I don't personally think it's anything like Lion King... except for maybe the lion part. But the lion itself certainly doesn't remind me of Simba, Mufasa, or any other lion character.

The green mane, so to speak, makes it different. And it's got a more solemn expression, IMO.

Can't wait to see how the game comes out!

So many helpful replies! Lets get straight into some responses.

 

@Niss: Thanks a lot man! The Black Hole game that I mentioned in my first post is a game I'm trying to develop based on my comic book series. You can check out some graphics and sh*t here!

@MaloART: That’s very observant of you, thanks. I never intended to show Juno's face directly front on in the sprite form because I thought it would look a little extreme. What you see is a slightly front on face. The avatar illustration allowed a bit more room for facial features. If I were to edit anything, I think it would be to tuck the ear in on the avatar image. However, I have always enjoyed inconsistencies and variations between portraits and sprites.

  @Skull: I figure that the running animation could easily double as a pounce.   @Aleiav: Thanks a lot Aleiav! Your comments are appreciated.   @Snader: You've made some great points about the palette.   I will update the sprite with a number of palette changes regarding the mane, eyes and paws. I may also fix that ear on the portrait. Thanks for now!