The Goodbye Family

The Goodbye Family and the Great Mountain

The Goodbye Family is a fictional family that serves as the central focus of a series of darkly humorous comics and stories. Created by author and illustrator Lorin Morgan-Richards, the Goodbye Family comprises Otis, his wife Orphie Goodbye, and their son Pyridine Goodbye. The family lives in a fictional version of the American Old West, where they run a funeral home, providing a unique backdrop for their macabre yet comedic adventures. The series is known for its gothic art style and explores themes of death and the supernatural with a whimsical twist.

Characters

• Otis Goodbye: The patriarch of the Goodbye family, Otis is a funeral director. He is characterized by his deep respect for the dead and his philosophical outlook on life and death.
• Orphie Goodbye: Otis's wife and a skilled embalmer. Orphie is known for her strong will, intelligence, and the loving care she provides to the deceased, ensuring they are sent off properly.
• Pyridine Goodbye: The young son of Otis and Orphie, Pyridine shows a curious fascination with the family business and often finds himself in peculiar situations as he explores the world around him.

Themes and Style

The series is notable for its unique blend of dark humor, gothic aesthetics, and a deep, underlying warmth and affection among the Goodbye family members. Through its exploration of death and the supernatural, the series invites readers to reflect on the nature of life, family bonds, and the importance of approaching taboo subjects with openness and humor.

The art style of The Goodbye Family is distinctive, featuring stark black-and-white illustrations that draw heavily on gothic and Victorian influences. This visual approach complements the series' themes, creating a captivating world that is at once eerie and endearing.

Publication and Reception

Since its inception, The Goodbye Family has garnered a dedicated following, praised for its original storytelling, unique art style, and the way it handles complex themes with both humor and depth. The series has been published in various formats, including comic strips, graphic novels, and illustrated books, allowing it to reach a broad audience of readers who appreciate its blend of the macabre with the mundane aspects of family life.

Influence and Legacy

The Goodbye Family has contributed to the broader cultural landscape by offering a fresh take on the gothic genre, making it accessible and enjoyable for a contemporary audience. Its influence can be seen in the growing popularity of stories that combine humor with horror, as well as in the appreciation for art that embraces the darker aspects of life while maintaining a light-hearted perspective.