Writer: Jason Burns
Artist: Ron Chan
Publisher: Viper Comics
Yes, Jason Burns and Hank Williams Sr. can be connected in one move. When Hank Williams Sr. sang about Kaw-Liga “that poor old wooden head,” he dreamt up a story of a cigar-store statue that falls in love. The difference here is Hank suggests Kaw-Liga was alive, and the reader is never quite sure if Mr. Bloomberg, the ventriloquist dummy that spends all his time with police-detective-turned-private-investigator Allan, is quite alive or not. Yes, Jason claims that Mr. Bloomberg is indeed an inanimate object like any other ventriloquist dummy (an appellation it’s certain Mr. Bloomberg doesn’t appreciate). It is difficult to know if Mr. Bloomberg is not, as Allan seems to accept the doll is alive, and even accepts advice from the Mr. Bloomberg. Though a well-respected detective, Allan is laughed at by his peers on the police force for his unusual friendship with Mr. Bloomberg.
The beginning of the book starts out with a scene where Mr. Bloomberg interrogates a suspect with Alan’s help. After retrieving a confession, Alan and his wooden partner return to the office. While at the office, a fancy car with a beautiful driver crashes through the window in a dramatic scene. Well, the driver is beautiful aside from the fact she is missing a head, and Allan is soon off on an investigation into who killed her.
While Ron Chan skillfully carves out the artwork like a Gepetto working in two dimensions, Mr. Burns throws his convincing voice into the marionette of Mr. Bloomberg, the surrounding characters, and the story itself. Although Jason claims that Mr. Bloomberg is not alive, it’s difficult to believe him given his great storytelling and Chan’s exciting artwork. A Dummy’s Guide To Danger is an excellent comic book, working both the pulp and comic side of the line. The amazing Viper produces another winner with this book.
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