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Comics creators from around the world submit their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents.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.
TOBY'S WAR
Toby, a timid 14-year-old escaping his loneliness by reading adventure books, is overjoyed to be portaled into the world of his favorite story. To help a teen princess save her kingdom from an invasion and prove to himself he’s not the coward his father thinks he is, Toby embarks on a dangerous quest to recover a fabled magic shield that can be used to defeat the enemy king. Toby’s uncle, the story’s author, arrives to help. Their growing bond enriches both their lives. But the uncle is captured. Worse, Toby discovers he really time traveled to a post-apocalyptic future! He must now find the courage to rescue his uncle, save the kingdom, and return home in time to rewrite history. But it’s sure not easy being a hero when you’re just a kid!
Age Range:
Young Adult (approx ages 13+)Genre:
AdventurePage Count Estimate:
205
My Why:
As a child, my grandfather gave me adventure books that made me yearn for a life far more exciting than my own. When I learned he was Director of British Military Intelligence in WW2, I wondered how the world would be different if his efforts to stop Germany had failed. When I later learned my father, as a boy, was evacuated from London during the Blitz and sent to live in an old castle in the countryside where he had many adventures, I realized that events from my family history could be used to create my own exciting story.
I plan to make a splash with my debut graphic novel, and I also hope young readers will learn from my characters and be empowered to stand up, be heard and take action as they face the hugely challenging times ahead.
Comp Titles:
A Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novel by Ursula K. Le Guin. Alanna (Song of the Lioness, Book 1): A Graphic Novel by Tamora Pierce. Squire by Nadia Shammas.Keith Davidson
After (mis)spending my youth reading comics and watching old movies, I obtained a film degree and then managed a repertory cinema for 12 wonderful years before finally focusing on writing. I’ve won a Disney Writing Fellowship and a dozen screenwriting awards (WB, CBC, etc.), brought my stories to life in award-winning short films and plays, and had one comic published. I also taught screenwriting for 10 years. I’m now shifting my focus from screenwriting to creating high quality graphic novels.
Geof Isherwood
Drawing comics for 40 years, this long-time Marvel artist is renowned for Dr. Strange, Conan, Suicide Squad and more. He has also worked on over 60 film productions, doing concept art, storyboards, and posters. A top talent. He’s champing at the bit to promote TOBY’S WAR in podcasts, at cons, with a newsletter, and more.