RGK: The Art of Roy G. Krenkel

by Roy G. Krenkel, Frank Frazetta, J. David Spurlock (Editor)

The first major collection of the fantasy artist's work in 20 years, this book is filled with classic and previously unseen portrayals of futuristic cities, prehistoric beasts, jungle men, bodacious beauties, and more. Providing a rich overview of Krenkel's work, this book is profusely illustrated with 250 illustrations and photos-from his defining artwork on Tarzan, Conan, and Wizard of Oz, to his collaborations with Frank Frazetta.

Genres: Art, Fantasy

134 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2004

Reviews

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roy Gerald Krenkel (11 July 1918 – 24 February 1983).

Krenkel sometimes collaborated with Frank Frazetta he drew for EC Comics particularly in Weird Science, Weird Fantasy and novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

More of a memorial than a retrospective, artists including Frank Frazetta, Michael Kaluta, and Al Williamson offer their written tribute to this remarkable man. Artworks in this book cover a wide range, from pencil sketches and pen drawings or comic pages, on through finished paintings. For better or worse, many finished works appear as book cover reproductions, complete with titles.

"RGK's abundant creativity resulted in comparatively few finished artworks by his own hand. He preferred to work in collaboration with other artists.

I love this guy's work.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a big, lovely book that collects many of Krenkel's drawings, sketches, paintings, and book covers, and it also serves as a remembrance/tribute volume. There are numerous articles and essays about Krenkel and his work, from luminaries including Al Williamson and Frank Frazetta (his frequent collaborators), Donald M. Grant, Richard Lupoff, Michael Wm. Kaluta, Jeffrey Jones, Steve Hickman, Harry Harrison, Harlan Ellison, and many more. I learned quite a bit about the man from reading this; I knew he'd done the majority of the Burroughs covers for Ace but didn't know that he'd gotten them to bring in Frazetta or a trial basis to do some. I didn't know he'd done interior illustrations for Astounding SF, or that he'd collaborated so heavily with Williamson and Frazetta on their comics work. I wish that they'd included a more detailed biographical piece about Krenkel; all of his friends seem to agree that he was quite an eccentric character, and I'm sure there were a lot of stories left untold. His legacy is simply the best essence of heroic fantasy illustration, but this book includes a look at many of his other works as well. Highly recommended!

[J. Spurlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book ever on Roy Krenkel.
Includes material from Al Williamson, Frank Frazetta, and many more.
Nominated for Book Of The Ear at the Eisner Awards