Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Amy Chu, Comics, dynamite, entertainment, Kewber Baal, kiss

Amy Chu Says Writing KISS Is Revenge Against Tiger Mom Parenting

Published Mon, 22 Aug 2016 18:00:54 -0500

One of Dynamite's big announcements coming out of SDCC was their upcoming series based on the rock band KISS. The new series is going to be written by Amy Chu and drawn by Kewber Baal. I talked with Amy about the new series and working with such an iconic set of characters.

DAN WICKLINE: From what I've seen, the world is filled with KISS fans and folks who don't know they're KISS fans. Were you a fan of the band prior to working on the project? And have you seen Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park?

AMY CHU: I grew up in the California and the Midwest with KISS all around me- all the cool kids were KISS fans but my parents were strict- I wasn't allowed to listen to "that kind of music" although I'm pretty sure I saw the movie as a kid…. So writing KISS is kind of revenge against Tiger Mom parenting, I guess…

DW: It's easier to list which publishers haven't put out KISS comics at this point… how familiar were you with the previous incarnations? Have they had any influence on you?

AC: I starting reading through a bunch, but then I thought, so much has been done and I don't want to duplicate anything from the past. Let's just go in a complete different direction, to the future.

DW: So, new comic series means a new set up and theme. What is your take on the four icons and what type of stories will you be telling? Will it be action / adventure or more of a horror theme?

AC: No horror. That was done. This is straight up sci-fi action with some mystery using their concept album "Music from 'The Elder'" as inspiration. I grew up reading and watching sci-fi so this is my wheelhouse. And there's some coming of age thrown in as well.

DW: We've been seeing Lil' version of KISS on the covers. Are there any plans to do something with Baby KISS in the stories or will they just continue to show up on the covers?

AC: Oh, I think that was just for fun. Maria Victoria Rabado is a very talented artist and I think that was her variant take on it- watch, it's going to be the one that sells the best!

DW: How is it working with Kewber Baal on the art? Do you find yourself writing to his strengths as an artist? Do you talk things over throughout the process?

AC: Oh sure- I reached out immediately and we talk things out back and forth. Now that I understand what he's good at, it's getting easier and easier as we get to issues 2 and 3.

DW: How much interaction have you had with Gene Simmons so far? Is he involved in the process or more hands off?

AC: Personally I haven't, but I know he signs off on everything and the feedback has been positive. Sure, I would like to meet him eventually and introduce him to my parents…

DW: In a sentence or two, how would you describe the series to non-KISS fans to make them want to pick it up? Because we know the KISS Army will already be buying it.

AC: See my answers to Question #3- If you're into stuff like Blade Runner, Battlestar Galactica, Pacific Rim, even Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix, this will be your series. There's world building, mythology, robots. And very cool art. Pick it up, you'll dig it.

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