K. Rool

King K. Rool
Donkey Kong character
King K. Rool as he appears in DK: Jungle Climber
First game	Donkey Kong Country (1994)
Created by	Rare, Nintendo
Designed by	Steve Mayles
Voiced by (English)	Chris Sutherland (Donkey Kong 64) Benedict Campbell (animated series)
Voiced by (Japanese)	Toshihide Tsuchiya (Donkey Kong series, Mario series) Jūrōta Kosugi (animated series)

King K. Rool (Japanese: キングクルール Hepburn: Kingu Kurūru) is a fictional character and the main antagonist of Nintendo’s Donkey Kong video game franchise. K. Rool is the leader of a band of reptilian creatures known as the Kremlings, who have crossed paths with the Kongs on many occasions. First appearing in the 1994 video game Donkey Kong Country for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, he has been described as being “to Donkey Kong what Bowser is to Mario.” He is depicted as a crazed Kremling who often feigns defeat in order to deceive the Kongs, tricks them by wearing different costumes, and utilizes a variety of gadgets to his advantage. K. Rool resembles an overweight crocodile with an infected, bulging eye. The name “K. Rool” is a play on the word “cruel”, a nod to his malevolent nature. In addition to video games, K. Rool has appeared in the manga adaption of Donkey Kong Country, the Donkey Kong Country animated series, comics, and several pieces of Nintendo merchandise.

In his debut appearance, King K. Rool is depicted an obese Kremling who wears a red cape, golden wristbands, a golden belly plate, and a gold crown. He was designed by Steve Mayles, an artist that worked at Rare and brother of Rare designer Gregg Mayles. In later appearances, K. Rool’s attire changes depending on which persona he’s masquerading as. His aliases include Kaptain K. Rool, Baron K. Roolenstein, and King Krusha K. Rool. K. Rool has also been seen piloting a variety of vessels, including Gangplank Galleon, a large pirate ship in Donkey Kong Country, the Flying Kroc, a steampunk inspired flying machine in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest, and the Knautilus, a fish-shaped submarine in Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble!.