by Matthew Russell - Posted 12 months ago
Yeah, we are starting off the new year with a Bloody Good Time...
Alright, brace yourselves, my fellow CryptoComic Compatriots. We're diving into a story that's part rock 'n' roll, part comic book lore, and a whole lot of... well, blood. Yes, you read that right. Let's rewind to the 1970s, when the legendary rock band KISS decided to take their brand of theatrics to a whole new level - by mixing their blood into the ink of their comic book. Talk about taking 'blood, sweat, and tears' a bit too literally!
Picture this: the year is 1977, disco is in full swing, and KISS is at the peak of their stardom. They're known for their wild makeup, outlandish outfits, and now, apparently, for making comic book history in the most bizarre way imaginable. Marvel Comics, possibly in a moment of creative madness, agrees to this wild idea. So, our fab four - Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss - troop down to the Marvel ink plant and do the unthinkable. They each donate a vial of their blood to be mixed into the red ink for a special edition of their comic.
Let's be honest, if there was ever a marketing stunt that screamed '70s rock band,' this was it. The whole event was surrounded by media, complete with a notary public to certify the authenticity of the bloodletting. But really, how did this conversation go? "Hey, you know what our comic needs? Our actual blood!" Yikes, talk about taking fan memorabilia to a slightly creepy level.
The comic itself, 'KISS: The Super Special,' was part of Marvel's series of music-themed comics. And while the storylines were as wild and fantastical as the band itself, it was this blood-ink gimmick that stole the show. Over the years, this tale has become a legend in both comic and music circles, though it's hard to say how many fans were thrilled versus how many were just grossed out.
So, there you have it – the strange but true tale of how KISS and Marvel Comics created perhaps the most literally blood-soaked comic in history. Whether you find it cool or just plain gross, one thing's for sure: it's a story that's uniquely KISS. Rock on, but maybe keep the blood in the body next time, yeah?
