In the vibrant tapestry of British comic book history, few characters have prowled the pages with as much vigor and charm as The Leopard from Lime Street. Created and written by Tom Tully with art from Mike Western and Eric Bradbury, this iconic series burst onto the scene on 27th March 1976, nestled within the pages of Buster #806, a beloved comic anthology and ran until 18th May 1985 (also appearing in annuals and specials span off from the title with the final published adventure appearing in the Buster Annual 1987). The weekly instalments were typically three pages long, and printed in black and white and the Leopard swiftly became a cherished figure, captivating readers with his unique blend of teenage drama and feline superpowers alongside its realistic artwork compared to Buster’s more cartoony other strips. Western’s artistic prowess breathed life into the vivid world of The Leopard. The character’s striking appearance, donning a leopard-themed costume with distinctive feline features, leaped off the pages. Western’s dynamic illustrations captured the essence of action and emotion, imbuing the series with a visual vibrancy that complemented its engaging storytelling.
Although its long Buster run had ended five years previously, The Leopard from Lime Street made a brief return to Buster between 14th April-5th May 1990 in the form of some recoloured reprints. It was also reprinted in France in Sunny Sun Comic and in Greece in Blek Comic, and the origin appeared reprinted in the UK’s Starscape comic.
Not unlike Spider-man, The Leopard from Lime Street follows young 13 year old Billy Farmer who lives with his Aunt Joan and his abusive Uncle Charlie in the fictional town of Selbridge, where he attends a secondary school where he is regularly bullied. Billy is also the editor, sole writer and photographer for his school magazine, Farmer’s World, and as such was sent to take pictures for the publication at a nearby Zoological institute ran by Professor Jarman. There he was scratched by a radioactive leopard called Sheba, and after returning home found he had enhanced strength, speed, reflexes and agility after an altercation with his abusive uncle. Billy quickly realises he has been granted the abilities of a leopard as a result of the scratch, including a “leopard sixth sense”. To hide his identity, he reworks his costume from a school pantomime Puss-in-Boots costume and decides to use it to foil the dangerous burglar known as the Cat-Man. He not only captures the robber and delivers him to the police, but is also able to snap a picture of the criminal in action, which he attempts to sell to Thaddeus Clegg, editor of the local newspaper Selbridge Sun, who believes he has faked the shot and refuses to buy it!
The series wove together gripping storylines that resonated with readers of all ages. Billy’s dual identity as a teenager and a superhero created compelling narratives that blended teenage angst with action-packed superhero escapades. Each episode explored Billy’s struggles to conceal his alter ego, maintain friendships, and tackle villains who threatened Lime Street. The Leopard faced adversaries both mundane and fantastical, showcasing his agility, strength, and wit in combating crime and defending his community. Yet, at its core, the series delved into relatable themes—friendship, loyalty, and the challenges of growing up—that endeared it to audiences.
The Leopard from Lime Street left an indelible mark on British comics, carving its niche in the hearts of readers. Its unique amalgamation of teenage drama and superhero adventure set it apart, inspiring a generation of comic book enthusiasts. The character’s relatability resonated with audiences, reflecting the universal struggles of adolescence while infusing them with an exhilarating dose of superhero excitement.
Though the series concluded its initial run in 1985, The Leopard’s legacy endures as a beloved icon in British comic lore. Its impact reverberates through the comic book landscape, influencing subsequent generations of creators and serving as a testament to the enduring allure of comics that blend humanity, heroism, and the extraordinary.
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Brett Summers
Brett founded CultFaction.com in 2014 a website and podcast that deals with cult film and tv. He also has a strong interest in grappling martial arts both as a practitioner and as a historian.
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