Review of Captain America's Shield - Prop Replica
Marvel Legends

Introduction

I have a bar area in my basement, and many of my favorite prop replicas are scattered about. Some come, some go, only a few stay for the long haul. Even fewer get shown off whenever someone new stops by to visit.  But I never fail to show people the Ghostbusters replicas produced by Mattel - yes, Mattel. They didn't do a great job with all their low cost replicas *coughhoverboardcough* but the work the did with the trap, wand, and PKE Meter was terrific, better than many far more expensive replicas.

Hasbro picked up on the idea, and are branding some full scale replicas under their Marvel Legends line.  The first release is the full size shield from Captain America, a truly iconic prop. They are actually doing two versions - a plastic release, which I'm reviewing tonight and which is currently available at Toys R Us for $100, and a metal release, due out in the fall and costing $300.

I've wanted a Cap shield - and Thor's hammer - for quite awhile now. I've oogled the high end versions released by other companies, but just haven't been able to pull the trigger on the high cost. But I was hopeful that this one, with it's reasonable price point, would do the trick. And if not, maybe it would be a good sign that the metal version would be the ultimate prop at the best possible price.  What's the result?

Packaging - **1/2
It's a big box, and it keeps the shield relatively safe inside. It's not collector friendly - you'll need to cut some hard plastic ties to free the beast - but that's a minor quibble with an item like this.  I do wish they had wrapped the shield itself with some plastic or foam paper to avoid scratching the surface against the cardboard, and mine suffered because of it.

Sculpting - ****
This is a full size replica, measuring 24" across.  There are two straps in back, fully adjustable of course, and very, very well constructed. They are attached tightly to the back, with little chance of damage or breakage.

The surface is ribbed at the edge of each circular strip as well as the edge of the star itself. The quality of the work is excellent, and the back even has faux rivets. While this is made from light weight plastic, it's still got enough heft. If you're a cosplayer looking for the ideal shield, you're going to love this one.

It's also worth noting that they paid appropriate attention to the placement of the straps on back. When your arm is through both (or you line them up that way on the wall), the star will be straight with a single point at the top.

Speaking of putting it on the wall, they didn't supply any sort of hanger or attachment. You'll need to come up with our own, depending on your situation.

Paint - **1/2
I suspect this is going to be a very hit or miss category, since the surface of the shield is very high gloss and prone to rub marks.  Without any plastic covering in the box, the cardboard can rub against it, and I think that's where my issues arose.

In the photo below you can see one of two rub marks on the blue that I had. You'll also see white spots in some of the photos, but that's all dust. Trust me, this thing is a dust magnet!  But those two rub marks do bum me out a bit, especially since the rest of the paint work is so good.

The paint has a stippled look that adds a metallic texture to the plastic parts. It's a smart move, and I think the same sort of paint work on an actual metal shield would look fantastic.

Fun Factor - ****
If you're a cosplayer, most of your lower end shield choices are pretty weak. Many will make their own of course, which is always a great option if you have the skills, but for the rest of us, it's either a cheap version or one so expensive that it's a rent check.

This one is a great option in the middle. Obviously, $100 is still not cheap, but the quality is there, and the light weight nature works much better if you'll be carrying it on your arm (or back) all day at a convention. It is possible to damage the high gloss paint banging it into other people and costumes, a sure thing to happen on a crowded convention floor, but Cap's has some battle damage as well.

Value - ***1/2
I wish the paint were a bit better on mine, but I plan on mounting it to the wall and waiting to see what the $300 version looks like.  If the metal isn't three times better - and it will be tough to pull that off - then I'll stick with this one.  The heft is reasonable, the quality of the straps is solid, and the overall appearance on the wall is great.

Things to Watch Out For -
Cross your fingers on the paint job out of the box.  If it gets to you clean, you should be able to keep it that way, unless you'll be cosplaying with it of course.  But even then, the damage can always be altered to look like the sort of thing you saw on screen...

Overall - ***1/2
Considering the price point, which is critical here, the quality is very good.  The size is impressive, and the fake leather straps work extremely well. It will take a little effort to come up with the best way to hang it on the wall, but it's not insurmountable.

I will look at the metal version too, but the problem there will be weight.  Even something like aluminum is going to be pretty hefty, making it more difficult to carry, and more difficult to mount.  Whether the feel of the metal and the likely better paint job is worth the extra $200 remains to be seen.

Score Recap (out of ****):
Packaging - **1/2
Sculpting - ****
Paint - **1/2
Fun Factor - ****
Value - ***1/2
Overall - ***1/2

Where to Buy 
Online options include these site sponsors:

- Entertainment Earth has this plastic version for $100, and the metal on pre-order for $300.

- or you can search ebay for a deal.

Related Links -
While this is my first Captain America prop, I've covered plenty of other replicas over the years. You should hit the Search Reviews page to find them, or in case any other applicable reviews were done after this one was published.

Discussion:
Want to chat about this review?  Try out one of these terrific forums where I'll be discussing it!

Enjoyed this review? Be sure to head back to the main page to find thousands more just like it!