Hmmm interesting, would Mattel do this as a nod to all the package variants for the original LJN line? Also note that the dagger is flipped in each package. I’ll have to go check mine out.
I agree. It seems more likely that it would be changed for some production/packing/QC advantage. Do you think that later runs were produced with the claw shield off? Are there UPC number differences or anything to differentiate the two?
One would assume it was due to the issues surrounding removing the claw shield from the belt. That said I got 5 Lion-Os, 3 sub 2 DOS, and all of them are the initial configuration, with the shield on his belt.
I picked up one on the day of sale and I have a sub as well. Thanks for pointing out the packaging difference going to have to check this out after I get home from work.