KCU Pitchfest Showcase 2025 (Top 50)

Junkpuff and the King Collector

Junkpuff the goblin is no hero—he just wants to stockpile food for winter and be left alone. But when a towering beast flattens his storehouse and snatches King Tony, the kingdom spirals into chaos.

While the arrogant Lil’ Princey fumbles his own reckless rescue attempt, the royal advisor secretly assembles a more capable team: Junkpuff (bribed with unlimited food), Daffodil, a sharp-witted fairy with no patience for nonsense, and Milo, a chatty faun who craves adventure. Together, they must outwit the King Collector—a monster obsessed with hoarding kings. But as the journey tests his wits, patience, and reluctant loyalty, Junkpuff might just learn there’s more to life than looking out for himself—if he survives long enough to find out.

My Why:

Junkpuff is the kind of character I’ve always loved—scrappy, mischievous, and hilariously flawed. From the moment he appeared in my sketchbook, I knew exactly where he belonged: a humorous fantasy filled with absurd characters and a world that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Growing up as a little Mexican kid in Chicago, I devoured Peanuts, The Muppets, monster movies, and old cartoons, shaping my love for weird, irreverent storytelling. With Junkpuff, I’ve created a reluctant anti-hero who can’t help but do good (begrudgingly). This potential series gives kids (and grownups) a hero who doesn’t fit the mold—but finds his place anyway.