Kids Comics Pitchfest 2026 Showcase

Brave and Buff: The Twin Tag Team Turtles

Blaze and Bruiser are two ordinary pet turtles who idolize their owner, pro wrestler Major Muscle Matthews, until a freak protein-fueled gym accident transforms them into absurdly muscle-bound wrestlers. When the promoter’s assistant rigs Matthews’ championship match and sidelines him, the newly flexing duo crash the arena and land in the main event spotlight. To save their hero’s title shot, they must face the Barnyard Bros in a winner-takes-all Pig Pen Match, learning how to wrestle, work as a team, and stop flexing whenever the crowd cheers.

My Why:

I created Brave and Buff from a fifth-grade art project where students mixed random words to spark comic ideas. When one landed on “short wrestling turtle,” it stuck. I sketched a tiny, mustached turtle built like a heavyweight champion and later turned the idea into two retro tag team wrestlers. Pro wrestling was something my brother and I always enjoyed, and after his passing, I revisited those sketches, giving the story deeper meaning. The gym humor reflects my love for bodybuilding and gym culture. Beneath the humor and chaos, it’s a story about brotherhood, loyalty, and resilience.

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