About Marvel Super Special (1977)
The Marvel Comics Super Special that debuted in 1977 was an ambitious magazine-style publication from Marvel Comics, designed to delve into pop culture phenomena and offer special comic adaptations of popular movies, music, and more. The very first issue, which came out in 1977, featured KISS, the iconic rock band, and included original comic stories starring the band members themselves.
The comic featured a unique, fantastical story in which the members of KISS were portrayed as superheroes, each possessing distinct supernatural powers. The story itself was highly imaginative, leaning into the on-stage personas of KISS. It featured battles with supernatural forces, making it a blend of music culture, rock spectacle, and classic comic book action.
The issue was notable not just for its story but also for its marketing and promotion. Famously, real blood from the band members was mixed with the red ink used to print the comic, creating a lot of buzz and adding an element of spectacle that resonated with the band's larger-than-life image.
The Marvel Comics Super Special magazine series would go on to cover a range of other popular media, including movies like Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Blade Runner, as well as musical acts like The Beatles. The series became known for its unique magazine-style presentation, which included more content like interviews and articles, differentiating it from Marvel's standard comic book lineup.
In summary, Marvel Comics Super Special #1 in 1977 was a landmark release, combining the worlds of rock music and comics in a bold and memorable way that captured the spirit of both Marvel Comics and KISS during the height of their popularity. It set the stage for many future pop culture crossovers under the Super Special brand.