This past year has been nothing short of transformative for me, both personally and professionally. Indie Comix Dispatch (ICD) has always been a labor of love, but in 2023, life threw unexpected hurdles my way. A diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease came, along with its harsh realities. Adjusting to the symptoms has been tough, but the more difficult challenge has been dealing with the side effects of the medication. Where I was once able to juggle multiple tasks effortlessly, I now find myself needing to focus on just a few at a time. My right hand, once a source of productivity, has become a reminder of my new limits—it’s now hard to type with it.
For those unfamiliar with Parkinson’s Disease, it is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but they often include tremors, stiffness, and difficulties with balance and coordination. In my case, it has affected my right hand, making typing and multitasking more difficult. Parkinson’s can also impact cognitive functions like memory, which adds to the challenge. While there is currently no cure, medications can help manage symptoms, though the adjustment to these treatments can be a long and challenging process.
As with any personal challenge, life doesn’t wait for us to adjust, and other matters arose unexpectedly. While I won’t delve into the specifics, let’s just say the journey has been anything but easy. Navigating through these challenges meant taking a step back from ICD. It wasn’t a decision I made lightly, but one I knew was necessary.
During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect deeply on what ICD means to me and the indie comic community. I’ve always loved providing an outlet for creators, a space where their voices could be heard and their stories told. That passion hasn’t changed. If anything, it’s grown stronger. However, I’ve come to realize that perhaps ICD doesn’t need to focus on every avenue like interviews or live streams. There are so many others in the community excelling at that, and I applaud their work. Maybe for now, ICD’s strength lies elsewhere—writing insightful articles, producing a magazine that delves deep into the world of indie comics, and continuing our commitment to providing quality reviews.
One thing that has me excited is the potential for the magazine. I’ve long believed in the value it brings to both creators and fans alike, and now, as we return with a renewed focus, I see the magazine as an anchor—a resource that will continue to grow, evolve, and support the indie comic community.
So, while ICD may not return to the full capacity it once operated at, we’re not going anywhere. We’re just adjusting the pace, focusing on quality over quantity, and finding new, better ways to serve the creators and fans who have made ICD what it is.
This has been a rough year, but the spirit of ICD is alive and well. We may be moving slower, but we’re moving forward—always in dedication to the community I love.