I totally adore the old-fashioned art on the whole thing. Totally reminds me of the disney work done in the 1930s. To be fair though, this comic had potential when it came to 'romance'. It shows how it's better to be yourself (sorta). I mean, the lesson here with actually being social rather than dressing to kill and showing yourself off (though Candy is still being the standoffish, awkward teenager expecting to being swept off her feet throughout). It's a shame about Bob though. He wants a woman, and intentionally or not, he's putting the poor lass the pressure to be a woman. Sure, alot of kids can be mature beyond their years, but some guys, especially in this 1940s background, would simply look for someone who's housewife material, but have the crass to pick the youngest as possible first. Seriously, I know from experience when my aunt married at 14. All I can say is, the husband was 10 years older than her, and as she didn't live up to taking care of him and everything else, he hit anything with his fists and screamed at her about it. It was such a normal reaction at the time and at the place, sometimes the neighbours actively tattled to him whenever he was on his way home believing the little girl deserved it for being a slob.
I don't think that Bob is a wifebeater, but dudes with an attitude like that could have expectations about it, but choose to use a kid instead of someone who's used to it and actively volunteered for it. It happens alot and so it puts a pessimistic air to the comic, but at least Candy has a supportive and close-knit family shown in this issue.