Introduction: The Countdown Begins
Every year, Dragon Con calls to me like a beacon, drawing me in with promises of incredible cosplay, epic panels, unforgettable parties, and a community of like-minded fans who feel like family. For me, Dragon Con is more than just a convention; it’s an experience that pushes the limits of fandom, creativity, and fun. This year, I arrived early, gearing up for the wildest Dragon Con yet. There was something in the air this time—maybe it was the hype surrounding the first-ever rave on Wednesday night at midnight, or the sheer excitement of the cosplay meetups and the insane parties that promised to keep the energy high all weekend. Whatever it was, I knew I was in for an unforgettable ride.
Countdown to Dragon Con
The energy leading up to the start of Dragon Con is unlike any other. The countdown feels like the final moments before a massive, cosmic event—just a few more hours until the doors open and the city transforms into the ultimate geek playground. By Wednesday evening, I was already surrounded by fellow fans in full cosplay, walking around the streets of downtown Atlanta like it was a huge movie set come to life. There’s this collective buzz, a sense that something legendary is about to unfold, and you can feel the excitement building with every step.
But this year, the energy felt even more electric. In addition to the usual excitement, Dragon Con 2025 kicked off with a Countdown Party that added a new layer of anticipation. Fans gathered in the Marriott Marquis, eagerly waiting for the official start of the convention, and it didn’t take long before things hit another level with the surprise rave that followed.
@cosplaysbyshinobi Reliving the @Dragon Con! Countdown #dragoncon #fup #rave
Raving on a Wednesday
Following the countdown, the atmosphere exploded into the surprise rave. No one was expecting this sudden shift, and yet, it felt like the perfect way to start the convention. The beats dropped, the lights flickered, and the room became a sea of dancing fans in the most creative, nerdy costumes imaginable. As seen in Instagram reels from that night, this impromptu rave became an iconic moment of Dragon Con 2025—one that set the tone for the entire weekend.
Cosplay Meetups: The Heart of Dragon Con
For me, cosplay is at the core of Dragon Con. It’s not just about wearing a cool outfit, it’s about bringing a character to life and sharing that experience with others who appreciate the art form. Each year, the cosplay meetups get bigger, and the creativity on display never fails to blow my mind. From Marvel and Star Wars to anime and video game characters, there’s a cosplay group for every fandom.
One of my favorite moments is always the Marvel cosplay meetup. I spotted a whole squad of Avengers, a couple of X-Men, and even a few villains mixed in for good measure. There’s something truly magical about seeing fans come together to celebrate their favorite characters in such a creative, collaborative space. You can talk shop, take photos, and—let’s be honest—show off your costume. It’s all about connection, and this year, I met even more fans who shared the same excitement for the craft and creativity behind cosplay.
Every year at Dragon Con, one of the most anticipated moments for many attendees is the gathering of Black geeks and cosplayers for the Black Geeks of Dragon Con photoshoot, traditionally held on Sunday. This vibrant event is more than just a photoshoot—it’s a celebration of creativity, representation, and community within geek culture. Dozens of Black cosplayers come together, showcasing stunning costumes that span comics, anime, sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and beyond. The energy is electric, filled with laughter, pride, and camaraderie as participants pose for group shots and individual portraits, honoring the diversity and talent within the fandom. For many, this gathering is both a joyful reunion and a powerful reminder that Black fans have always been—and will continue to be—an essential part of geek culture. I’ve seen this grow from tens to hundreds of participants over the years. Here is a pic courtesy of Dr. Law Photolab.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Panel: A Reflective Moment in Marvel History
One of the standout panels this year was the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. discussion with Chloe Bennet (Daisy “Quake” Johnson) and Jeff Ward (Deke Shaw), where Bennet opened up about the show’s current standing in the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It was a poignant moment for fans who have long loved the series, especially because of its early tight integration with the MCU films. But over time, that connection seemed to fade.
What was especially striking was the collective sentiment shared by both fans and fellow cast members. It’s clear that many of us still hold S.H.I.E.L.D. dear to our hearts, but the show now exists in its own space, outside the official MCU narrative. It felt like an emotional goodbye for a lot of fans, but it also highlighted the unique place S.H.I.E.L.D. has carved out in the hearts of its audience.
The Year of Sinners
“Sinners” has quickly become the standout cinematic masterpiece of the year, captivating audiences worldwide and making a massive impact at Dragon Con. Directed by the visionary Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, the film’s powerful storytelling, striking visuals, and emotional depth have inspired a passionate fanbase — especially among cosplayers. Walking through Dragon Con, it was impossible not to feel the influence of Sinners: fans brought the movie’s bold characters to life with stunning accuracy, from meticulously crafted costumes to intricate props that reflected the film’s gritty yet hopeful themes. The energy was electric — attendees bonded over their shared love for the film, posing for photos, recreating scenes, and celebrating its message of redemption and resilience. The presence of Sinners cosplayers at Dragon Con truly highlighted how cinema can unite communities, proving that this film isn’t just a hit — it’s a cultural phenomenon. I dressed as Stack when he was bitten and turned into a vampire. Here is a video of my cosplay group starting a dance circle inspired by the film.
@cosplaysbyshinobi Sinners at #dragoncon #sinnersmovie #sinners #fyp @Kizuki @Mina @Captain tempest
The Iconic Dragon Con Parade: A Show of Fandom and Creativity
If there’s one event that truly captures the heart and soul of Dragon Con, it’s the Dragon Con Parade. Held every year on the Saturday morning of the convention, the parade is the “crown jewel” of Dragon Con’s free events, and it’s something I always look forward to. The 2025 parade, held on August 30th at 10 a.m., was no exception.
The streets of downtown Atlanta were filled with fans in elaborate costumes, creating an unforgettable scene that spanned nearly every genre. One of the standout moments this year came from my Cool Runnings cosplay group. Kizuki Cosplay, Michael Ajih, Ugo and Cosplay and I dressed as the iconic Jamaican bobsled team. This heartfelt tribute to the beloved 1993 film captured the spirit of Dragon Con—celebrating not just superhero franchises, but also cult classic movies that have a special place in fans’ hearts. As seen in Instagram posts from the event, this group was a crowd favorite, and their vibrant costumes added a colorful flair to the parade.
Full Dragon Con Parade Video
The parade follows a scenic route along Peachtree Street, beginning at Linden Avenue and ending near Andrew Young International Boulevard. It’s the perfect showcase of fandom creativity and a wonderful opportunity for attendees to show off their costumes while marching proudly through the heart of Atlanta. Here is our Cool Runnings group in the parade as captured by my mother.
@cosplaysbyshinobi Cool runnjngs with @U Go & Cosplay @MICHAEL AJIH @Kizuki #dragoncon #coolrunnings #fyp #cosplayers
The Parties: Letting Loose at the Bunny Hutch and More
As always we put together some cool video edits using our cosplays. If you’re a fan of Street Fighter you might enjoy me being destroyed by Chun-Li as Ken Masters. This was directed by Ugo and Cosplay.
@ugoandcosplay Dragon Con | Street Fighter! 🥋💪🏾 Here’s some footage of the sheer terror of my friends as I wanted to do a hurricane kick edit on my Ryu cosplay. We had way too much fun! @Shinobi @MG @World of Gwendana #dragoncon #streetfighter #ryu #ryucosplay #chunli
This time the tables were turned as it was Ugo’s turn to be destroyed. If you saw James Gunn’s Superman you may remember this scene.
This video of Ugo dressed as Bugs Bunny was straight out of my childhood. I think Dimeeech agreed as you can see from the video.
@ugoandcosplay Bugs Bunny 🐰 – Long Haired Hare. If you know you know! I needed some levity on my feed so decided to get around to editing this from Dragon Con! @Dimi was a good sport for participating in this with me! It’s tough around the edges because it was literally spontaneous 😁 #dragoncon #dragoncon2025 #BugsBunny #cosplay @Looney Tunes @Dragon Con!
The Parties: Letting Loose at the Bunny Hutch and More
Dragon Con isn’t just about panels and cosplay—it’s also about the legendary parties that make the whole experience unforgettable. From late-night gatherings to themed parties in almost every hotel, there’s no shortage of places to kick back and let loose. This year, the Bunny Hutch Party was the spot to be. Dimeeech, the DJ took over the decks at the Bunny Hutch Party, and the dance floor was on fire. The crowd was vibing to a mix of throwbacks, current hits, and even some fan-favorite tracks that had everyone singing along. The whole place had an energy that made it feel like we were all part of one big, carefree, nerdy family. And the best part? The party wasn’t just for dancing—it was a place to connect with fellow con-goers, swap stories, and geek out about whatever fandom you were passionate about.
The Cosplay Party Council Party
Every year during Dragon Con, the Cosplay Party Council (CPC) throws one of the most anticipated afterparties in Atlanta — the CPC Annual Cosplay Party at Vanity Restaurant and Bar. Hosted by Chris Carthern and powered by the high-energy sounds of DJ Swaggycosplayer alongside BossJones, Ugo and Cosplay, and Mary Lou Davis of Geeks and Grubs, this event has become the heartbeat of Dragon Con nightlife. Formed in 2019 out of a passion to give cosplayers the music and vibe they truly crave, the CPC emerged when Swaggycosplayer and his crew turned a quiet Thursday at the Marriott lobby into a legendary pop-up party that redefined the Dragon Con experience. With beats spanning Hip Hop, Afrobeat, Dancehall, Reggaeton and even remixed anime and TV intro themes, CPC delivers the ultimate fusion of Atlanta’s nightlife and pop culture energy. Each member of the Council is not only an accomplished cosplayer and content creator, but also a visionary entertainer dedicated to crafting unforgettable moments. After the resounding success of their 2023 and 2024 event at Vanity, the CPC was back by popular demand for Dragon Con 2025, ready to transform the venue once again into a vibrant, inclusive, and electrifying celebration. With professional DJ services, live hosting, photography, and videography, the CPC ensures every attendee can dance, connect, and celebrate their fandom until sunrise — proving that no one parties like the Cosplay Party Council.
Finally it was cool for me to be featured on Dragon Con TV throughout the convention singing a song I wrote as A-Train from The Boys.
@cosplaysbyshinobi Made it to Dragon Con TV #atraincosplay #theboystv #fyp #dragoncon #music