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Comics creators from around the world submit their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents.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.
The Phantom
The Phantom is a YA graphic novel following teenager Riley Salinger as he meets the strange recluse millionaire Charles Kane.
Mr. Kane reveals he's the retired infamous vigilante The Phantom and encourages Riley to take over the mantle only to place the kid in the middle of decades of family drama and a massive who-dun-it mystery as he unravels the past and figures out what exactly Charles did to make his sidekicks hate him so much.
Age Range:
Young Adult (approx ages 13+)Genre:
Adventure, Mystery, Neurodiversity Content, Own Voices, Social IssuesPage Count Estimate:
Approx. 200 pages
My Why:
I deeply related to the superhero stories I read as a teenager because I too had an alter ego. After years of bullying and depression I applied to a magnet school to get time away from my tormentors. I still went to a standard public school for most classes, but half way through the day I would take a bus into the city where I came out of my shell and put my sad angry energy towards creating.
I worry about the misery teens must be feeling as they prepare for adulthood in an increasingly volatile world. I want to use The Phantom to guide them towards better coping mechanisms like my teachers did for me. Riley saves the day because he finds new reasons to keep going and connecting with the people in ways the previous Phantom never could.
Comp Titles:
Like gothic YA graphic novels like Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol and Fly by Night by Tara O'Connor with futuristic superhero elements like the Batman Beyond comics written by Hilary J. BaderJessica Lipinsky
My Name is Jess Lipinsky (She/they) I'm an artist who grew up in New Haven CT and currently resides in Baltimore MD. My background in fine art printmaking influences my work as co-founder of JESS JESS PRESS, a Riso press dedicated to uplifting marginalized artists in the comic industry. The first issue of or magazine SICK FREAKS Magazine debuted at Riso Art and Zine Fest at Gallery Nucleus in 2025. When not working you can find me organizing D&D campaigns for my close friends.