KCU Pitchfest Showcase 2025 (Top 50)

Kitty Sunshine

Kitty Sunshine (KS) is a huggable, squishable, emotionally vacant indoor housecat and self-titled “queen” of a raised ranch city dwelling, joined by her three roommates: Jane (a human), Keith (a fish), and Charlie Bagels (a dog). KS lives to nap - her adventure-packed dreams give her life meaning. When KS’s dreams are suddenly haunted by Bern, a reoccurring ancestral ghost, her life is upended. KS makes a deal with Bern, embarking on a wild ride to a discount zoo to help a mysterious family member in need, all in the name of restoring her former dream life. When she finally makes it to the zoo, KS’s experience is not what she thought it would be - gaining far more meaningful insight than any dream can provide.

My Why:

I didn’t have a choice to make this project. I read Belton’s first Pusheen book in 2022, and suddenly a minor background cat from one of my long-term freelance jobs shouldered her way forward as a fully realized kitty with an attitude. For the next month, a celestial force used me as a vessel to make Kitty Sunshine’s world. I fell in love with this cat, laughing out loud along the way, and I’m continually inspired to generate and edit new material for her. Creative gifts like this are not to be taken lightly. This cat is special, and I know others will love her too. She fits right in with the comics form, and I feel it is my duty to share her with young readers and beyond.