Splice: Early concept art for Dren by Vincenzo Natali references the cover of Pink Panther #2

leading from
Splice: Early concept art for Dren by Vincenzo Natali
and
The Pink Panther Comic Book Trail 

a) A piece of concept art for Splice showing an early version of Dren (2000?) by Vincenzo Natali.

A piece of concept art for Splice showing an early
version of Dren (2000?) by Vincenzo Natali.
(source https://www.vincenzo-natali.com)

b) The Pink Panther and The Inspector #2 (Published 1st July 1971 by Gold Key)

The Pink Panther and The Inspector #2
(Published 1st July 1971 by Gold Key)

c)  The Pink panther's head becomes the upper back with the ears becoming the nodules extending from the spine. 

The neck becomes a tendon along the upper arm.

d) The stomach and the arms with hands become the upper leg and upper part of the tail

 

e) Image of the Pink Panther showing the head, arms and chest, along with the corresponding part of the Dren creature drawing