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{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2021}}
[[File:ATEC1962.jpg|alt=At The Earth's Core, Roy Krenkel cover, 1962|thumb|At The Earth's Core, Roy Krenkel cover, 1962]]
{{Infobox comics creator
'''Roy Gerald Krenkel''' (July 11, 1918 – February 24, 1983), often signing his work as RGK, was a renowned American [[illustrator]] known for his fantasy and historical artwork, primarily for books, magazines, and comic books. His intricate illustrations made a significant impact in the world of visual storytelling, especially in the genres of science fiction and fantasy.
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'''Roy Gerald Krenkel''' (July 11, 1918&nbsp;– February 24, 1983), who often signed his work '''RGK''', was an  [[United States|American]] illustrator who specialized in [[fantasy]] and historical drawings and paintings for books, magazines and comic books.
== Early Life and Influences ==
Born on July 11, 1918, Krenkel's artistic development was influenced by the works of renowned artists like Norman Lindsay, Franklin Booth, Joseph Clement Coll, and J. Allen St. John. He began his formal art education in 1939 at Cooper Union's Art School. Prior to World War II, he studied under George Bridgman at the Art Students League of New York. During the war, Krenkel served as a Private in the U.S. Army in the Philippines. His enlistment records indicate that, at the time, he lived in Queens, had graduated from high school, and was working as an actor.


==Influences and study==
== Post-War Career and Collaborations ==
Krenkel was born July 11, 1918.<ref>{{cite web|title=Krenkel, Roy G|website=Encyclopedia of Science Fiction|date=September 12, 2022|accessdate=January 29, 2024|url=https://sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/krenkel_roy_g}}</ref> His artwork revealed the strong influence of artist [[Norman Lindsay]], in addition to [[Franklin Booth]], [[Joseph Clement Coll]] and [[J. Allen St. John]]. In 1939, he was attending [[Cooper Union]]'s Art School.<ref>''Cooper Union Cable'' New York: Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, 1939]</ref> Before World War II he studied with [[George Bridgman]] at the [[Art Students League of New York]]. During the War he served as a [[Private (rank)#United States Army|Private in the U.S. Army]] in the Philippines. His enlistment papers of January 23, 1942, record him as living in Queens, as having graduated high school, and as single, without dependents, employed as an actor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pulpartists.com/Krenkel.html|title=Catalog|website=pulpartists.com}}</ref>
After the war, Krenkel studied at the Cartoonists and Illustrators School, which would later become the School of Visual Arts, where he met fellow artists like Joe Orlando, Frank Frazetta, and Al Williamson. Frazetta later described Krenkel as a constant source of inspiration, highlighting his dedication and artistry. Krenkel collaborated frequently with Frazetta and Williamson on EC Comics stories, particularly in titles such as ''Weird Science'', ''Weird Fantasy'', and ''Weird Science-Fantasy''. His detailed splash page for the story "Food for Thought" in ''Incredible Science Fiction #32'' is regarded as one of the high points in comic book illustration.
[[Image:Food for Thought - Williamson.jpg|thumb|left|"Food for Thought" (''Incredible Science-Fiction'' #32) by Al Williamson with Roy Krenkel]]
After the War, Krenkel attended [[Burne Hogarth]]'s classes at the Cartoonists and Illustrators School, which became the [[School of Visual Arts]]. There he met a group of young cartoonists, including [[Joe Orlando]], [[Frank Frazetta]] and [[Al Williamson]]. Frazetta noted, "I met Roy Krenkel back in 1949 or 1950, and he has never ceased to be a constant source of inspiration to me—a truly conscientious artist who will not tolerate incompetence."


Krenkel sometimes collaborated with Frazetta and Williamson on pages the trio drew for [[EC Comics]] particularly in ''[[Weird Science (comics)|Weird Science]]'', ''[[Weird Fantasy]]'' and ''[[Weird Science-Fantasy]]''. His splash page contribution to Williamson's "Food for Thought" (''[[Incredible Science Fiction]]'' 32, November–December 1955), a highly detailed alien landscape, is often regarded as a peak achievement in comic book illustration. Krenkel only drew one solo story for EC, the unsigned "Time to Leave" (''[[Incredible Science Fiction]]'' 31, September–October 1955), displaying a futuristic cityscape of architectural splendors. Krenkel inked many of Williamson's comic stories for Marvel and [[American Comics Group]] in the 1950s as well.
Although Krenkel only worked on one solo story for EC Comics, "Time to Leave" (Incredible Science Fiction #31), his inking contributions to Williamson's stories in the 1950s were highly influential.


He was known for regarding his own work as disposable and unimportant.<ref name="DAK62">{{cite news | last = Zimmerman | first = Dwight Jon | date = November 1988 | title = Al Williamson | work = [[Comics Interview]] | issue = 62 | page = 57 | publisher = [[Fictioneer Books]]}}</ref>
== Contributions to Magazines and Paperbacks ==
Krenkel's artistic talent extended to science fiction magazines where he provided illustrations, including work for ''Marvel Science Fiction''. Writer Harry Harrison, who worked closely with Krenkel, praised him for his mastery of penciling. Krenkel's work drew influences from fine artists such as Norman Lindsay and Alma Tadema. Over his career, Krenkel created numerous paperback book covers, particularly for works by Edgar Rice Burroughs and other fantasy writers published by Ace Books. His involvement in the Conan the Barbarian revival by Lancer Books saw him act as a consultant for cover artist Frank Frazetta, even providing preliminary sketches for Frazetta's covers for ''Creepy'' and ''Eerie''comics.


{{clear}}
During the 1970s, Krenkel illustrated several works, including ''The Sowers of the Thunder'' and ''The Road of Azrael'', both works by Robert E. Howard, and published by Donald M. Grant. He also created a limited-edition portfolio depicting the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.


==Magazines and paperbacks==
Krenkel's artistic contributions were not limited to books and comics; he also illustrated several fanzines, such as ''Xero'', ''ERBdom'', and ''Amra'', which focused on the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs and Robert E. Howard.
Krenkel provided illustrations to several science fiction magazines. The writer [[Harry Harrison (writer)|Harry Harrison]] recalled, "Krenkel was a master penciler. I know. When he shared a studio with me and [[Wally Wood]], I inked one of his illustrations for ''Marvel Science Fiction'' magazine. The influence of fine artists Norman Lindsay and [[Lawrence Alma-Tadema|Alma Tadema]] can be seen in his work."{{citation needed|date=January 2020}}


His work includes 23 paperback book cover paintings as well as frontispieces for [[Edgar Rice Burroughs]] and other fantasy writers published by [[Donald A. Wollheim]] at [[Ace Books]]. During the late 1960s, he created cover paintings for [[DAW Books]] and [[Lancer Books]]. When Lancer revived [[Robert E. Howard]]'s creation [[Conan the Barbarian]], with revisions by [[L. Sprague de Camp]], Krenkel was cited by cover artist Frazetta as a consultant. He also created preliminary roughs which Frazetta modified and used when he painted covers for [[Warren Publishing]]'s ''[[Creepy (magazine)|Creepy]]'' and ''[[Eerie (magazine)|Eerie]]''. Krenkel drew one-page "Creepy's Loathsome Lore" and "Eerie's Monster Gallery" stories as well as rough layouts and inks for "H2O World" with collaborator Al Williamson.
== Legacy and Recognition ==
Roy Krenkel’s influence on the visual representation of fantasy and science fiction is widely acknowledged. Danton Burroughs, the grandson of Edgar Rice Burroughs, praised Krenkel for his key role in the 1960s revival of his grandfather’s work, ensuring Krenkel's place as one of the great illustrators of Burroughs' creations.


During the 1970s, he illustrated both covers and interiors for Howard's ''[[The Sowers of the Thunder]]'' and ''[[The Road of Azrael]]'', published by [[Donald M. Grant, Publisher, Inc.|Donald M. Grant]]. It was at this time Krenkel created seven special paintings for a limited edition portfolio illustrating the [[Seven Wonders of the Ancient World]]. He also contributed to several [[science fiction fanzines]], including [[Richard A. Lupoff]]'s ''[[Xero (SF fanzine)|Xero]]'', the Burroughs-oriented ''ERBdom'' and ''[[Amra (magazine)|Amra]]'', devoted to the works of Howard.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.erbzine.com/mag1/0117.html|title=ERBzine 0117: ERBdom Index I: 1-15|website=www.erbzine.com}}</ref>
In 1963, Krenkel was honored with the Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist, a testament to his extraordinary contributions to the genre. After his death, his friends and colleagues, Archie Goodwin and Al Williamson, paid tribute to him with the creation of the story ''Relic'', published in ''Epic Illustrated'' #27.


Danton Burroughs, the grandson of Edgar Rice Burroughs, commented, "Roy Krenkel was a key factor in the 1960s revival of my grandfather's writings. Krenkel's illustrations forever secured his position as one of the all-time great Edgar Rice Burroughs illustrators."
== Notable Works Illustrated by Krenkel ==


Following his death, Krenkel's friends [[Archie Goodwin (comics)|Archie Goodwin]] and Al Williamson created the story "Relic", published in ''[[Epic Illustrated]]'' #27, as a tribute to him.<ref name="DAK62"/>
* ''Great Cities of the Ancient World'' (1972, Doubleday) by L. Sprague de Camp
* ''Cities and Scenes of the Ancient World'' (1974, Owlswick Press)
* ''The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World'' (1975, Christopher Enterprises)
* ''Swordsmen and Saurians: From the Mesozoic to Barsoom'' (1989, Eclipse Books)
* ''RGK: The Art of Roy G. Krenkel'' (2005, Vanguard) by J. David Spurlock


==Awards==
Krenkel’s work, with its detailed rendering and vibrant sense of imagination, continues to inspire generations of artists and fans, securing his place as one of the most influential illustrators in the history of fantasy and science fiction art.
In 1963, Krenkel won the [[Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist]].


==Works illustrated==
== Sources ==
*''[[Great Cities of the Ancient World]]'' (1972, Doubleday) by [[L. Sprague de Camp]]
*''Cities and Scenes of the Ancient World'' (1974, Owlswick Press). Hardcover of RGK drawings
*''The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World'' by Roy G. Krenkel (1975, Christopher Enterprises).  Signed/Numbered Limited Edition of 1000 Portfolios - 7 Prints in each
*''Swordsmen and Saurians: From the Mesozoic to Barsoom'' (1989, Eclipse Books) Introduction by W Stout. Soft/hardcover of RGK drawings
*''RGK: The Art of Roy G. Krenkel'' (2005, Vanguard) by J. David Spurlock. Soft/hardcover of RGK drawings
 
==References==
{{Reflist}}
 
===Sources===
*Spurlock, J. David and Klugerman, Barry, with commentary by Frank Frazetta and Al Williamson. ''RGK: The Art of Roy G. Krenkel'' (Vanguard, 2005)
*Spurlock, J. David and Klugerman, Barry, with commentary by Frank Frazetta and Al Williamson. ''RGK: The Art of Roy G. Krenkel'' (Vanguard, 2005)
== External links==
* {{ISFDB name| id=Roy_G._Krenkel| name=Roy G. Krenkel}}
* {{Gutenberg author | id=26377}}
* {{LCAuth|n79144742|Roy G. Krenkel|7|}}
* [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/218853035/roy-g-krenkel Roy Krenkel] at [[Find a Grave]]
{{eccontribs}}
{{World Fantasy Convention Award}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Krenkel, Roy}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Krenkel, Roy}}

Latest revision as of 17:56, 11 December 2024

At The Earth's Core, Roy Krenkel cover, 1962
At The Earth's Core, Roy Krenkel cover, 1962

Roy Gerald Krenkel (July 11, 1918 – February 24, 1983), often signing his work as RGK, was a renowned American illustrator known for his fantasy and historical artwork, primarily for books, magazines, and comic books. His intricate illustrations made a significant impact in the world of visual storytelling, especially in the genres of science fiction and fantasy.

Early Life and Influences

Born on July 11, 1918, Krenkel's artistic development was influenced by the works of renowned artists like Norman Lindsay, Franklin Booth, Joseph Clement Coll, and J. Allen St. John. He began his formal art education in 1939 at Cooper Union's Art School. Prior to World War II, he studied under George Bridgman at the Art Students League of New York. During the war, Krenkel served as a Private in the U.S. Army in the Philippines. His enlistment records indicate that, at the time, he lived in Queens, had graduated from high school, and was working as an actor.

Post-War Career and Collaborations

After the war, Krenkel studied at the Cartoonists and Illustrators School, which would later become the School of Visual Arts, where he met fellow artists like Joe Orlando, Frank Frazetta, and Al Williamson. Frazetta later described Krenkel as a constant source of inspiration, highlighting his dedication and artistry. Krenkel collaborated frequently with Frazetta and Williamson on EC Comics stories, particularly in titles such as Weird Science, Weird Fantasy, and Weird Science-Fantasy. His detailed splash page for the story "Food for Thought" in Incredible Science Fiction #32 is regarded as one of the high points in comic book illustration.

Although Krenkel only worked on one solo story for EC Comics, "Time to Leave" (Incredible Science Fiction #31), his inking contributions to Williamson's stories in the 1950s were highly influential.

Contributions to Magazines and Paperbacks

Krenkel's artistic talent extended to science fiction magazines where he provided illustrations, including work for Marvel Science Fiction. Writer Harry Harrison, who worked closely with Krenkel, praised him for his mastery of penciling. Krenkel's work drew influences from fine artists such as Norman Lindsay and Alma Tadema. Over his career, Krenkel created numerous paperback book covers, particularly for works by Edgar Rice Burroughs and other fantasy writers published by Ace Books. His involvement in the Conan the Barbarian revival by Lancer Books saw him act as a consultant for cover artist Frank Frazetta, even providing preliminary sketches for Frazetta's covers for Creepy and Eeriecomics.

During the 1970s, Krenkel illustrated several works, including The Sowers of the Thunder and The Road of Azrael, both works by Robert E. Howard, and published by Donald M. Grant. He also created a limited-edition portfolio depicting the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Krenkel's artistic contributions were not limited to books and comics; he also illustrated several fanzines, such as Xero, ERBdom, and Amra, which focused on the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs and Robert E. Howard.

Legacy and Recognition

Roy Krenkel’s influence on the visual representation of fantasy and science fiction is widely acknowledged. Danton Burroughs, the grandson of Edgar Rice Burroughs, praised Krenkel for his key role in the 1960s revival of his grandfather’s work, ensuring Krenkel's place as one of the great illustrators of Burroughs' creations.

In 1963, Krenkel was honored with the Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist, a testament to his extraordinary contributions to the genre. After his death, his friends and colleagues, Archie Goodwin and Al Williamson, paid tribute to him with the creation of the story Relic, published in Epic Illustrated #27.

Notable Works Illustrated by Krenkel

  • Great Cities of the Ancient World (1972, Doubleday) by L. Sprague de Camp
  • Cities and Scenes of the Ancient World (1974, Owlswick Press)
  • The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (1975, Christopher Enterprises)
  • Swordsmen and Saurians: From the Mesozoic to Barsoom (1989, Eclipse Books)
  • RGK: The Art of Roy G. Krenkel (2005, Vanguard) by J. David Spurlock

Krenkel’s work, with its detailed rendering and vibrant sense of imagination, continues to inspire generations of artists and fans, securing his place as one of the most influential illustrators in the history of fantasy and science fiction art.

Sources

  • Spurlock, J. David and Klugerman, Barry, with commentary by Frank Frazetta and Al Williamson. RGK: The Art of Roy G. Krenkel (Vanguard, 2005)
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