Psycho Circus Figures in Todd Mcfarlane Newsletter
From: Ben Knutson
Today I received the latest Mcfarlane Toys newsletter and to my surprise Gene Simmons new action figure along with ring leader were featured on the cover. The caption read "First look: Kiss Psycho Circus." Inside there was a two page article on the new toys. One page featured a picture of Paul's toy similar to the one behind the action figure in the packaging. The other page featured smaller pictures of Ace, Peter, and Gene's toys in a column. The second page also featured a Gene Simmons Q&A, and a short article Entitled "The Circus is Back in Town" introducing the new toys and giving a short caption explaining each's new persona. The article was entertaining and informative. the all around setup had that Dark, creepy sort of feel too it. Very interesting and definitely something to save.

The Circus is Back in Town:

The second series of Kiss figures, Kiss: Psycho Circus, Is on store shelves now. Taking up where the previous Kiss toys left off, the new series features more detail than ever before. The line is based on the Kiss: Psycho Circus comic available monthly from Todd Mcfarlane productions, and also shares the name with Kiss's upcoming tour and album.

All The figures come in a new special color-coded blister card, wider than the previous line. The band members are all in new costumes as incarnations of the Elders, and are packed alongside their Psycho circus counterparts/alter egos, so you actually get two figures for the price of one.

The first Elder in the assortment is the demon. That's Gene Simmons' incarnation and he's packed with the ringmaster. Gene has a battle-ax and a shooting dragon launcher. fitting weapons for the epitome of vengeance and terror. The ringmaster can hold both a cane and a megaphone, and features skull buttons and noose necktie.

Next up is the king of beasts: Peter Criss with the animal wrangler. As the embodiment of the primal animal instincts, Peter has chains, a spiked collar, and a "fur" cape. The Wrangler is not only wearing a kiss T-shirt, but comes with a whip and a panther to tame.

The Starbearer is next. Paul Stanley is Avatar of passion and pain, and comes with a mystic sword and scabbard. Paul also has a blade that transforms into his jet pack. Kiss alter ego, the Jester, has juggling balls, a bowling pin, and a poodle with an attitude.

The final member of the quartet is the spirit of the Celestial. That's Ace Frehley, who embodies harmony of the cosmos. As befitting someone whom represents balance, his alter ego is the stiltman. The Stiltman can be perched on his Extensions to look down over the entire circus.

All the Kiss: Psycho Circus band members have metallic paint and rooted hair, and most feature metal chains. As before each case holds three complete sets of the band so there are no shortpacks. The toys are being carried by a wide range of shops, including toy, department, music, and video stores.

Gene Simmons Q&A:

Q: what do you think of the new figures?
A: KISS has always been about pushing the limits and we share a fanboy love of all things "cool" with Todd. The KISS: Psycho Circus action figures are the extension of that cool.

Q: What's your favorite figure?
A: Does Ego figure into this one? Does me count?

Q: Many of our figures are purchased by collectors. Do you collect anything?
A: I collect KISS. I probably have the largest collection in the world. This includes one-of-a-kind fan made Kiss stuff. All of which will see the light of day in Toy, Games & Girls collector's Bible, our fourcoming book.

Q: When does the Psycho Circus album come out?
A: KISS: Psycho Circus hits the streets September 14th [now scheduled for 9/22].

Q: When does the tour start?
A: The First show is one Halloween at Dodger Stadium, plus we'll have a one hour Fox TV Special on Halloween night.