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Comics creators from around the world have submitted their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents.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.
Seeded
A tale of a Seed elf who just wants to make the next best tree!
Ede, a Seed Elf of the Tree Kingdom, dreams to create the next big masterpiece—a new Tree species!—celebrated and loved by all Seed Elves. Though that is if he can get to his weaving lessons on time with Sage Oto at the prestigious Seed Program—located at the Citadel of Big Red, an ancient and sacred Tree of the Forest.
One day, Ede meets the Mycestro protégé riahfoslothtiw eno, who Ede calls Mush, a Spore Elf of the Fungi Kingdom. Ede learns of not only a glorious history when Seed Elves and Spore Elves worked together but also an old, forgotten danger that now threatens to destroy their home and the world they know. That is, unless Ede and Mush can duo up to find the cure.
Age Range:
Middle Grade (approx ages 9-12)Genre:
FantasyPage Count Estimate:
256
My Why:
Having moved to Portland, Oregon from sunny, dry California, I experienced changing seasons and an endless rain for the first time in my early twenties. I’ve always been drawn to nature, but being here in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve become more aware and inspired by the natural world. Taking a hike through the forest, it’s hard to not be in awe of the lush landscape and be curious about the symbiotic relationship among the variety of trees, mushrooms, and every living and nonliving thing. Seeded doesn’t preach environmental conservation, but as a mom in a changing climate, I wanted to write a story for kids that shows just how magical a forest is and the collaboration it takes to create something meaningful.
Comp Titles:
Haru Series by Joe Latham and Mapmakers Series by Cameron ChittockRachel Nyeholt
Rachel Lee Thai Nyeholt is an art director and cartoonist based in Portland, Oregon. She studied graphic design and has been telling visual stories for brands for the past 15 years. With a long-time love for manga and graphic novels, and a dream to one day create a story, she recently decided to make it real—Seeded is her debut graphic novel. When she’s not at her desk, you can find her outside with her family—camping on the Oregon coast or seeking mushrooms on the mossy forest floors.