Here's a tale of one "sidekick" who was integral to his mentor's career.
This is the profile on...

Ricky

November 1954...

    Scientist Keith Spencer stands in his backyard looking up at the stars. Underneath this inky black darkness spotted with points of light he makes a solemn oath to use his newly discovered powers to do nothing but good for mankind. Young Ricky Davis, his next door neighbor, happens to overhear Keith Spencer’s oath and witnesses the amazing transformation that comes over Keith as he clasps his hands together. Out of the bright light of the ensuing explosion stands Captain Flash, the atom-age hero of America. Ricky approaches Captain Flash and tells him of his desire to help the good Captain in his fight against injustice and evil. He promises Captain Flash that he will keep his secret and do his utmost to aid him in whatever way he can. Captain Flash and Ricky team up to fight the menaces of their day such as the Mirror Man and the like. However, their career is a short one, for after less than a year the pair is not seen again.