When the names of the great comic book artists are mentioned he is absent.  Rarely does his work shine because he did not think it to be significant.  Instead, he was happier contributing to others' work through his inks and pencil work.  Even though he would not want it, you should not ignore the contributions of Roy Krenkel to the comic book industry.

Krenkel's Robin to Frazetta's Batman

Imagine Roy Krenkel working with the likes of Frank Frazetta, Al Williamson, and Angelo Torres and still many do not know his name.  I must admit I did not know his name either until I came across a portfolio in an auction that was signed by Roy Krenkel produced in Michigan. Upon initial inspection, I had thought "The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World" portfolio was the work of Frank Frazetta.  In studying Krenkel one could understand how his art could be confused with Frazetta's work.  His skill was a step below Frank Frazetta's work but I can think of no artist ever able to pass the Frazetta magic. Krenkel was mentioned as a consultant to Frazetta so he had some talent,  yet again to many of you reading this article his name might as well be a foreign word whose definition is lost in translation.

 

Roy Krenkel... A True Talent

 

Creepy #6 is an example of his work that might finally introduce the name of Roy Krenkel to the readers and demonstrate how he worked well with the master Frank Frazetta.  The issue has that classic Frazetta cover, but some of the pencils and ink work was also placed there by Roy Krenkel.  A classic cover of fear achieved by the intricate line work and use of shadows and darkness, yet in the light, you can see a  buzzard flying on the horizon.  Terror achieved through raw emotions is something that many future artists seized upon after looking at this Frazetta cover, with inks by Krenkel, and it is that attention to detail that made the work of these two iconic.

If one is looking to invest in this Creepy book you should understand that the Frazetta factor makes this book desirable so this Krenkel book already has a following and is sought after by Frazetta fans.

 

Seeing how he did not view his work as substantial, finding a Krenkel solo cover is a difficult pursuit, but not impossible.  An issue where you truly see Krenkel's eye for detail is Trojan Magazines Beware #14.   Most can see how he must have appreciated  Frazetta's attention to detail because in his own cover illustration you can see the outline of the female victim's leg silhouetted under her dress through the use of subtle inks. One can also see Krenkel's approach to imagery in the torn dress that reveals a risque glimpse of the heroine's inner thigh.  Think of this as a bondage cover, but instead of chains, the lady is bound by hands clawing out of the grave. Scandalous for the day, this book also has that horror "headlights" collector appreciating the cover. Krenkel was truly a gifted artist.

The fact that Krenkel is not known by many investors is demonstrated by the lack of this book appearing in the CGC census in large numbers. In this case, the book has a total of 10, yes ten books total that have been graded.  The scarcity of this book may make you appreciate it all the more.

Importance Lost in Time

Roy Krenkel is a comic book icon whose appreciation for the work of others has caused him to be an unknown commodity to most fans.  Savvy investors have studied the importance of industry workers like  Roy Krenkel and find the value in his books.  One can not see the interiors of many of the works of the greats and not see his contributions.  If you want to own some true iconic work of a great artist lost to many collectors remember the name of Roy Krenkel.  If he was important to Frank Frazetta he should be important to you as well.