There are few events that are as anticipated as Dragon Con. The con itself is a celebration of everything pop culture, from sci-fi and fantasy to comics and cosplay. But this year, my experience at Dragon Con was unlike any other. As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Cutting Edge Animation, I had the incredible opportunity to not only attend as a cosplayer but also to conduct live reactions for the trailer of Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II—a short film that had just premiered at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival, hand-selected by none other than Whoopi Goldberg.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to juggle the worlds of animation, cosplay, and live reactions at an event as massive as Dragon Con, here’s a behind-the-scenes look no further..
The Excitement of Dragon Con
Dragon Con is one of those events where you can feel the pulse of geek culture radiating through every hallway. For me, attending Dragon Con as a cosplayer is a yearly tradition that allows me to step away from the suits and boardrooms and embrace the creativity that fuels my love for animation.
As any cosplayer will tell you, there’s something special about the energy of a con floor. You get to see people in amazing costumes, talk shop with fellow creatives, and get inspired by the incredible talent around you. For me, this year had an added layer of excitement because Captain Zero was more than just a character—it was a project I had worked on in collaboration with some of the most talented animators and storytellers in the industry.
Bringing Captain Zero to Life
The Captain Zero franchise has always been a passion project for Cutting Edge Animation. Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II has a special place in my heart. When the opportunity came to showcase the trailer for the film at Dragon Con, I jumped at the chance.
But it wasn’t just about promoting the film—it was about creating an experience for the audience. As the COO, I’ve always believed that one of the most rewarding parts of animation is connecting with the audience. And what better way to do that than by offering live reactions to the trailer during such an iconic event?
The short film had already made waves at Tribeca, where it had been hand-selected by Whoopi Goldberg herself. That’s a pretty big deal in the industry, and we were all thrilled by the recognition. Seeing our work on the big screen, in front of an audience of passionate fans, was a huge moment for us.
The Live Reactions
I had the honor of conducting live reactions for the trailer in front of an audience that was as passionate about animation as we are. As soon as the trailer started rolling, the people were engaged. Attendees were on the edge of their seats, eagerly waiting to see what Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II had in store.
Being there, in cosplay and as part of the creative team, was a unique opportunity to connect with fans in a way that is rarely possible. After the trailer finished, I had the chance to engage in live reactions, answering questions, discussing the animation process, and talking about the inspirations behind Captain Zero. The fans were full of questions, and it was incredibly rewarding to see their enthusiasm and hear their thoughts on the project.
A Day to Remember
Attending Dragon Con as a cosplayer and COO of Cutting Edge Animation was an experience I will treasure forever. From the electric atmosphere to the chance to showcase Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II in front of passionate fans, it was a dream come true. But beyond the costumes and the trailers, it was the connections made with fellow fans and creators that truly made the experience unforgettable.
If you’ve never been to Dragon Con, I highly recommend it—whether you’re a cosplayer, a creator, or simply a fan. And if you’re ever lucky enough to find yourself in a position to share your work with an audience, make sure to embrace the moment. There’s no better feeling than connecting with others who share your passion for animation, storytelling, and the magic of cosplay.
Until next year, Dragon Con! I can’t wait to see what adventures await.
CZII Trailer
About the Author
Chris Carthern is the Chief Operating Officer of Cutting Edge Animation, an animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of storytelling through cutting-edge techniques. He is a passionate cosplayer and advocate for the animation community. Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II is just one of many exciting projects coming from Cutting Edge Animation. Keep an eye on the studio for more groundbreaking works in the future!