IDWEEK: GENE SIMMONS

[MattBrady]

Everyone knows the name of Gene Simmons. He has the most famous tongue in the world. He created the two-fingered “horns” salute everyone uses at sports events (and, of course, they all stick their tongues out while doing the salute). Did we mention he also spits fire, throws up blood and has probably bedded down your sister?

He has, in fact, even been a super hero himself ... in the pages of Kiss Comics (starting with Marvel's two $1.50 comic-book specials from the '70s). He can boast of having fought Dr. Doom to a standstill. But never before has this multi-hyphenate (rock star/ marketer/brander/TV and movie producer/best-selling author and lecturer) created his own comic-book imprint.

Until now, that is.

This summer, IDW Publishing and Gene Simmons will launch their joint venture, SIMMONS COMICS GROUP, an imprint within IDW’s stable of comics. Simmons himself has created many all-new comic-book properties that will begin rolling out in July with the launch of Gene Simmons House of Horrors, a quarterly 64-page horror anthology presided over by Simmons, who will write all his own dialogue in each issue.

We caught Gene in a rare quiet moment, away from the lights and cameras of his wildly successful A&E show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, and chatted with the Demon about this new comic-book venture.

Newsarama: Gene, you’ve never made any secret about your love of comic books, and indeed, you’ve lived quite the comic-book life yourself. Why have you chosen now to create your own line of comic books?

Gene Simmons: This is America—the Land of Dreams. And, when I was a kid and started reading comic books, especially Marvel Comics, I never dreamed I would actually wind up being a Marvel Superhero. Sure enough, in the pages of KISS Comics (1976), as the Demon, I actually fought Dr. Doom and hung out with Spider-Man.

When I finally decided to plunge headlong into the deep end of the pool and create new characters, I wanted to find the highest-quality partner. And that's IDW. The guys there and I share a deep love and respect for the medium, and believe this is just the beginning of a new era in comics. Comic-based movies already rule (300, Sin City, Spider-Man). It's time for the Comic Book to reclaim its place as important American literature.

NRAMA: Let’s get into each title. First up, you’re launching Gene Simmons House of Horrors, an anthology that positions you as the host of some chilling tales, and sports a cover by none other than Spawn creator Todd McFarlane and Greg Capullo. Your impressive powers of persuasion aside, how do you see your role in this title? And is it true that you won’t be the only Simmons family member participating in this comic?

GS: I had always loved the Twilight Zone TV show. I never missed an episode. I read Amazing Stories and Analog. In short, I always loved the anthology horror/sci-fi canvas and wanted to re-introduce the format into comic books.

This book is a chance to showcase the best in professional talent, and to introduce new talent. Each story will be written and drawn independently, with wraparound commentaries by myself. The fact that I'm powerful and attractive will only add to the stunning effect of the stories.



When Chris Ryall opined, "Hey, wouldn't it be great if we could get (good luck...) Todd McFarlane to draw our premiere cover," I bit at the chance. I called Terry Fitzgerald at Todd's group and, in short order; we had a fantastic front cover.

I came up with the concept/design. I photocopied a picture of myself, full-faced, with my eyes bulging wide and my mouth agape... faxed it to Terry and told him I had the idea of creatures/demons coming/crawling out of every opening… mouth, eyes, ears, nose... and the rest, you see here.

The young Rock Star Nick Simmons will also be writing/drawing in our pages. Not easy, since the young herald (pardon, Silver Surfer) also has his own Skullduggery book coming from IDW.

Leah Moore & John Reppion, Tom Waltz, Dwight MacPherson, Sean Taylor and the aforementioned Chris Ryall appear in issue #1, alongside Nick and myself. There is talent out there and we intend on showcasing it.

NRAMA: Next, in August, you’re launching Dominatrix, a title you described as “T&A meets CIA.” You’re giving the world its first dominatrix superhero?

GS: Dominatrix came to me in a flash. Comic books, and pop culture in general, have always toyed around with the leather/rubber-bound heroine. It's sexy and kickass. They always skirted the sexuality issue. I decided to meet it head-on (so to speak...). First, I wondered if Dominatrix (the title) was available as a trademark. Surprisingly, it was. Then, I took a semi-real dominatrix I know socially (not in that way) and after talking with her about the lifestyle, combined it with clandestine, Manchurian Candidate/Nick Fury-Hydra stuff... oh, yes, and pills. Special pills.

Who or what is THE COMPANY?

And, who are THEM?

And, what do they want?

More about all of this in the pages of Dominatrix.

NRAMA: September sees the launch of Zipper, a title influenced by Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land, Ayn Rand’s Anthem, Lee/Buscema’s Silver Surfer, and even your own status as an immigrant in this country. What unique outsider’s perspective will this series offer?

GS: You got it right—the sense of Zipper came to me from Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land. A human being, who was born on Mars and was raised by Martians, comes to Earth. The Surfer is an alien who comes to Earth. I was born in another country and came to America. All of us share a sense of being from the Outside. We are all Outsiders.

Though I speak English well enough to have taught it in sixth grade in Spanish Harlem (as well as all the other subjects), I still chuckle when I hear words like “hot dog.” I still envision a... hot dog. Literally. I find myself musing about how bizarre people are.

"What fools these mortals be," indeed.

Zipper is not from here. He is from the Nether Ether. A place Not Here. A place with different values—in fact, if you take Nietzche's position that "there is no universal good or bad," that it's simply a cultural point of view, then you might understand some of the areas we will deal with. What I mean is, for headhunters in the Amazon, killing and eating a human being is perfectly fine. But here, if you're Jeffrey Dahmer, you are a monster and depraved. It's all a point of view.

Zipper is not from here and the suit he wears is what we might wear when we go very deep into the depths of the ocean. The pressure would crush us, if we didn't have “protective outer covering,” and that's what Zipper has. Picture Spider-Man's outfit and inside is Venom.

NRAMA: “And now for something completely different” certainly applies to the more all-ages Indy—Race of the Galaxies series, a comic that manages to give the Indy Racing League a sort of “Green Lantern Corps meets Marvel’s Contest of Champions” adventure. After the other, darker titles you’ve got coming, what is your intention with this one, which appeals to a much wider audience of comic readers and racing fans?

GS: Our Simmons/Abramson Marketing venture does the worldwide branding/marketing for the Indy Racing League (indycar.com). Come to the races—they rock! Or, catch us on ESPN/ABC.

I wanted to do an Indy-themed comic book, for obvious reasons. But just doing a new version of Speed Racer didn't appeal to me. And then it hit me. What would happen if a sentient alien group (a la the Guardians of Oa in Green Lantern) wanted to test the mettle of different life forms? What would happen if there was an Indy—Race of the Galaxies? Our Indy Racers in their Indy cars and various aliens in their vehicles race against each other on a virtual Yellow Brick Road to the Galaxies, of sorts. The pit stops are on different worlds. All the cars/spaceships, like any Indy race, have to have an equal chance of winning— the same speed for all cars. It's really about maneuverability and long-range planning and just plain great athleticism.

What are the stakes? What is the prize? Why are the Oa-type aliens having the race in the first place?

Check it out in Indy—Race of the Galaxies.

The Simmons Comics Group will be launching this summer, beginning with July’s release of Gene Simmons House of Horrors #1. For more information, please check out www.SimmonsComics.com, www.GeneSimmons.com and www.IDWPublishing.com. Click here for a House of Horrors preview.

[DiManna1]

"He created the two-fingered “horns” salute everyone uses at sports events (and, of course, they all stick their tongues out while doing the salute). "

No, he didn't.

[SeamusMcClernan]

As much of a KISS nerd as I am (my 1st concert was MSG in '78), I have problems with this claim as well..

Originally Posted by MattBrady

He created the two-fingered “horns” salute everyone uses at sports events

[GOSD]

Yeah, didn't Ronnie James Dio create that?

Gene's reality show was much better last year and the previous year.

This year, it's so scripted which makes it extremely difficult to watch.

[Lars]

Originally Posted by DiManna1

"He created the two-fingered “horns” salute everyone uses at sports events (and, of course, they all stick their tongues out while doing the salute). "

No, he didn't.

He "created" the two-fingered salute with the thumb out, which he has said in interviews that he got from Dr. Strange.

And Dio is credited with the full-on horn salute, with eyes rolled back, like when Gene does his...

I wonder where Ditko got the idea?

[Lambert]

The corna (Italian for horns, also mano cornuta, horned hand) is a gesture with a vulgar meaning in Mediterranean countries and a variety of meanings and uses in other cultures. Its origins can be traced to Ancient Greece. It is realized by extending the index and little fingers while holding the middle and ring fingers down with the thumb.

Pre-dating either Ronnie James Dio, or Gene Simmons' use of the "devil's hand", on the cover of the Beatles' 'Yellow Submarine' album (Dec 1968, UK, Jan 1969, USA), John Lennon's right hand is making the sign above Paul McCartney's head. For many fans, this was one of the many "Paul is dead" clues.


copy/pasted from dictonary.com/encyclopedia.

[KickerOE]

I love Gene (Family Jewels is cringeworthy at times though) but Dio, the little gnome of Metal, is responsible for putting the \oo/ on stage.

[Blackbeard]

Best of luck to Gene and IDW on this joint venture!

I'd like to add that it's been a pleasure working with Tom Waltz and Chris Ryall on the "House of Horrors" book and reading Gene's overwhelmingly-positive comments on my work.

I have no doubt that this will be the horror anthology of the year! Every story is quality, every artist fantastic; a top-notch offering from top to bottom. Horror fiends will find a bloody good smorgasbord of terror in each issue and I'm proud as hell to be a part of it.

[TheGrayHulk]

Normally I wouldn't care much for any of this...

But Dominatrix? I hate to admit that the concept and the cover make me intrigued by that comic!

[pez dispenser]

Meh.
He should work on learning how to play the bass instead of selling comics.

[KickerOE]

Originally Posted by pez dispenser

Meh.
He should work on learning how to play the bass instead of selling comics.

Yeah, you're right. Then he could make a name for himself and maybe make a buck or two.

[Hellboy]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

When I finally decided to plunge headlong into the deep end of the pool and create new characters, I wanted to find the highest-quality partner. And that's IDW. The guys there and I share a deep love and respect for the medium, and believe this is just the beginning of a new era in comics. Comic-based movies already rule (300, Sin City, Spider-Man). It's time for the Comic Book to reclaim its place as important American literature.

Agreed Gene. I hope he can use his influence to atract the best artists and writers to work with him over time. Getting Capullo and MCfarlane for a cover is a great start. These guys do almost nothing outside of Spawn.

I hope he sticks this comic thing out long term. I like his taste in artists.

[Bobby Nash]

Looking forward to reading House of Horrors. I hope these titles do well.

[Delgado]

Originally Posted by Lambert

The corna (Italian for horns, also mano cornuta, horned hand) is a gesture with a vulgar meaning in Mediterranean countries and a variety of meanings and uses in other cultures. Its origins can be traced to Ancient Greece. It is realized by extending the index and little fingers while holding the middle and ring fingers down with the thumb.

Pre-dating either Ronnie James Dio, or Gene Simmons' use of the "devil's hand", on the cover of the Beatles' 'Yellow Submarine' album (Dec 1968, UK, Jan 1969, USA), John Lennon's right hand is making the sign above Paul McCartney's head. For many fans, this was one of the many "Paul is dead" clues.


copy/pasted from dictonary.com/encyclopedia.

http://www.howtobeamegastar.com/floppie/

[Kevinjohncon]

I like the idea of a new horror anthology. IDW knows that genre well. Not caring who or when the molocchi became vogue. Zipper sounds interesting, and WW was originally basically a dominatrix wrapped in a flag. Not an Indy guy tho, so I'll pass on that one, but I can appreciate the marketing side of it. There was no info on Skullduggery other than Nick Simmon's is writing it. House of Horror for sure, tho!
-Kon Li
*Just saw the Skulduggery preview posted*

[tater_nuts]

"He created the two-fingered “horns” salute everyone uses at sports events (and, of course, they all stick their tongues out while doing the salute). "

SHENANIGANS!

[Arsenal3]

Originally Posted by Delgado

http://www.howtobeamegastar.com/floppie/

I wondered if anyone was going to mention Floppie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bD3NnwIT2s

[MurrayC]

Originally Posted by DiManna1

"He created the two-fingered “horns” salute everyone uses at sports events (and, of course, they all stick their tongues out while doing the salute). "

No, he didn't.

Yeah.... He did. Just look inside the gatefold cover of Alive II, and you'll see him saluting all the way back in '77.


Dio didn't become known for it until the early 80's

[Spartan]

Originally Posted by MurrayC

Yeah.... He did. Just look inside the gatefold cover of Alive II, and you'll see him saluting all the way back in '77.


Dio didn't become known for it until the early 80's

No, he didn't. You can't point to some picture and go "There, IT began RIGHT THEN. NO ONE ELSE was doing it before that picture. EVER. Not even a little."

Gene just likes to claim that he created it because...well...he's Gene Simmons. He'd sell you his piss in a bag if they'd let him do it, and swear it was from Jesus himself.

[Violent Gorilla]

Originally Posted by MurrayC

Yeah.... He did. Just look inside the gatefold cover of Alive II, and you'll see him saluting all the way back in '77.


Dio didn't become known for it until the early 80's

If you read above you'll see that it was being used as early as the 1960's.

So no. Sorry. He didn't create anything.

And he's a terrible bass player.

[skl183]

Coming soon to a store near you, the Gene Simmons limited edition bidet.

And soon after Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley versions.

[J Wyatt]

Originally Posted by Hellboy

Agreed Gene. I hope he can use his influence to atract the best artists and writers to work with him over time. Getting Capullo and MCfarlane for a cover is a great start. These guys do almost nothing outside of Spawn.

I hope he sticks this comic thing out long term. I like his taste in artists.

If past results predict future behavior, long term won't happen.

He's got a long history of getting other people to put money up for various KISS or Gene Simmons brands, getting bored, and walking away. Refer to TONGUE MAGAZINE, the various other KISS comics, Simmons Records, managing Sable, Doro Pesch, and Liza Minelli, and pretty much anything else he had branded other than things he's done with Paul Stanley.

[Cry For Life]

Originally Posted by Lars

He "created" the two-fingered salute with the thumb out, which he has said in interviews that he got from Dr. Strange.

And Dio is credited with the full-on horn salute, with eyes rolled back, like when Gene does his...

I wonder where Ditko got the idea?

Actually to the best of my knowledge, I remember someone he worked with (It might have been Stan) saying that it might have been some kind of obsessive compulsive thing because that is how he would point to things, like if he was looking at his or someone elses artwork and he'd point something out, he's use that hand gesture to point, and that it ended up inspiring how Spidey shoots his web shooters.

[RyanOdagawa]

I've heard that he got it from Spiderman or Dr. Strange before, but on his show, he told his son that he got it from Black Bolt of the Inhumans.

I wish I could find a youtube video of it, but I specifically recall him saying that.

Originally Posted by DiManna1

"He created the two-fingered “horns” salute everyone uses at sports events (and, of course, they all stick their tongues out while doing the salute). "

No, he didn't.

[Spartan]

Originally Posted by J Wyatt

If past results predict future behavior, long term won't happen.

He's got a long history of getting other people to put money up for various KISS or Gene Simmons brands, getting bored, and walking away. Refer to TONGUE MAGAZINE, the various other KISS comics, Simmons Records, managing Sable, Doro Pesch, and Liza Minelli, and pretty much anything else he had branded other than things he's done with Paul Stanley.

Very true. Though, on the other hand, Simmons is an unabashed comic book fan. You can see it in the way he talks, and the way his perfomance is designed around.

Hopefully, this will hold his interest more then his other projects. If not, whatever.