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Comics creators from around the world submit their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents.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.
MAGIC!
In a world where magic is scarce, Birdy always does as she's told. She lives in a cave alone because her parents told her to. It's for her own good: any wizard would kill for a girl who can make magic. Still, she envies wizards and their freedom. So when a shape-shifting magician named Rumfo appears promising to reunite her with her parents, Birdy thinks she's obeying her parents by following Rumfo into the wizard-ruled wastelands. However, wizards (Rumfo included) only see her as a magical battery and use her magic to fight over her. With her own magic being used against her, Birdy will have to claim her magic back... or end up like the last magical person who was captured by wizards.
Age Range:
Middle Grade (approx ages 9-12)Genre:
Adventure, Dystopian, FantasyPage Count Estimate:
135
My Why:
MAGIC! comes from my own experience as a shy, polite kid who always did as I was asked. But I always felt this quiet rage at even small requests because I didn't believe I was allowed to say no. I wondered deep down if I could ever make my own choices and say 'No, thank you,' and not feel crippling guilt. Through Birdy's journey, I explore the courage it takes to choose your own happiness and say no without shame. Boundaries must start where resentment begins. While self-sacrifice is a virtue, self-erasure is not. My hope is that readers see there is no betrayal in standing up for yourself.
Comp Titles:
Junkwraith by Ellinor Richey and Lightfall by Tim ProbertDanica Wells
I liked to draw as a kid. A lot. So much so that when friends called to play, I begged my mom to come up with a reason for me to stay home so I could stay on my bedroom floor, drawing dragons and unicorns (part of the theme of not being able to say no). I am now a freelance artist with a passion for storytelling and using stories to explore and heal parts of my soul. When I am not drawing, I am playing with my cats, making tasty food, or hiking.