KCU Pitchfest Showcase 2025 (Top 50)
Entire 2025 Gallery | List of Judges | 2023 Showcase
Comics creators from around the world have submitted their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents. A panel of judges have selected the top pitches. The projects are archived here so that industry pros may view them and discover new talent.
Danger Chips
Danger Chips (working title) is a wildly funny, heartfelt adventure following three unruly seagulls as they navigate the absurdities of human life in the seaside town.
This 200-page book (for ages 6-12) blends humor, chaos, and heart.
Told through fast-paced, sketch-like stories—think Bunny vs Monkey—with ongoing narrative threads. It celebrates the joy, frustration, and hilarity of friendship and found family. Like toddlers, they are unapologetically themselves, clashing with human logic in ways both hilarious and thought-provoking.
I gingerly mention Calvan and Hobbes as a comparison. Not in terms of its absolute genius(Wattersons) but its structure of friends hanging out, having fun and trying to make sense of the strange adult world
Age Range:
Chapter Book (approx ages 7-9)Genre:
Animals, Fiction, Humor, Neurodiversity Content, Realistic Fiction/Slice of LifePage Count Estimate:
200
My Why:
It was a wonderful surprise one day to discover, the seagulls I was using as a daily drawing exercise had a voice. And more, they had opinions. Strong opinions.
Their curiosity and innocence attracted my interest. Their heart and friendship captured it. And their unapologetic confidence in what and who they are made me laugh. These are their stories, I just draw them.
Alan O'Rourke
Mild-mannered marketing man by day. Caped Picture Bookmaker by night crafting stories with heart and humor.
A former BAFTA-nominated designer, Alan has spent over 20 years shaping national and international campaigns.
Alan illustrated Dinosaur Pie, written by Jen Wallace and published by Little Island Books, earning glowing reviews. The sequel is already on its way!
Alan also recently illustrated Ireland‘s Children‘s Laureate‘s inaugural touring presentation.