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Comics creators from around the world submit their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents.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 Color of Neutrality
With no recollection of the past, 15-year-old Ace Huerta is left to navigate a mysterious city with the help of a peculiar old woman named Beth. Back in his hometown, his sister, 19-year-old Charlotte Huerta, attempts to celebrate his birthday, only to come to realize that Ace is missing. She is left with one singular hint: a note with a cryptic poem from Ace. While in different cities, the two must work together to reunite. But, with Ace blinded by the beauty of a new world and Charlotte struggling to understand Ace’s hints, reaching the point of neutrality will prove to be a challenging task.
In this Omori meets Black Phone epic, the element of mystery mixes with family reconciliation to bring awareness to mental health and alienation.
Age Range:
Young Adult (approx ages 13+)Genre:
Magical Realism, Social-EmotionalPage Count Estimate:
250
My Why:
Growing up, I often felt alienated from my peers and family. In many ways, I was the black sheep. Without any guidance, I let myself escape to fantasy worlds and never addressed any of the issues I faced. I wondered how different of a person I’d be if I had one person to guide me, recognize me, know me.
I appreciate stories that are genuine, raw, and cautionary. Now that I’m older and in an environment I love, I’m determined to show the importance of relationship building—both with oneself and others. With every bit of passion I have, I will always try to share the message of growth, love, and moving forward.
Comp Titles:
Siena Encarnacion
Hi! I'm Siena Encarnacion (Siena with 1 n!) and I'm a current freshman at UC Berkeley majoring in Environmental Biology; I'm the illustrator for this graphic novel! When I'm not stressing over my Chemistry exams, you can find me doodling in my sketchbook. I love making comics and I help facilitate the Children's Literature and Illustration class at Berkeley! I also make comics for our college newspaper.
Sienna Villalobos
Hi! My name is Sienna Villalobos, and I’m a first-generation, Mexican-Brazilian writer that aspires to be a full-fledged author. I was never one to speak growing up, as I was shy and afraid to use my voice. I often watched anime, read books, and analyzed movies by myself, and quickly fell in love with the art of storytelling and writing. As I aged, I learned to use my voice—both on and off a page—as a form of advocacy.
Determined to pursue my dream of writing, I currently major in English at the University of California - Berkeley.
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