Kids Comics Pitchfest 2026 Showcase
Comics creators from around the world submit their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents. A panel of judges (click here to see the juror list) select the top pitches. Projects are archived here so that industry pros may view them and discover new talent.
Born Between
Lily runs a cozy coffee shop with a quiet secret: she weaves magic into every cup, easing the worries of her customers one sip at a time. But when her regulars begin losing their spark, drained of joy by a sleek (cult-like) wellness company called Serenity Solutions, Lily discovers that the part of her she desperately hides might be the only thing that can save the small seaside town of Thimblemar. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a connection to a hidden world tied to her mother's mysterious past, and realizes there’s more to her magic than she ever knew. To protect the people she loves, Lily must step out of the shadows and confront her bloodline before Serenity Solutions extinguishes the town’s light for good.
Age Range:
Young Adult (approx ages 13+)Genre:
Fantasy, Fiction, Magical Realism, Own VoicesPage Count Estimate:
137
My Why:
As a mixed-race artist, I've spent much of my life navigating the tension between identities, never feeling like enough to belong to either. Lily's magic, the part of herself she hides out of fear and shame, is an allegory for the Filipino heritage I spent years suppressing just to fit in. I was also inspired by the time I spent as a barista, getting to know the regulars and learning the little details of their lives. I wrote this story because I know what it means to live in the in-between, and I know how freeing it can be to accept yourself as whole, not half of this or half of that. This story is for every reader who has felt less than, and I hope it can be a reminder of the power we hold when we embrace ourselves fully.
Comp Titles:
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu, The Girl from the Sea by Lee Knox Ostertag, Nimona by Noelle StevensonAmanda DiGiondomenico
Amanda DiGiondomenico is a multidisciplinary storyteller whose work is inspired by the tropical landscapes of the Pacific Islands, the food and culture of her Filipino-Italian upbringing, and the magic that can be found in everyday rituals. She has illustrated books, designed for tech companies, and written for major media outlets. Amanda merges her diverse background and experiences into a unique creative vision with a focus on clear storytelling, thoughtful detail, and joyful color.