KCU Pitchfest Showcase 2026 (Shortlist)
Entire 2026 Gallery | List of Judges | 2025 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Comics creators from around the world have submitted their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents.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.
Keeping Up Appearances
When Coco moves to a new school, she sees it as the perfect chance to reinvent herself and finally fit in with the popular crowd. Determined to leave her past behind, Coco hides the one thing that still gives her daily confidence: a doll that she and her old childhood best friend, Abigail, created together years ago. While Abigail, who also attends this school, openly embraces what she likes, Coco denies it. Day by day, her carefully constructed identity strains both her new friendships and her oldest one like a ticking time bomb. Forced to confront the cost of belonging, Coco must decide whether she’s willing to lose herself to fit in or be brave enough to be seen as who she truly is, dolls and all.
Age Range:
Middle Grade (approx ages 9-12)Genre:
BIPOC, Fiction, Realistic Fiction/Slice of LifePage Count Estimate:
275
My Why:
I grew up believing I had to hide or tone down my interests, style, and even parts of my identity to appear more “mature” and acceptable. Years later, that pressure to perform who I was supposed to be, rather than who I was, led to deep burnout and a long journey back to myself. This book is for anyone who has ever felt ashamed of what brings them joy. I hope it offers permission to embrace what you love openly and reminds readers that authenticity doesn’t have a single look, nor is one hobby better than another. Confidence is fighting for what you love and the courage to be seen.
Comp Titles:
Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega, Swim Team by Johnnie ChristmasNneka Myers
Nneka Myers is a visionary illustrator and designer based in Toronto, Canada. She seamlessly weaves colour, textures, story, and charm into her art, infusing each creation with elements reminiscent of Black culture. Her artistic endeavours span both digital and traditional mediums, showcasing a delightful blend of experimentation while maintaining a familiar tone, vibrancy, and execution in both print and on the screen.