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Comics creators from around the world have submitted their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents.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.
Hawthorne and Thistle
Twelve-year-old Thaddeus Thistle has spent his life running from magic. Cursed with powers that bring only misfortune, he stows away on a ship to New York, desperate to escape his past. But when a storm wrecks the vessel, he washes ashore on Shelter Rock—a place where witches are hunted, and fear fuels betrayal.
There, he meets Julius Hawthorne, the island’s last free witch. Once part of a thriving magical community, Julius lost everything when Silas Thorn, a man possessed by an ancient darkness called The Veil, turned the people against their own.
With nowhere left to hide, the boys must embrace the power they’ve long feared. If they fail, The Veil will consume not just Shelter Rock—but the world beyond.
Age Range:
Middle Grade (approx ages 9-12)Genre:
Adventure, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical FictionPage Count Estimate:
200 - 250 pages
My Why:
I believe we should embrace who we truly are, not shrink to fit societal expectations. Fear is too often weaponized—used to divide, control, and turn people against each other. My story explores how fear thrives when we suppress ourselves and how true strength comes from confronting it. I want to craft worlds where outcasts find their power, where courage isn’t just about fighting monsters but about owning who we are. This is a story about breaking cycles, defying fear, and reclaiming the magic within.
Daniel Contois
I am an illustrator and graphic designer with extensive experience in the licensed entertainment industry, specializing in illustration, publishing, and character development. My work is bold, fun, and story-driven. After years of helping others bring their stories to life, I am telling my own—crafting an immersive, adventurous graphic novel with rich themes and strong visual appeal. I am eager to bring this world to life and share it with readers everywhere.