the clouds of the night sky were unsuccessful. The light itself does have a very slight greenish tint to it, though it's not very noticeable. I imagine this is because the LED inside is a slight blue (like many LEDs are) which then mixes with the yellow lens. Overall it's a very impressive feature that can make any room feel like Gotham.

In addition to the bat-signal itself, this comes with a small, 48-page hardcover booklet. It's filled with a brief history of Batman and the bat-signal. There are comic page excerpts of some of the signal's notable appearances, as well as some nice artwork. It's a neat little bonus to the signal itself, and can be an enjoyable and informative quick read for those who are interested in the legacy of this iconic piece of Batman lore.

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