Neal Adams Unveils Decades-Old, Never-Before-Seen Marvel KISS Art
Decades after the iconic rock band KISS last appeared within the pages of a Marvel comic, previously unseen pencil art featuring the group has surfaced, rendered by none other than veteran fan-favorite artist Neal Adams. The 1979 piece was drawn by Adams as part of an intended sequel to Marvel�s second but ultimately final full-length comic featuring the band, and is the first (and so far, only) known drawing by the legendary artist of the likewise-legendary rock �n roll group.
While this is an exciting find for both KISS and comics fans alike, no one is more pleased than KISS co-founder Gene Simmons himself, who is also a longtime devoted comics and Neal Adams fan. �Neal Adams� art, was on a level most of the other guys could only dream of,� Simmons professed in a statement to CBR. �From Magnus Robot Fighter, to Green Arrow and the X-Men. Now, a newly discovered, and previously unknown (to me) great piece of art by Neal Adams depicting KISS.�
The image appears to have been designed as a wraparound cover, with the words �Destroy KISS� serving as a possible title for the undeveloped special. Adams� image shows a wizard-like character looming large over the band as they perform in concert, but the context behind the drawing might never be known. �My mind reels at the missed opportunities of having Neal pencil and ink KISS comics,� Simmons added. �One can only dream.� Adams is currently in possession of the art, which is reportedly available for sale.
Moving from past KISS comics that weren�t, to those that will be, Simmons also spoke of Dynamite Entertainment�s upcoming �KISS: The Demon� series by Amy Chu, Erik Burnham, and Eman Casallos, the first series to spotlight Simmons, or any sole member of the group. �The pride I feel in seeing the first issue of �The Demon� appear equals that sense of wonder I had as a kid, when I picked up my first comic book,� Simmons said. �The kid in me secretly giggles and delights as I open issue #1 and read the spectacular story and words of Amy Chu.�
Both Adams and Chu are appearing at this weekend�s New Jersey Comic Expo, taking place Nov. 19 and Nov. 20 at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center. �KISS: The Demon� #1 goes on sale Jan. 25.
