Unmasked: Paul Stanley's Critique and Gene Simmons' Comic Book Cover Appreciation
Paul Stanley has been vocal about his dislike for Kiss' 1980 album Unmasked, which marked the band's pop-disco era. In a recent video promoting Kiss' updated website, Stanley and Gene Simmons discussed their feelings about the album's cover art. Designed by Victor Stabin, the comic book-style cover depicts a reporter trying to capture Kiss without their iconic makeup. Stanley expressed his dissatisfaction with the cover, while Simmons, a comic book fan, admitted he initially thought it was cool. With hindsight, Simmons suggested a different approach, highlighting a panel with the band's makeup faces underneath. Despite Stanley's criticism of Unmasked as a "wimpy" album, its lead single "Shandi" found success internationally, particularly in Australia, where Kiss experienced a surge in popularity. The band's farewell tour photo book also recounts the overwhelming fan reception during their time in Australia.