Celebrating the 78th Annual Reuben Awards: Hilary B. Price and Wayno Shine
The 78th Annual Reuben Awards took place this past weekend, honoring the best and brightest talents in cartooning and illustration. The event, hosted by the National Cartoonists Society (NCS), is one of the most prestigious ceremonies in the industry, recognizing outstanding achievements across various categories.
Hilary Price: Cartoonist of the Year
Hilary Price, creator of the beloved comic strip Rhymes with Orange, was honored with the Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year. This prestigious accolade is a testament to Price’s exceptional talent, creativity, and consistent ability to resonate with readers. Over the years, Rhymes with Orange has become a staple in comics, celebrated for its sharp wit, insightful humor, and relatable content. Price’s ability to capture the quirks of everyday life in a single panel has endeared her to audiences and peers alike. She was presented the award by Lynn Johnston, who commented, “This one comes with an ‘at last’ …,” after which the entire room erupted in a chorus of cheers of respect and love from her fellow cartoonists.
Price began collaborating with Rina Piccolo (Tina’s Groove, Six Chix) on Rhymes with Orange in 2017. The creative partnership further enriched the strip, adding layers of humor and insight that readers delight in and identify with. We’re proud that they both appear on Comics Kingdom. Congratulations, Hilary!
Wayno: Best newspaper panel
Another highlight of the night was the Best Newspaper Panel award, which went to the ever-talented Wayno for his work on Bizarro. Wayno’s unique blend of surreal humor and whimsical art has made Bizarro a favorite among readers and critics. His ability to push the boundaries of traditional comic strip storytelling while maintaining a distinct voice is genuinely commendable. This win also honors the legacy of Dan Piraro, the original creator of Bizarro, whose innovative style laid the groundwork for Wayno’s continued success. We’re elated to have Wayno as part of Comics Kingdom. Congratulations!
In addition to these headline wins, the event celebrated several other talented artists across various categories:
- Chuck Dillon: Advertising/Product Illustration
- Tom Richmond: Book Illustration
- Jay Stephens: Comic Book
- Michael de Adder: Editorial
- Dan Misdea: Gag Cartoon
- Sarah Bollinger: Graphic Novel
- Nick Galifianakis: Magazine/Newspaper Illustration
- Tauhid Bondia: Newspaper Comic Strip
- Evan Dahm: Online Comic Long Form
- Sarah Andersen: Online Comic Short Form
- Chuck Dillon: Variety Entertainment
These awards highlight the rich diversity of talent within the cartooning community, with each artist contributing uniquely to the art form. The Reuben Awards continue to recognize and celebrate the creativity and impact of cartoonists worldwide. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their remarkable achievements!