Having said that I have to admit that I'm still quite astonished to hear that your examples of 'early' and 'late' Livraghi artwork could have been produced by the same artist. In my experience it's almost unheard of for any artist's style to change that radically in such a short time.
One possible explanation is suggested by the fact that Ron Nielsen (a brilliant colourist) was apparently employed to provide the colour finishes for Hugh McNeill's 'Harold Hare' during the same period. Bearing this in mind it seems quite reasonable to assume that he could have been asked to use his experience as an animation artist in softening Livraghi's style as well.
Though he may have taken over the strip quite late in the day, however, I do feel that the Bert Felstead version of Leo came closest to being the definitive one. Whereas Livraghi made him look a little bit too much like a real lion for my taste, and Nielsen gave him a perpetually worried look, it seems to me that the Felstead Leo had a special twinkle in his eye that could somehow make him look mischievous, timorous, playful and friendly all at the same time. This is especially noticeable in the half-dozen or so pages of original art I've been lucky enough to acquire. (When I get chance I'll try to post a few more of those...!).
As far as Lupatelli goes, however, I'm afraid I've never even seen his version. I'd be really fascinated to see an example of this if you have time to scan it Matrix!
- Phil Rushton
