You get the impression they're all dealing with different family issues, but none of them are poor or struggling in any way. The comparison between the comics is distracting. I'm hoping I can put it aside and judge on its own merits. Alex feels very similar. Karolina feels very different. Gert amuses me how annoying she is.
There's definitely something that happened. I guess someone died? It's a little unclear, though, so I wonder if they'll explain it a bit more. Still, Alex trying to bring his friends back together feels organic. Not only is he motivated, but the others have independent agency and independent motivation.
I feel a little bad for Molly. She's clearly not part of the gang and no one seems to be asking her. I'm not sure I buy her being as young as they want us to think she is, though. I get child labor laws and child actors matter, though.
I think this as noteworthy for the changes as what's kept. The big thing are all the hints at powers already. It sort of makes sense as it's part of their characters as much as everything else.