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Comics creators from around the world have submitted their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents.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.
Yuki and The Sign Language Tree
After moving from her family ranch to the suburbs, 10-year-old Yuki (who is also deaf) is suddenly pulled into a rescue mission to save her fantastical dream world, Sea Horse Ranch. In this story of self-discovery, shy and creative Yuki teams up with new friends Hakim, Ben, Sivanne, and siblings Jake and Nora to battle a runaway Nightmare. Aided by their animal dream guides, they pass through and guard their reverie realms of Squidtopolis, Moon Base Turtle, Dolphin Cove, and Penguin Mansion.
This ASL-integrated adventure nods to Winsor McCay’s Little Nemo in Slumberland, Ben Hatke’s Zita the Spacegirl, and Skottie Young and Kyle Strahm’s Twig.
Age Range:
Middle Grade (approx ages 9-12)Genre:
Adventure, Disability Content, Fantasy, HumorPage Count Estimate:
200
My Why:
From my first introduction to newspaper comics, I knew I wanted to use my art to create stories full of joyful humor. I love the practice of visual storytelling, whether in panel comic format or in illustrated storybooks. I want my readers to connect with my characters and stories. That is why I plan to continue to create for as long as I can.
This story centers on a creative kid, whose shyness and hearing impairment haven’t kept her from making new friends and persevering. Her drive to care for and heal animals make her a great foil for so many kids: she is kind, clever, and courageous when her world feels threatened.
My hope is that readers will discover that friendship focused on helping others can transcend worlds.
Cory Gerard
Cory Gerard (he/him) is an author-illustrator living in central Connecticut. After releasing the first iOS jump rope game 'Jump Fuzzy Jump,” Cory created and managed a sports brand called “Jump Rope Jam” which introduced the sport to new audiences, paving a path for jump rope to be included in the 2028 Olympics.
With an endless imagination, Cory has illustrated fantasy worlds for decades. His colorful characters are dynamic, nuanced, and, most importantly, make his kid smile.