docs: def _check_leading(*char_lists):
      """Remove any non-alphanumeric or non-~ leading characters
  
      Checks the beginning of any provided lists for non-alphanumeric or
      non-~ (tilde) leading characters and removes them if found.
      Operates on (and possibly alters) the passed list.
  
      :param list char_list: a list or lists of characters
      :return: None
      :rtype: None
      """
      logger.debug('_check_leading(%s)', char_lists)
      for char_list in char_lists:
          while (len(char_list) != 0 and not char_list[0].isalnum() and
                  not char_list[0] == '~'):
              char_list.pop(0)
          logger.debug('updated list: %s', char_list)