Are you a fan of the TV show Marvels Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. ? If you are there is something every fan needs, and that's there very own AOS badge. There are several versions of the AOS badge available, which started with the original and official full size prop badge that was introduced, I believe at the New York 2013 Comic Con then later available as a GameStop Power Up Reward. Soon after came the knock offs, and as soon as I saw it at a reasonable price on Ebay, bought one of those Chinese made knock offs. I was pleasantly surprised and immediately purchased the next incarnation which was the concave badge with pin back.
So when the latest version came out, I was excited to get it.. Keep in mind that this is another Made in China knock off replica. But just because something is made in China, doesn't mean its low quality. And this badge is a good example of that
Lets start with its size, approx 25% smaller than the Official Full-size replica, this one is lighter and thinner. Its advertised as being made of leather, yet I tend to think they are referring to PVC leather which is a popular type of faux leather. At arms length, its beautiful, but when you bring it up for a closer look you can see and feel that its just not leather.
The cover has a nice stamp of the SHIELD logo on it, and in my opinion makes up for it being faux leather. Stitching is nicely done and the case itself feels sturdy.
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When opened you find the badge and ID, both nicely compliment the other. Though the size of the badge is noticeably smaller, it gives a less bulky feel when the case is closed.
This ID is of Jemma Simmons, but all the character badges are basically the same. Made from the same PVC plastic as a credit card, also the same size. On the back is the SHIELD logo. If you don't plan on using the ID or dont care about which character car you get, shop around a bit. I got the Jemma Simmons badge case because it was the cheapest one of the AOS characters. Skyes & Coulson being the more pricey ones. There are several sellers on Ebay that sell this same exact card customized with your photo and information.
The badge itself is just stunning, made of the same metal and finish as the larger China Made badges, this one measures 2 inches by 2 inches. Its not bulky or have a high curve so it sits nicely in the case. The badge is glued into the case, and that is not something I like. My concern is how strong is the glue used and will it someday just fall out of the case? Though I would have preferred a removable badge, I must admit to liking the way this badge looks in the case. And since its glued in, there is no wiggling movement the way an unsecured badge would have.
This like all things has it pros and cons.
The case is NOT leather, its faux leather - CON
The case has a cool SHIELD logo - PRO
The case is smaller and easier to handle - PRO
The ID is generic at best - CON
The ID is heavy PVC plastic - PRO
The badge is smaller but looks nice in the case - PRO
The badge is not TV show prop accurate size - CON
So you be the judge, I bought mine on Amazon, but you can also find these on Ebay... and can likely get it cheaper if your willing to bid rather than using the BUY NOW option.
