Kids Comics Pitchfest 2025 Showcase

Beneath The Swirling Clouds: The Journey West

Twelve-year-old Xiaoyu has always lived in fear—of the unknown, of failure, and of the anxious thoughts that whisper in her mind. But she’s forced to face her fears when the vengeful monster, Nian, curses her and steals her Grandfather’s soul spark. To save him, she must leave her safe home to find Shennong, the elusive god of medicine. With her steadfast, emotional-support, guardian lion, Didi, and a lively monkey warrior, Kai, she faces cursed villages, relentless shadow minions, and the growing darkness within her.
Can Xiaoyu find the strength to defy her curse and conquer her fears or will they consume her entirely?

My Why:

Growing up in China, I never had the words to describe my feelings. Mental health was considered taboo to discuss openly. It wasn’t until I moved to the U.S. at 18 that I first heard the word “anxiety.” That moment changed everything. I realized how much it had controlled my life, and how deeply it shaped my fears and decisions. Therefore, through my graphic novel, I want to tell a story that makes kids feel seen, especially those who, like me, never had a name for what they were going through. I also hope this book can spark more conversations about mental health in the East Asian community and redefine the cultural stigma surrounding it.