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Comics creators from around the world have submitted their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents.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.
Vernal
Reed (a spotted salamander) and Silas (a wood frog) wake up from their hibernation to find their spring habitat; a vernal pool has been developed into a strip mall. They meet Vera the water spirit who inhabited the pool in a weakened state after having a run in with a malignant spirit known as “Sprawl”. The two amphibians convince Vera to find a new habitat and the trio meets other animals and forest spirits along the way who are all adjusting to the environmental changes that have taken place. As spring unfurls Vera becomes consumed with doubt and despair and her magic begins to fade. Will the two amphibian's determination be enough to keep Vera from succumbing to pull of the 'Sprawl'?
Age Range:
Middle Grade (approx ages 9-12)Genre:
Adventure, Animals, Conservation & Environment, FantasyPage Count Estimate:
100
My Why:
I hope that Vernal will appeal to young naturalists and encourage interest in amphibians who are often bellwether species for a water system’s health. Growing up in New York’s Hudson Valley I’ve seen a lot of ecosystems developed for housing or places of commerce. While the future is uncertain it does not mean we should give up, every year the salamanders do march on and create more salamanders and while springs are shorter and hotter the trout lilies pop up, the leaves unfurl “life finds a way.” In the epilogue of the story I will have an educational section where readers can learn more about the creatures featured in the story and what they can do to support them.