2010 National Cartoonists Society Reuben Awards

The Animation division award from the NCS Reubens for my work on UP. It's already up on the mantle. Notice the Rube Goldberg characters adorning the edges.

A wonderful honor. Last weekend I flew to New Jersey to attend the 2010 National Cartoonists Society Reuben awards. My schedules being what they are I had to make sure I could really attend before making the travel plans. The lure of meeting all these luminaries of cartooning was too great. It all worked out in grand style. Oh, and I won the feature animation division award!



I got to attend two talks. George Booth, as Arnold Roth mentioned as he presents George a Lifetime Achievement Award, "makes it impossible for any of us to ever attempt to draw a funny dog or cat ever again." Joe Kubert is a legend in comics and I wasn't about to miss hearing him speak about his career. I was very impressed at how well rounded his regard for the life of an artist, not just comics, and his love for drawing.


George Booth drew dogs and various parts of dogs and put them together using an overhead projector. So amazing to see him construct these hilarious dog drawings. Then he looks up and laughs out loud himself. What a joy!

My thanks to Jeff Keane, president of the NCS (brother to Glen, son of legend Bill Keane of "Family Circus) for welcoming me and for throwing such a grand party. Jeff is also quite the thespian. In a send up of The Godfather featuring fellow cartoonist he did a very convincing Vito Corleone.

Very special thanks to David Folkman for introducing me to the NCS. He is tireless in his support and passion of the organization and kindest of people you can meet (he is also Co-Publisher/Design Director of “Hogan’s Alley"). Chad Frye recognized me in the corridors and proceeded to make sure I felt like I belong and connected these giant names of cartooning to faces. Whoa! They were all there! Arnold Roth, George Booth, Joe Kubert, Jerry Robinson, Mort Walker...it goes on. What a night. Met so many amazing and welcoming people.


Joe Kubert spoke briefly and opened it to questions. He is a noble man and wants to talk more about the history he was witness to as a comic book artist than about himself. He has a great laugh as well. He says he draws everyday still. That's for me!

The NCS wishes that more animation professionals attend the event and I for one am sure I'm coming back. Because besides the star gazing and the great people I know that someday soon I want to be one among them, drawing from my home office, weaving my own tales of adventure and hopefully being a card carrying member. A real cartoonist.



The National Cartoonists Society
Chad Frye's Blog for a comprehensive report on the entire weekend.