Kids Comics Pitchfest 2026 Showcase

JOE PAVEMENT-The Playbook

Its the Sandlot meets Ferris Bueller's Day off! Joseph Swann (Joe Pavement) is a 12-year old only child. His parents have just moved them to yet ANOTHER town (his father is an Army Captain), and he's having a hard time making new friends. While he was out riding his bike, he saw some kids throwing a football, and the ball hits his tire. He throws it back to them, really far! This impresses them, and they invite him to join their team and play in a local street football league. Joe is torn because he knows his family might uproot him again, so he doesn't want to get too close to anyone...but he longs for friends! His desire for friendship is stronger than his fear of loss, so he joins up. And he finds allies, rivals, and outright enemies!

My Why:

What did you dream of becoming back when you were young? Who did you look up to? Who were your heroes? This was my motivation for creating Joe Pavement. I wasn't an only child, but I was the youngest boy, and I always competed with my two older brothers in everything! Growing up, I found community with friends by playing games in my neighborhood, pretending to be the next big sports star! Joe was originally a concept for a video game-Street Football. I was able to pitch it to several studios and a few celebrities; and many were interested initially, but it never seemed to gain traction. Ultimately it made sense to pivot to creating a graphic novel, and build Joe Pavement from the ground up.

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