LES & RONNIE STEP OUT

A Type-A personality learns to walk in someone else’s shoes (literally!) after an accident.

Les is the left leg to Ronnie’s right, and though they are both of a warm, light-brown hue, the two could not be more different. Les is precise and ordered, matches and plans which sock to wear, likes sensible shoes, and does not dance. Ronnie is laid-back and creative, wears whichever sock stinks the least, likes wild shoes that are impractical, and loves to party. Needless to say, life together is difficult for this pair of opposites. One day, out skateboarding, to Les’ displeasure, Ronnie suffers a sprained ankle and is out of commission for a bit. Les at first likes the routine that Ronnie’s forced to follow, the calm, the predictability. But then boredom sets in. How far will Les step out of the comfort zone to cheer Ronnie up and bring some life back into their routine? Quite a bit, and Les actually has fun doing it! Kolb’s pencil-and-digital illustrations play up the dichotomy between the two legs, their faces’ eyebrows and mouths (drawn just above the ankles) making them as emotive as any emoji. The sequence in which Les lets loose is especially enjoyable and illustrates just how awkward and uncomfortable it can be at first, though by the end Les and Ronnie are both all smiles.

This odd couple doesn’t need any lessons on friendship, though perhaps they could use some pointers on safe skateboarding.