Annie by Jay Maeder and Alan Kupperberg for June 03, 2015

FAMOUS COSTUMED CRIMEFIGHTERS SCHOOLBoca Raton, FLLesson #11: First Things FirstWhen dealing with a sidekick, it is important to make certain that each successive step in the training process is mastered before moving onto the next one – especially if the partner is a youth. At the most basic level, youths must learn the process of being the master of their feelings; with modern youths, this is further complicated by having the attention span (in some cases, not all) of a fruitfly. In the case depicted above, our prospective crusader should have taken the time to secure accurate measurements of his partner’s feet, in order to get the boot size right the first time. (Since he is relying on breaking and entering to gain said footwear, this by no means is a guarantee of getting a size that will fit.) Additionally, he must remember that the girl is still growing, and will probably have to repeat the performance at least a time or two more. (And, assuming she is not found quickly, will have to deal with the awkward subject of how feminine products will work with her costume, but that’s a topic not discussed in general lessons; for specifics, refer to D. Prince, Class of ’41, Dean Emeritus, or B. Gordon, Class of ’67, Medical Leave)In any case, our aspiring hero really should get the footwear issue settled before she handles a weapon. If he is ex-military, then he is probably all too familiar with the problem of trying to focus on training in an ill-fitting uniform… especially when his feet hurt.