Like Follow Follow Superfan builds working Captain America shield

Captain America is one of Marvel universe's strongest and most resilient superheroes, but, for some, Cap is nothing without his extraordinary shield. The Captain uses it to protect himself and others and throws it around like a boomerang. Who wouldn't want one of their own? 

Even without vibranium or a place in Africa called Wakanda, James Hobson, a.k.a. The Hacksmith, fulfilled this super hero dream and built a realistic and relatively functional Captain America Shield.

Hobson's shield looks the part, but instead of being powered by Marvel superhero magic, it uses two powerful electromagnets to stay attached to Hobson's forearm.

The magnets, which when powered on with 66 volts (as opposed to the standard 12 v), can hold approximately 3,000 pounds. Hobson demonstrated their power by lifting a variety of metal debris in his metal-working workshop.

The design of the shield itself was actually crafted by Machina Props.

In the video and teaser (there's a longer video coming, which promises to show more Captain America Electromagnet Shield action), Hobson, who previously built a working Batman grappling hook and Batarangs,  is shown throwing the metal shield at a cushioned wall, but he doesn't catch it like Captain America. In fact, Hobson notes that despite the electromagnets' impressive power, it cannot draw back the shield from any distance.

Sorry, Cap — maybe this isn't the shield for you.