Submission Guidelines

The National Cartoonists Society invites submissions for the 80th NCS Divisional Reuben Awards, honoring excellence in professional cartooning for work first published in 2025.

Each year, the Divisional Reuben Awards recognize excellence across a wide range of cartooning disciplines, culminating in the annual Reuben Awards ceremony, where nominees and winners are formally celebrated by their peers and honored by the Society.

COMPLETE YOUR SUBMISSION BY OR ON JANUARY 23, 2026 FOR CONSIDERATION FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING DIVISION AWARDS:

JUMP TO:

• Eligibility and Submission Requirements
• Jurying and Timeline
• Submission Process for All Divisions
• Required: How to Submit Proof of Publication
• Common Questions
• Division Specific Guidelines
• ONLINE ENTRY FORM (opens in new tab)

Eligibility and Submission Requirements

All submissions must be completed online by January 23, 2026.

NCS membership is not required.
There is no submission fee.

• Only work first published between January 1 and December 31, 2025 is eligible.

• All entries must include proof of first publication date or will be disqualified (see Proof of Publication section).

• Artwork may only be submitted to ONE division. Duplication of entries into multiple divisions will result in disqualification.

• Submissions must represent professional cartooning published, distributed, or produced through a professional outlet widely available to the general public.
  Personal, hobby, or classroom work is not eligible. For example, do not submit art created for personal use, casual social media posts, or self-published school assignments.

• The National Cartoonists Society encourages exploration of new creative technologies. However, artwork generated using AI systems trained on copyrighted works is not eligible in any award category. By submitting work, entrants affirm that their entry complies with this requirement.

Jurying and Timeline

• In the interest of ensuring that the NCS Divisional Reuben Awards are representative of the very best work submitted to each division, entries are juried by members of multiple NCS regional chapters.

• The top three nominees in each division advance to a vote by the full NCS voting membership.

• Winners will be announced at the Reuben Awards Ceremony on August 7, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio.

Submission Process for All Divisions

All submissions and entry forms will be submitted digitally.

ONLINE ENTRY FORM

1. Review division-specific instructions below.

2. Complete the online entry form, which will open in a separate tab.

3. On the entry form you will provide:

• Name and contact information
• Division entered
• Short bio and headshot

4. Upload work samples according to division guidelines.

5. Upload proof of 2025 publication for each submitted sample.

6. Submit the form on or by January 23, 2026 and receive an email confirmation of your entry.

If you are unable to submit via the online form or do not receive a confirmation email after submitting your entry, please email us at ncs@nationalcartoonists.com

REQUIRED: Proof of 2025 Publication

Proof of first publication date is required for every submitted sample.
Failure to upload proof may result in disqualification.  Proofs may be original images, screenshots, photos, scans etc.

Requirements:

• Upload one proof file per submitted image

• Files must be JPG, JPEG, or PNG

• Proof must clearly show the artwork or title and the publication date

Acceptable proof includes:

• Artwork with the publication date clearly visible

• Magazine or book table of contents (date circled)

• Dated tearsheets or product images

• Publisher, client, or syndicate verification letter

• Screenshots showing URL and publication date (e.g., GoComics, Comics Kingdom, publisher site)

• Copyright or imprint page

 PROOF FILE NAMING FORMAT

• PROOF_Lastname_Firstname_1
• PROOF_Lastname_Firstname_2
• etc.

Please label files clearly so each proof corresponds to the correct submitted work.

Common Questions

• Do I have to submit proof of publication for every entry?
  Yes. Proof of first publication date is required for every submitted sample and must be uploaded using the entry form. Entries without proof may be disqualified.

  My image already shows a publication date. Do I still need to upload a proof file?
  Yes. If the submitted work itself clearly displays the publication date, that same image must still be uploaded in the proof section of the entry form.

  Can I submit the same image to more than one division?
  No. Each image or sample may be submitted to only one division.

  If I have work from multiple titles in the same division, how should I submit?
  You may either:

  • Combine work from multiple titles into a single entry, or

  • Submit separate entries for each title.

  Note: if you submit multiple entries in the same division, those entries will compete against each other, and only one title may win.

  How many awards are given per division?
  Only one award is given per division. If multiple creators are credited on the winning work, all names will appear on the award.

  What if I’m unable to submit through the online entry form?
  If you are unable to submit via the online form, please contact us at ncs@nationalcartoonists.com.

Submission Instructions for Specific Divisions

SKIP TO ONLINE COMIC DIVISIONS
SKIP TO BOOK ILLUSTRATION, GRAPHIC NOVEL, OR COMIC BOOK DIVISIONS
SKIP TO ART FOR ANIMATED MEDIA DIVISIONS

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS FOR:

● NEWSPAPER PANEL CARTOONS ● NEWSPAPER COMIC STRIPS ● GAG CARTOONS ● EDITORIAL CARTOONS ● VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT ● MAGAZINE & NEWSPAPER ILLUSTRATION ● ADVERTISING & PRODUCT ILLUSTRATION

These divisions are for artwork that is primarily print-based, but may also appear online.

GUIDELINES

• • Entries may be submitted by the artist or by an agent or colleague on the artist’s behalf.
  • NEWSPAPER PANEL and NEWSPAPER STRIP: If submitting syndicated cartoons that appear in both strip and panel formats, you may choose one division but not both.  Submitting the same work to multiple divisions will result in disqualification. 
  • VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT: This division is for panels or strips focused on trivia, puzzles, educational content, or similar material.
  • GAG CARTOON v PANEL CARTOON: 
    Panel cartoons are part of a regularly published feature, typically with a recurring title. Gag cartoons are one-off cartoons sold individually to a publication. While both may appear in print and online, entrants should select the division that best reflects how the work is published and presented.
  • ADVERTISING/PRODUCT ILLUSTRATION: Includes print/physical and digital advertisements and products, including items such as packaging, manuals, or apps.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE

1. Review all instructions, including Proof of Publication requirements.  Incorrect or ineligible entries will be disqualified.

2. Complete the online entry form (opens in a separate tab).
ONLINE ENTRY FORM

3. Upload UP TO 8 TOTAL sample images.

Each image you submit will be automatically fit onto an 8.5×11 page for our jurors.  If you don’t want your image to be grainy, chopped off, or too tiny, please follow these guidelines:

• FORMAT: upload each image as a separate JPEG/JPG/PNG file
• RESOLUTION: 300 dpi recommended
• SIZE: your image will be automatically sized to fit on an 8.5x 11 page for our jurors.  If your image is exceptionally long or wide, it will be reduced to fit.  You may prefer to break a larger spread into smaller individual image uploads.

• FILE NAME FORMAT:

Lastname_Firstname_1

Lastname_Firstname_2

etc.

Files will be viewed by jurors in numerical order based on your file names. Please number them in the order you wish them to be viewed.

4. Upload proof of 2025 publication (see detailed instructions )

5. Submit the completed form on or by January 23, 2026

• You will receive a confirmation email with your entry details.
• Division Finalists will be announced in May and winners announced at the annual Reuben Awards in fall of 2026.

ONLINE COMICS DIVISIONS: Short and Long Form

These divisions are for artwork that is primarily online, but may also appear print.

GUIDELINES FOR THESE DIVISIONS

• Submissions must be web-first publications. Work that is syndicated in print should be submitted to the appropriate print division instead.
• Submissions should be in their original online format .
• Submission proof must document the date of first posting/release.
• Submissions must have been published on a consistent schedule during 2025 (e.g., weekly, biweekly, or daily).
• Compilations that include work first published prior to 2025 are not eligible
• Entries may be submitted by the artist or by an agent or colleague on the artist’s behalf.
• Quick Tip: If each entry makes sense on its own, submit Short Form; if it depends on previous installments, submit Long Form.

ONLINE COMICS – SHORT FORM

• Each short-form submission should be self-contained: a single gag, story, or narrative that can be understood on its own.
• Submissions can be strip, single panel, single-page or partial-page format.
• Short-form entries do not need an ongoing narrative to be eligible.

ONLINE COMICS – LONG FORM

• Long-form submissions must be part of an ongoing or serialized narrative.
• Entries may consist of single or multiple pages; multiple pages count as multiple sample images.
• Long-form work should rely on continuity or a continuing storyline to make sense.

ALL ONLINE COMICS: SUBMISSION PROCEDURE

1. Review all instructions, including Proof of Publication requirements. Incorrect or ineligible entries will be disqualified.

2. Complete the online entry form (opens in a separate tab).
ONLINE ENTRY FORM

3. Upload UP TO 8 TOTAL sample images.

Each image you submit will be automatically fit onto an 8.5×11 page for our jurors.  If you don’t want your image to be grainy, chopped off, or too tiny, please follow these guidelines:

• FORMAT: upload each image as a separate JPEG/JPG/PNG file
• RESOLUTION: 300 dpi recommended
• SIZE: your image will be automatically sized to fit on an 8.5x 11 page for our jurors.  If your image is exceptionally long or wide, it will be reduced to fit.  You may prefer to break a larger spread into smaller individual image uploads.

• FILE NAME FORMAT:

Lastname_Firstname_1

Lastname_Firstname_2

etc.

Files will be viewed by jurors in numerical order based on your file names. Please number them in the order you wish them to be viewed.

4. Upload proof of 2025 publication (see detailed instructions )

5. Submit the completed form on or by January 23, 2026

• You will receive a confirmation email with your entry details.
• Division Finalists will be announced in May and winners announced at the annual Reuben Awards in fall of 2026.

Book Illustration, Graphic Novel, Comic Book Divisions

GUIDELINES FOR THESE DIVISIONS

• This division evaluates ART for Graphic Novels. Entrants submit up to 12 representative pages that best showcase their artwork.
• Eligible work must have been first published in 2025.
• Compilations that include work first published prior to 2025 are not eligible.
• Entries may be submitted by the artist or by an agent or colleague on the artist’s behalf.
• Each entry may represent only ONE artist’s work. If more than one artist contributed to the work:
  • in cases where multiple artists worked on a single image, entries must specify what art the entrant is responsible for: penciller, inker, etc
  • in cases where a title includes work from more than one artist (for example, one artist did the cover or different artists contributed different chapters) all sample art submitted must solely represent the entrant
  • if more than one artist from a particular title is to be considered, a separate entry should be submitted that represents each individual artist’s work

BOOK ILLUSTRATION, GRAPHIC NOVELS, COMIC BOOKS: SUBMISSION PROCEDURE

1. Review all instructions, including  Proof of Publication requirements.  Incorrect or ineligible entries will be disqualified.

2. Complete the online entry form (opens in a separate tab).
ONLINE ENTRY FORM

3. Submit UP TO 12 TOTAL PAGE SAMPLES

Each image you submit will be automatically fit onto an 8.5×11 page for our jurors.  If you don’t want your image to be grainy, chopped off, or too tiny, please follow these guidelines:

• FORMAT: upload each image as a separate JPEG/JPG/PNG file
• RESOLUTION: 300 dpi recommended
• SIZE: your image will be automatically sized to fit on an 8.5x 11 page for our jurors.  If your image is exceptionally long or wide, it will be reduced to fit.  You may prefer to break a larger spread into smaller individual image uploads.

• FILE NAME FORMAT:

Lastname_Firstname_1

Lastname_Firstname_2

etc.

Files will be viewed by jurors in numerical order based on your file names. Please number them in the order you wish them to be viewed.

4. Upload proof of 2025 publication (see detailed instructions )

5. Submit the completed form on or by January 23, 2026

• You will receive a confirmation email with your entry details.
• Division Finalists will be announced in May and winners announced at the annual Reuben Awards in fall of 2026.

ART FOR ANIMATED MEDIA

GUIDELINES FOR THIS DIVISION

• Eligible work includes individual contributions to animated projects for television, feature films, streaming services, video games, and other platforms.
• Entries must represent work first published or released in 2025.
• Submissions are meant to represent an individual artist’s work for consideration. Entrants should be directly responsible for the creation of the art submitted, such as production designers, character designers, layout artists, background painters, storyboard artists, etc
• Entries may include stills, screen captures, photographs, digital image files etc. and/or up to two minutes of combined animation
• Each entry may represent only ONE artist’s work. If more than one artist contributed to the work:
  • in cases where multiple artists worked on a single title, entries must specify what art the entrant is responsible for: character design, background painting etc
  • in cases where a title includes work from more than one artist (for example, one artist did the intro or different artists contributed different episodes) all sample art submitted must solely represent the individual entrant
  • if more than one artist from a particular title is to be considered, a separate entry should be submitted that represents each individual artist’s work
• Entries may be submitted by the artist or by a studio/colleague on their behalf.

ART FOR ANIMATED MEDIA: SUBMISSION PROCEDURE

1. Review all instructions, including  Proof of Publication requirements.  Incorrect or ineligible entries will be disqualified.

2. Complete the online entry form (opens in a separate tab).
ONLINE ENTRY FORM

3. Submit UP TO 8 TOTAL IMAGE SAMPLES (JPG/JPEG/PNG) and UP TO TWO MINUTES OF FINISHED ANIMATION (MP4 or web links with instructions for viewing). 

• The entry form allows you to provide passwords or instructions for viewing links or files, for example, specific time stamps you want jurors to view.
• For animation longer than 2 minutes, indicate which portion jurors should view; otherwise only the first 2 minutes will be considered.

4. For image files, upload each sample as a separate file.

Each image you submit will be automatically fit onto an 8.5×11 page for our jurors.  If you don’t want your image to be grainy, chopped off, or too tiny, please follow these guidelines:

• FORMAT: upload each image/sample as a separate JPEG/JPG/PNG/MP4 file
• RESOLUTION: 300 dpi recommended
• SIZE: your image will be automatically sized to fit on an 8.5x 11 page for our jurors.  If your image is exceptionally long or wide, it will be reduced to fit.  You may prefer to break a larger spread into smaller individual image uploads.

• FILE NAME FORMAT:

Lastname_Firstname_1

Lastname_Firstname_2

etc.

Files will be viewed by jurors in numerical order based on your file names. Please number them in the order you wish them to be viewed.

5. Upload proof of 2025 publication (see detailed instructions )

6. Submit the completed form on or by January 23, 2026

• You will receive a confirmation email with your entry details.
• Division Finalists will be announced in May and winners announced at the annual Reuben Awards in fall of 2026.

Reach us at ncs@nationalcartoonists.com if you have questions.