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Comics creators from around the world have submitted their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents.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.
Piratopia!
Sheep are supposed to be calm, contented conformists. But hyperactive Heckle and hyperfocused Patch just can’t seem to fit in with the crowd. So these black sheep brothers have decided to do what all rejected animals do - become pirates!
Piratopia is the hidden hideout for scallywags and scoundrels from the nastiest parts of the animal kingdom, and they’re looking for recruits! It’s time to sing shanties! Menace the high seas! Plunder someone’s booty…? Unfortunately the pirates only take the meanest and most ferocious beasts as members! A pair of tasty-looking lambs are bound to stand out from the crowd of clawed predators and horned buccaneers. It looks like Heckle and Patch might not fit in at Piratopia, either…unless it’s on the menu!
Age Range:
Middle Grade (approx ages 9-12)Genre:
Adventure, Fantasy, Humor, Neurodiversity ContentPage Count Estimate:
220-240
My Why:
After being diagnosed with ADHD last year, I have reflected on growing up with a brain that has always felt different. I wanted to write something aimed squarely at middle school readers which tackled the feeling of being the ‘black sheep’. I also wanted to approach the topic with fun and humour! The characters of Piratopia will get to learn that there is a place for everyone on the crew - whether big and toothy, or small and wooly!
Madeleine Rosca
Hi, my name is Madeleine Rosca! I published my first graphic novel, Hollow Fields, though Seven Seas Entertainment back in 2007. It went on to win the inaugural Japanese International Manga Award, and spawned three more volumes. I also published a supernatural fantasy webcomic, Rise From Ashes, through Webtoon. I am the mother of two book-loving boys and I own a cat who hates everyone except me.