aaamusic | On 30, May 2020

Face paint, flamboyant live performances, and a rock-and-roll mentality will get you so far, but it is the strength of their songs which have helped to keep KISS relevant today. That modern relevance has been demonstrated by the announcement that the band is set to collaborate with Marvel Comics once again, this time in the release of the co-branded KISS x Marvel collection.

KISS co-founder Gene Simmons announced the partnership on his Twitter account on February 17, showcasing artwork that blended the worlds of the band and the legendary comic book creator. One of those images recreated KISS’ famous artwork for Destroyer, their 1976 album. Few rock-and-roll stars would be able to sit alongside the likes of Hulk and Wolverine without looking out of place, but it’s no surprise that KISS pull it off.

Marvel and Rock Legends KISS Join Forces on new co-branded collection, KISS x Marvel
Fifth Sun, accessories and drinkware from Bioworld, home goods from Jay Franco, and posters from Trends International to be released as part of the exciting co-brand pic.twitter.com/9oBzjwUGwD

— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) February 17, 2020

The KISS x Marvel collection will include co-branded apparel and home goods. This is not the first occasion that KISS and Marvel have assembled, with the two joining forces in 1977 to produce A Marvel Comics Super Special!: Kiss. The members of KISS were portrayed as superheroes, doing battle against legendary Marvel villains Dr. Doom and Mephisto. 

Drawing blood

Putting blood, sweat and tears into your work is normally considered to be more metaphorical than anything else, but KISS interpreted this phrase literally in the making of that comic. Blood was taken from each member of the KISS line-up (Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss), then that blood was deposited into the red ink vat used for printing the comic.

As for sweat and tears, you wouldn’t put it past them. It’s worth noting that the drawing of blood was performed by a registered nurse and a notary observed the process – this wasn’t just something that KISS decided to do without telling anyone else. Not only did this collaboration stay true to the styles of both KISS and Marvel, but it also set the band on a path to comic book domination.

KISS produced further works with Marvel, and also undertook projects with Dark Horse Comics, Image Comics, and Archie Comics. The KISS name has been used in an estimated 3000 products, turning the band into a billion-dollar brand in its own right. While the cynical might suggest that these collaborations are simply marketing strategies, there is no doubt that the worlds of KISS and comic books collide perfectly.

More than just a band

KISS’ crossover appeal hasn’t ended with comic books, with their massive personalities and massive melodies taking the long-running rock band into plenty of other media. Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery was released in 2015, with the band working with the famous team of meddlers to unmask another dastardly foe. KISS also starred in Detroit Rock City, the 1999 coming-of-age film centred on a concert by the band.

KISS have also made it into the world of gaming. WMS’ KISS video slot uses the band’s legendary concert stage set-up to frame its reels and 100 paylines, with KISS’ iconic imagery catching the eye among the thousands of free online slots. KISS partnered with Sproing in 2017 to produce KISS Rock City, an app-based game where players try to emulate the band’s journey to worldwide fame. For those who prefer their gaming to be more physical, there’s even a KISS-inspired version of Monopoly.

Few, if any, bands can slot seamlessly into comic books, animated movies, and online games, but KISS aren’t like most other bands. On a musical front, KISS haven’t released a studio album since 2012’s Monster, but the upcoming KISS Kruise tour shows that there’s plenty of life left in the band. Even when KISS have been quieter on the new music front, the release of special box sets and their frequent forays in other areas have given their fans plenty of ways to engage with the band.

The success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe means that the comic book company’s stock has never been higher, so the decision to produce the KISS x Marvel range over four decades after the two’s initial partnership shows the huge popularity of the rock giants. Although it’d be unwise to doubt KISS’ commitment to rock-and-roll behaviour, it seems likely that this modern collaboration won’t involve any blood.