Houston, TX – June 2025 — At this year’s Dream Con, a premier entertainment convention founded by RDCWorld and dedicated to celebrating anime, gaming, sports, film, and pop culture through a lens of inclusivity and community, attendees were treated to a major cinematic moment: the exclusive first look at Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II.
Taking place at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Dream Con 2025 featured a packed weekend of panels, creator showcases, cosplay celebrations, and one of its most anticipated events—a special advance screening of the long-awaited sequel to the groundbreaking animated short, Captain Zero. Starring the iconic Keith David and a powerful ensemble cast including Angelica Ross, Zolee Griggs, Coty Galloway, Marion Toro, and Jazz Walker, Into the Abyss Part II continues the emotional and psychological journey of teen superhero Xerxes Hughes.
First Look: Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II
Presented ahead of its official world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival, the screening marked the first time fans were able to see the sequel’s footage—an intense, emotionally resonant look into the Captain Zero universe. Framed through therapy sessions, the story follows Xerxes as he confronts random blackouts and battles a physical manifestation of his depression, known only as the “depression demon.” This deeply personal villain represents his inner turmoil and unresolved trauma.
While superhero action remains central, what sets Into the Abyss Part II apart is its unflinching exploration of mental health, isolation, and self-doubt. Following the showing of unreleased footage, the cast and crew held an intimate Q&A where they discussed the inspiration behind the film, the importance of depicting emotional resilience in young Black characters, and the challenges of animating heavy themes without losing narrative momentum.
Dream Con: A Community for All Fans
Dream Con continues to be a trailblazer in the convention space—not just as a hub for fans of anime, gaming, and pop culture, but as a platform that centers underrepresented creators and stories. The Captain Zero panel was a draw, as longtime fans and newcomers alike lined up for exclusive merchandise including limited-edition posters and stickers that sold out before Sunday evening.
What’s Next for Captain Zero
As Into the Abyss Part II heads into its Tribeca premiere, the creators are already looking ahead. With the support of fans, creators, and festival audiences alike, the team is exploring plans to further expand the Captain Zero universe—through a full-length feature film, and eventually, television series.
Dream Con 2025 marked a milestone moment for Cutting Edge Animation and culturally rich storytelling. It reminded everyone in attendance that fandom isn’t just about spectacle—it’s about heart, healing, and seeing yourself in the stories that shape us.
Stay tuned as Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II prepares to make waves at Tribeca, and thank you to every cosplayer, supporter, and creator who helped make Dream Con an unforgettable celebration of what’s possible when community meets creativity.
Here is the trailer for Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II