I've never liked Emily the strange character. i feel that she is unpersonal... (and also likely because of that stupid goth-wannabes-teenyboopers love her here in this town, please do not get offended if you like her, you could not know, yes?) But now I am glad I do not like her.
She is a pure rip-off!
Children's book from 1978:
First published pic of Emily (dunno the date, but definitely after 1978!):
Would it be a copy? YES! The original is cuter too!