National Comics #56

When loud-mouthed grifter Edgar Getz muscles his way into Colonel Lane's circus, he bullies the entire troupe—until Carnie Callahan and his pals discover that the knife-throwing team of Manuel and Juanita Perez might be the perfect solution to their troublemaker problem. What follows is a wild carnival caper full of misunderstandings, slapstick chaos, and a scheme that tests just how far Getz's mouth can take him before his luck runs out.

Sally O'Neil, the policewoman, crosses paths with Melvin Delane, a cocky young quiz-show whiz who knows the answer to everything—until he's snatched off the street by the criminal Gunner McGasson and his partner, who believe the boy can help them rob the Fifth National Bank. When Melvin's captors try every trick to get him to reveal their blueprint for the heist, Sally picks up on a sweet clue and closes in on his location. What unfolds is a twisted battle of wits between a brilliant but arrogant child and criminals in over their heads, with Sally caught in the middle of an increasingly dangerous game.

In "The Problem of Sophia," Lassie and Laddie pay a visit to Uncle Balty, whose stern sister Sophia proves a challenge until she takes his advice to lighten up—leading to a playful slingshot spree. With a little help from the kids, Sophia’s transformation sparks a surprising new chapter, much to Balty’s relief and delight.