Created by Cutting Edge Animation, Captain Zero Into The Abyss Part II is a 15-minute animated short film that recently premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival. It tells the story of Xerxes, a Black teenage boy who is also the superhero Captain Zero. Through his therapy sessions, Xerxes narrates his adventures as Captain Zero as well as his battles with The Depression Demon, the physical manifestation of his insecurities. 

One of the best aspects of the short film is its voice cast, a mix of veterans and newcomers, including Z Cher-Aime (who is also the writer and director), Keith David, Angelica Ross, Zoelee Griggs, and Coty Galloway. While everyone did a great job, Z Cher-Aime, Angelica Ross, and Keith David were particular standouts. Z Cher-Aime nails Xerxes’ youthful bravado, pent-up frustration, and fear. Angelica Ross shows versatility as she voices the empathetic therapist Dr. Niobe and the ruthless antagonist Oblivion. Finally, Keith David delivers a spine-chilling performance as The Depression Demon.

Behind the voice cast is a promising and intriguing cast of characters, some of which were introduced in Captain Zero: Into the Abyss, Part I. There is Xerxes, the overwhelmed and insecure Black teenager who wants to prove himself as a superhero. Next, we have Dr. Niobe, who is perceptive and patient. Her body language shows she can tell Xerxes is fibbing a bit, but she also doesn’t want him to be uncomfortable. 

Then there is Daisy, Xerxes’ supa dupa fly best friend, who packs a punch as Buttafly, but is unsure how to help Xerxes outside that. Another character with a more mysterious connection to Xerxes is Oblivion, an antagonist who wants to beat a lesson into him literally. Finally, we have The Depression Demon, Xerxes’ literal inner demon that he is just starting to become aware of. It is cruel, negative self-talk soaked in insecurity and despair and could very well be the voice we all hear at our lowest points.

Speaking of depression, the way Captain Zero Into The Abyss Part II portrays mental health is creative and unflinchingly realistic. It is no secret that racism and social media are two factors that can negatively impact Black mental health, and Captain Zero’s Xerxes proves this in spades. When a dismissive white cop sneers at Captain Zero, that’s when The Depression Demon starts whispering. After seeing himself go viral on social media with the hashtag “Zero or Hero”, Xerxes starts having a panic attack. Most notable is the question that begins and ends the film, “Superheroes are supposed to save everyone, but who is gonna save me?” It embodies the sense of isolation and hopelessness one feels when one needs help, but rarely receives it. As a result, Xerxes’ therapy sessions show that he has a hard time opening up.

Despite the film touching on heavy topics, there is some levity present through the animation and creative use of subtitles. In addition to being accessible to individuals with hearing difficulties, the subtitles also sometimes show the internal thoughts of certain characters. When Buttafly saves some newscasters from a crashing helicopter, the white cop she was speaking to has a subtitle that says “white embarrassment.” Moreover, the animation is dynamic and fluid with subtle nods to anime like Dragon Ball Z while being its own thing. In particular, the fight between Buttafly and Oblivion is a standout, which proves Buttafly can fight even if she doesn’t win.

All in all, Captain Zero Into The Abyss Part II is a brilliant and raw take on superheroes through the lens of mental health. With a talented voice cast, engaging characters and animation, and a true-to-life depiction of depression, Captain Zero proves he is a hero in his own right.

Latonya “Penn” Pennington is a Black-Asian genderqueer freelance contributor and poet. They’ve written a plethora of pop culture criticism at sites such as Popverse, Into More, Comics XF, and many more. As a poet, they’ve been published in places such as Black Sci-fi’s Scribes of Nyota, Fiyah Lit magazine, and The Daily Drunk. Check out more of their work on their website Words From A Penn.