The National Cartoonists Society Album: Revised Edition — 1972 biographical reference directory compiled by Mort Walker, the renowned creator of the Beetle Bailey and Hi and Lois comic strips in the USA in 1972. Published directly by the National Cartoonists Society, the publication serves as an official archive, membership roster, and “who’s who” snapshot of American cartoonists, illustrators, animators, and comic strip creators active during the mid-20th century.
The National Cartoonists Society (NCS) emerged from informal gatherings of cartoonists who entertained troops during World War II. Finding camaraderie and a shared passion, these artists formalized their association on the 1st of March 1946, in New York City, USA. Initially known as The Cartoonists Society, it quickly evolved into the National Cartoonists Society, reflecting its growing membership and ambitions. The organization’s early days were marked by a spirit of mutual support and a desire to elevate the art of cartooning. Esteemed cartoonist Rube Goldberg was elected as the first president, setting a precedent for leadership within the profession.
The core mission of the NCS is to advance the ideals and standards of professional cartooning in its diverse forms. It aims to foster social, cultural, and intellectual exchange among cartoonists working across various fields, including comic strips, comic books, editorial cartoons, animation, illustration, and more. Beyond its members, the NCS is dedicated to stimulating and encouraging interest in cartooning among aspiring artists, students, educational institutions, and the broader public. While not a union, the society has historically advocated for members’ rights and frequently uses its collective talent to support charitable causes and national initiatives.
A highlight of the National Cartoonists Society’s activities is the annual Reuben Awards, which honor outstanding achievements in the field. The most prestigious of these is the Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year, considered the highest honor bestowed by the profession. Introduced in 1954 and named after the society’s first president, Rube Goldberg, the award recognizes exceptional talent and contribution to the art form. In addition to the Reuben, the NCS presents Divisional Awards acknowledging excellence in specific areas of cartooning, as well as the Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award and the Silver T-Square for service to the society and the profession. The annual Reuben Awards weekend serves as a major event for networking, celebration, and recognizing the best in cartooning.
Membership in the National Cartoonists Society offers numerous benefits for professional cartoonists. It provides opportunities to connect and network with peers, including some of the most accomplished creators in the industry, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. Members receive invitations to regional chapter events and the annual Reuben Awards weekend. The NCS also facilitates opportunities for members to showcase their work at major comic conventions and offers discounts on products from cartooning-related companies. For young professionals under 28, “The 27 Club” offers a significantly discounted membership rate, encouraging the next generation of cartoonists. Overall, the NCS serves as a vital organization for the cartooning community, promoting excellence, fostering connections, and celebrating the art of visual storytelling.
The National Cartoonists Society Album: Revised Edition — 1972 is a softcover book published with 183 black and white pages measuring 11″ x 9″. The exterior of the volume features a grid pattern composed of hundreds of hand-drawn self-portraits, signature doodles, and caricatures contributed by the artists themselves.
Set against a white background, the front cover displays a centered title block that reads “The National Cartoonists Society Album,” followed by “Revised Edition—1972” and “Compiled by Mort Walker”. The binding is a simple perfect-bound paperback format, with the title, edition date, and compiler’s last name printed vertically down the spine.
Found on the back cover is a caricature illustration of Phantom creator Lee Falk, as displayed below.
Inside, the book provides short biographical profiles and representative artwork for hundreds of members of the National Cartoonists Society. Each entry generally includes a photograph or self-caricature of the artist, a brief career summary, listing of famous works or comic strips, personal notes, and samples of their signatures or signature characters.
As a prominent active member of the National Cartoonists Society in 1972, Lee Falk is featured in the book with his own profile and entry inside the directory alongside the artists who illustrated his famous strips, such as Fred Fredericks (Mandrake the Magician) and Sy Barry (The Phantom).
Other legendary contributors featured throughout its pages include Charles M. Schulz, Chester Gould, Stan Lee, Milton Caniff, Dik Browne, and Hal Foster. Because Mort Walker was a dedicated historian of the medium who later founded the Museum of Cartoon Art, this 1972 edition stands as a detailed historical document for collectors, historians, and fans of classic American cartooning and pop culture.