The National Cartoonists Society will hold the 80th Annual Reuben Awards on August 7 in Columbus during its conference running that weekend. Not only will the winners be announced for this year’s awards, numerous individuals will be honored at the event for their contributions.

Jeff Smith will receive the Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award, It celebrates his extraordinary and lasting impact on the art of cartooning. Named for Terry and the Pirates creator Milton Caniff, this award is bestowed by unanimous vote of the NCS Board to recognize a lifetime of outstanding and accomplished work.

Smith grew up on comic strips, comic books, and animation and in 1991 founded Cartoon Books to self-publish Bone. That series would turn into a 55-issue epic fantasy considered a modern classic. The series follows three cousins exiled from Boneville and set off on adventure full of danger. It’s a beloved all-ages series that has gone on to win numerous awards and is considered a “gateway” graphic novel that is an entry point for kids to discover the wonderful world of comics.

Smith co-founded Columbus’ Cartoon Crossroads Columbus Festival and has served on the board of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

The Berndt Toast Gang (aka NCS Long Island Chapter) will be honored with the Gold Key award. It’s awarded by a unanimous vote of the NCS Board of Directors.

Instead of one individual, this years award goes to the Berndt Toast Gang will celebrates 60 years of cartoonists gathering every month on Long Island. The award highlights the group’s sense of community, energy, and spirit that makes it special. The award will be accepted by Chapter Chair Adrian Sinnott on behalf of the chapter and passed along to future leadership.

Finally, Ed Steckley will receive the Silver T-Square Award. Steckley is a longtime member of the National Cartoonists Society and the award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to the NCS and a deep dedication to the profession of cartooning.

Steckley has helped guide the NCS through organizational changes, bylaws revisions, NCS Fest, the pandemic, and implementing new technology. He has been a National Representative as well as Vice President and helped the organization numerous ways behind the scenes. He’s also a sought-after illustrator specializing in children’s books, magazines, and advertising.

Ed exemplifies the spirit of the award with outstanding service delivered with humility, reliability, and genuine care for the cartooning community.