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Comics creators from around the world submit their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents.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 Atomic Wedgie Patrol
Arnold is a genius-level fourth grader, but he only has one friend, and he’s imaginary. So, when Lester, the school bully, and his thugs come around, Arnold is on his own. After almost inadvertently befriending two other loners with imaginary friends of their own, Arnold decides the terror of the building must stop, so he spray paints, “The Atomic Wedgie Patrol, protecting you from Lester,” on a school wall. And it works…for a while, but when the wedgies start again, Arnold and his friends decide the Atomic Wedgie Patrol needs to come to life. These three underdogs can’t go toe to toe with those goons, but can they use Arnold’s brains and their new-found friendship to give the bullies a taste of their own medicine?
Age Range:
Middle Grade (approx ages 9-12)Genre:
Fiction, Realistic Fiction/Slice of Life, Social-EmotionalPage Count Estimate:
100
My Why:
It's really a story about friendship, and not just with others, but with ourselves. Each main character's imaginary friend is a window into themselves. The story shows how we often think we're the only ones facing certain obstacles, until we realize many other people can relate to our struggle. And these friends, these supporters, can sometimes come from the most unexpected places. It's also a story about believing in yourself, and not accepting who society says you should be.
Comp Titles:
Amulet; Zita the Space GirlChris Ring
Chris Ring has been a commercial illustrator for 30 years. His comic credits include the “CarbonKnight” mini series, Edgar Allan Poe’s “Nevermore”,“The Perfect Victim”and two Star Wars card series. He illustrated the Children’s book “The Scariest Creature” which led to two “Seamus (the Famous)” graphic novels. He also wrote and illustrated the graphic novelette “Allan Quatermain and the Tomb of Hephaestus” which is currently running in “A Kid and a Comic”. Most recently has completed the hardcover Children’s book “Oscar the Oyster Saves the Day”.