i liked the first adaptation, it was good, but i have to admit this one is LEAGUES better. the pacing is MUCH better here (cept for that huge jump in the engagement and the father's death, but i'm guessing the gap is there in the novel as well) and the art is much more "clean" and detailed, especially in terms of the environment. i get a much better sense of the setting of the novel and the world that is being inhabited.