Gene Simmons unleashes « House of Horror » on IDW

[ENGLISH] Rock legend Gene Simmons has taken the stage in an all-new capacity — as the mysterious master of ceremonies for his own horror anthology, Gene Simmons House Of Horrors. Released by IDW Publishing (www.idwpublishing) and Simmons Comic Group (www.Simmons-Comics.com), the anthology brings readers the best in horror, fantasy and science fiction. « The stories range from gore to psychological thrillers to everything in between, » says Tom Waltz, editor at IDW Publishing.

Initially run as a three-issue quarterly, the series has been critically acclaimed by fans and reviewers alike, both for the quality of the stories and the art. The TPB includes the original intros and outros written by the book’s host, Gene Simmons, as well as a new collection introduction from Simmons. In addition, Nick Simmons–Gene’s son, budding co-star on Gene Simmons Family Jewels, the top-rated A&E reality show, and the creator of the upcoming Platinum Studios comic Skullduggery–has three short prose stories included in the TPB. Top that off with 15 different and terrifying stories by some of the hottest new talent in comics today with a cover by Matt Busch, and you’ve got all the makings of a deliciously scary treat.

« I had always loved the Twilight Zone. I never missed an episode, » says Gene. « I read Amazing Stories and Analog. In short, I loved the anthology horror/sci-fi canvas and wanted to re-introduce the format into comic books. [Gene Simmons House of Horrors] is a chance to showcase the best in professional talent, and to introduce new talent, as well. 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. »

Stories are written by a range of authors, including Chris Ryall (Zombies Vs. Robots); Tom Waltz (Children of the Grave); Dwight MacPherson (Dead Men Tell No Tales); Sean Taylor (Fishnet Angel); Nick Simmons; and two talented progeny, the daughter of comic writer Alan Moore’s (Watchmen and V for Vendetta), Leah Moore, and her husband John Reppion (Raise the Dead). Artists include Andy Kuhn (Fire-Breather), Jeff Zornow (American Werewolf), Steph Stamb (Angel: Masks), Matt Busch (Star Wars), Esteve Polls (Dominatrix), Grant Bond (Revere), Jon Alderink (City of Fire), and others.

The Gene Simmons House Of Horrors TPB will be in stores April 9, 2008; call 1-888-comic-book (1-888-266-4226) to find a store near you.

ABOUT IDW PUBLISHING

IDW PUBLISHING is a division of Idea and Design Works, LLC, a revolutionary creative service company with a wide range of clients. Among its best-selling titles are Hasbro’s THE TRANSFORMERS; CBS’s STAR TREK; and Fox’s ANGEL. IDW’s 30 DAYS OF NIGHT film from Sony Pictures was released in October 2007 and was the #1 movie in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at www.idwpublishing.com.

ABOUT GENE SIMMONS

Gene Simmons is the co-founder of KISS, a band that has broken box office records set by the Beatles and Elvis and which, after 34 years, continues to be the juggernaut of licensing and merchandising, with almost 3,000 licensed products: everything from KISS Kondoms to KISS Kaskets.

Simmons can also be seen on TV every week (alongside his family) on Gene Simmons Family Jewels, currently airing on A&E. He also starred in Gene Simmons Rock School (shown on VH-1 in the U.S., as well as in 22 other countries). His cartoon show is My Dad the Rock Star (which has shown on Nickelodeon and Nicktoons for four years), and he created Mr. Romance for the Oxygen Network.

He is partnered in the Simmons Abramson Marketing venture, which does worldwide branding/marketing for the legendary Indy Racing League, as well as the iconic Indy 500-seen in 200 countries around the world and on ABC/ESPN in the U.S.

He owns Simmons Records, Simmons Books, and Simmons Audio Visual. He has authored two New York Times/LA Times books: KISS and Makeup from Crown Books and Sex Money KISS from Simmons Books-Phoenix Books. He even has his own U.S. postage stamp. For more information on Simmons, go to www.GeneSimmons.com.