25 Comics Featuring A Ghost Named Oliver Helping Others In The Afterlife, By Greg Eales (New Pics)

Greg Eales, the creator of Positively Ghostly, shared with Bored Panda that creating comics has been incredibly therapeutic for him, especially after the recent loss of his youngest sister and grandfather, two of the most important people in his life. "Grief is so heavy, but humor and softness sometimes help lighten the load just enough to carry it. Writing about my sister keeps me connected to her, and through Positively Ghostly, I can turn personal pain into something that might help someone else feel a little less alone. I don't shy away from difficult topics because I know others are hurting too. My goal is to reach out and gently say, 'You’re not alone.'"

According to Eales, Positively Ghostly began as a simple, silly idea—a ghost who spreads positivity. "But over time, I realized it was becoming something more meaningful. It changed from being just a funny comic to a way of helping people feel seen and comforted during tough times. It’s definitely made me more intentional about using my art to care for others. The humor’s still there, but now it’s wrapped in a deeper message of empathy and kindness."

Making these comics isn’t always a breeze for Eales—being positive is hard when you’re feeling low, anxious, or just plain worn out. "But those moments are often the exact space I need to create from. It's sort of a cycle sometimes. I don't follow a strict ritual, but I try to check in with what I'm feeling and let the comic grow from that. It's about making an emotional connection first, and then shaping it into something that might lift someone else up, too."

When asked if he ever reads his older comics, the artist admitted, "Oh yes—and I usually cringe," adding that he's a Virgo and a perfectionist, which makes him notice every little detail he wishes he could tweak or redo. "But my daughter once told me, 'There’s no such thing as perfection—everything is progress.' That stuck with me. Now, when I look back, I try to appreciate how far I've come and see the beauty in the imperfections. Each comic is a snapshot of a moment, and together they show growth, both as an artist and as a person."