Kids Comics Pitchfest 2025 Showcase

The Wanderer

What if you brought death upon anyone you touch? This is the curse of THE WANDERER, an orphaned and exiled pre-teen who longs for connection.

But after he befriends a monster immune to his curse, his world turns upside down. As he navigates this unfamiliar friendship with the monster Rocky, who also struggles with abandonment, Wanderer sees he’s not alone. However, when evil forces hunt the unlikely friends, Rocky’s life rests in Wanderer’s cursed hands. Will he overcome his curse and save the day… or will he be alone forever?

THE WANDERER is an action-packed fantasy fable that explores themes of loneliness, loss, and acceptance.

My Why:

I learned early in life to hate myself. As a kid, I internalized other people’s superficial or cruel judgements of me as truth. It quickly became hard to love myself when the voice yelling “you’re broken” was mine own.

Sadly, I know I’m not alone. Kids constantly suffer friends, family, and even strangers online telling them they’re not good enough. Even in the most secure child, these toxic comments take root.

However, the voices don’t have to win. The struggle may never go away completely, but just taking the first step towards saying “I love myself” is monumental. I hope my book will encourage more honest conversation about self-acceptance - and ultimately show kids that they are able and deserving to take that first step.