KISS And Spirit Halloween: A Winning Combination?

Oct 3, 2011

by kfontenot
posted in The Unofficial KISS Kommunity On Lunch

Exclusive to the Lunch Network

Rating:

I don't think I have to explain who KISS is, but for those of you who are unaware, KISS is a band that has been making music and mayhem since the 1970's, and they are known for their self-promotion as much as the are for their music. Spirit Halloween is a retail company with an on-line store that is open year round and retail outlets that usually open on or just after Labor Day and remain open throughout the Halloween season. They specialize in costumes, makeup, and horror props for Halloween.

This year, Spirit and KISS have teamed up to offer fans complete costumes (from wigs to facepaint and even those platform shoes) in stores and on the web. The promotion also includes a very unique prize package that I'll get to in a moment.

I want to first address the in-store promotion of KISS. It is pretty lackluster (at least in the Lake Charles area). Spirit set up the KISS area on the end of an aisle (which I've read in some media was the agreed upon area of placement). The promotional area featured Starchild and Demon costumes for children and adults, as well as wigs for both of these costumes. There were a few half masks and temporary face makeup kits too. Also included were a few generic "rocker" items that have been in Spirit stores for years now. KISS licensed makeup was also available, but that was it.

All of the deluxe costumes, Rock The Nation official costumes, platform shoes, women's KISS costumes, and even the questionable screenprint costumes are available online only. You can't find them in stores at all! In short, the good stuff isn't available to be tried on before you buy it, which left me with a sour taste in my mouth. I really wanted to see if I could squeeze my big rear into one of the deluxe Demon costumes, but I'm not going to shell out the near $70 for something that might end up being too tight. I might as well make my own KISS costume for just a few dollars more.

I will say that the sweepstakes that is tied in with this promotion is an excellent one if you are a KISS fan. It includes airfare to and from Las Vegas, two nights at the Hard Rock Hotel, a lifetime membership to the Monster Mini Golf Presents KISS mini golf course, a guitar signed by KISS and my favorite part of the entire sweepstakes, an actual KISS KOFFIN from Eternal Image!

I've already entered the contest, and can only hope that I win. This prize package is the only reason I gave a +3 rating to this promotion.

If you plan on dressing up as a member of KISS this Halloween, save the drive time and buy online. The selection is better and you don't have to go to the store to sign up for the sweepstakes. If I win the contest, I'll definitley do a write up on it.

Keep rockin'!

KISS And Spirit Halloween: A Winning Combination?

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JSMaresca July 03, 2012

I{ concur with Djevoke on this one.

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djevoke October 04, 2011

Great review! They should've consulted you about the KISS promotion, don't they know they have a professional in their midst? Which KISS member are you going to be for Halloween?

kfontenot October 05, 2011

Thanks for the compliment. I've been Gene in the past, so I probably won't be him this year. I haven't put together a costume this year, but I might just slap on Peter Criss' Catman makeup. His paint is my favorite to do. I can do all four original members' makeup and the toughest one (in my opinion) is the Starchild. I can never get that freakin' star correct! I've never tried Eric Carr's Fox or Vinnie Vincent's Ankh Warrior, but I'm sure I'll get around to them both soon enough. I'm also thinking about doing the Hawk makeup, but only hardcore KISS fans will get that.

djevoke October 05, 2011

Anytime :) I wouldn't be able to do Starchild, either! You would definitely need to have someone that's done make-up or is an artist help you with that one. I like the Catman idea- simple and gets the point across.

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About the reviewer

Kendall Fontenot (kfontenot)
Ranked #1

Despite looking extremely cool, I have to admit that I'm a dork. I grew up on the outskirts of the small town of Oberlin, LA. I have since relocated to the Lake Charles, LA area.I love my home state … more