Artist Kev Hopgood Briefly Talks To Tripwire About His Parkinson’s Diagnosis

A Real Life Iron Man

Earlier this week comic artist Kev Hopgood revealed that some time ago he was informed he has Parkinson’s disease. Longtime fan and Tripwire’s contributing writer Paul Neal reached out to the artist to ask how he was.
To cut a long story short, Kev readily agreed to a brief interview. Here are the results…

TRIPWIRE: This week you announced publicly on your social media that four years ago you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The immediate question is to simply ask how are you, sir? It may sound redundant to ask, but are you okay? How do you feel most days?

KEV HOPGOOD: I’m lucky in that my symptoms aren’t too bad so far. The Parkinson’s has affected the way I walk, and my energy levels fluctuate throughout the day. When I’m trying to focus on a task I sometimes get a judder in my right leg, which is a bit of a pain.

TW: It must be difficult to talk about and I apologise, but you have been a comic artist for many years. Are you still able to work? Has your diagnosis affected your art yet?

KH: I’ve noticed a slight “wobble” creeping into my pencil line. I also find it difficult to shade. I’ve found that these issues disappear when I artwork on screen using my Wacom. I’ve no idea why that should be so. Parkinson’s is weird!

TW: You have illustrated such a variety of comics and children’s books, can I ask please what are you working on currently? Do you have a project on your drawing board at the moment?

KH: I’ve just started quite a big project for a Hollywood director which I can’t talk about yet. Watch this space!

TW: Given your recent news, is it fair to say you are seeking a little financial security? Are you looking for a long-term client /  employer that will be able look past any limitations you might experience as an artist in the future?

KH: I’m definitely open to any offers…

TW: You stated online you are not quite ready to retire. Do comic artists ever really officially retire? Or is that an option you would rather not consider?

KH: When I was working full time in the comic book trenches I’d regularly work into the evening and weekends. Nowadays I tend to knock off for the day around fourish, so I guess I’m semi-retired already. Keeping active is important for people with Parkinson’s so I’d like to keep working for as long as possible.

TW: Thank you so much for talking to me today. I am very grateful. Under the circumstances you should have the final word. You have a great deal of fans. You’re obviously not obligated to say anything, but is there anything else you would you like to say?

KH: I’d just like to thank my fans and plug the short film about Parkinson’s that my daughter Evie made

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfesKalaHrw

TRIPWIRE NOTE: Below is just a tiny bit of Kev Hopgood’s art so far from his long career in comics.