Quote - Noel, first of all, thanks for going with the idea.

I think the background in the newer image is better, but the character's expression is less maniacal and more sad for some reason, which (if not intentional) is confusing. 

What I did was to study the original for a few minutes and then work on the new one from memory.
I suppose that is  not truly representative of what You are suggesting,  but there it is.   It was also an interesting exercise to see what would happen regarding comment and viewing.   At the time of posting the second image,   the first had 96 views and 4 comments.. (now 120 and 5)

The second image has in excess of 130 views and 35 comments.  I suppose this is because of building a viewer base over the past four years..