Hi, just to clear up the confusion about the "Herlock" name, this way of spelling the name was used only once in the early 80's for a novel so it's not because of liscensing issues.
Even Leiji Matsumoto himself has recognized that both spelling (Harlock/Herlock) are right.
As for the Lupin/Rupan spelling, when the character was first created by Monkey Punch, Japan wasn't enforcing international copyrights laws so when the anime was imported outside of Japan by Streamline (and later) Animeigo, the name was changed. Lupin is loosely translated as "wolf" and the Japanese spelling of the name is "Rupan".
KF
Even Leiji Matsumoto himself has recognized that both spelling (Harlock/Herlock) are right.
As for the Lupin/Rupan spelling, when the character was first created by Monkey Punch, Japan wasn't enforcing international copyrights laws so when the anime was imported outside of Japan by Streamline (and later) Animeigo, the name was changed. Lupin is loosely translated as "wolf" and the Japanese spelling of the name is "Rupan".
KF