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Comics creators from around the world submit their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents.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.
Doll Like
The teen years are all about growing into one's self: making friends, getting good grades, and simply, not losing your head! Niah knows this more than anyone, and amidst the search for herself, she and her whimsical world of talking dolls collide with her gadget-obsessed classmate Sherri. The unlikely pair find themselves bonding over their unique hobbies and shared vulnerabilities.
Despite their companionship, some things are still hidden. When Niah stops showing up to school, Sherri is left scrambling to track her down only to discover that Niah’s dolls are the key to finding and learning more about her.
“Doll Like” takes us on a journey through the complexities of youth, friendship, and the importance of acknowledgment.
Age Range:
Young Adult (approx ages 13+)Genre:
BIPOC, Fiction, Humor, Magical Realism, Own VoicesPage Count Estimate:
150-200
My Why:
Teenagers, as well as adults in the journey of self discovery, deserve spaces and friendships where they can showcase their individualism unapologetically and confidently say, “This is what I like, and this is me!” In my youth, I had many nights where I struggled with these issues. I wanted to explore these concepts of friendship, autonomy, the body and dolls, to gender identity through this graphic novel.
The aesthetics came from my love for early 2000s fashion and technology, craft, and the Caribbean (where this story is loosely based.) There are not currently many graphic novels that represent this area. I strive to create a novel that can be both a little weird but also honest, healing, and fun.
Comp Titles:
Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol, The Magic Fish by Trung Le NguyenJoy Ingram
Joy Ingram is an author-illustrator who has earned a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University and is currently pursuing her masters at Washington University in St. Louis. She has previously worked with nonprofit Shout Mouse Press based in Washington D.C to produce two children’s books, Man Up! And Joy-Grace and the Dress Dilemma. She is deeply interested in prioritizing and uplifting underrepresented communities and voices through their work, while promoting whimsy, rest and resilience.