Conversation so far:
What was the manga makeover of Josie and the Pussycats?
In March 2005, Archie Comics announced that a manga version of Josie and the Pussycats would be published.
Was the manga version of Josie and the Pussycats different than the first version?
In Archie & Friends #96 (January 2006) the origin of the Pussycats was retconned. The manga version implies that none of the characters previously knew each other.
Was Josie's band in the manga version of Josie and the Pussycats?
Yes
Were there any other band members in the manga version of Josie and the Pussycats?
Valerie Smith and Josie founded the band. They recruited Melody.
Did the band do well in the Manga version of Josie and the Pussycats?
The band was not doing well at first.

Question: who was alex?
Self-contained rewrite: Who was Alex in the manga version of Josie and the Pussycats?