Crooked Way Gothic Tarot

The Crooked Way Gothic Tarot is a 78-card deck from artist Doug Thornsjo, known for his previous works like "Trick or Tarot" and "Zirkus Mägi." This deck delves into a "gleefully ghoulish" Gothic aesthetic, presenting a unique visual language that is shadowy, somber, and charming, yet maintains a black, albeit not humorless, heart. The campaign narrative frames the deck as a family heirloom of the fictional "Family Thorn," supposedly created by a "Grandmama Hobnail" in 1706, offering a rich, immersive backstory.

Despite its original visual style, the deck's card meanings are rooted in the Golden Dawn and Waite-Smith traditions, making it accessible to both experienced practitioners and novices. A distinctive feature, similar to Thornsjo's Zirkus Mägi Tarot, is the unnumbered Major Arcana, which allows readers to place Strength and Justice/Adjustment according to their preferred system. The deck was designed as a working pack, not merely a themed novelty, emphasizing thoughtful craftsmanship beneath its fanciful exterior.

Two editions were planned: the "Salty Tears" Standard Edition on 330gsm German black core paper in a tuck box, and the "Noble Blood" Large-Size Limited Edition on 350gsm art paper with black foil edging and a two-piece box. Both editions were to include a 12-page LWB with card meanings and spreads. The campaign, which ultimately failed, aimed to fund production through pre-orders to ensure high-quality manufacturing by Shenzhen Wangjing Printing Company, Ltd.

This deck is ideal for tarot enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate Gothic aesthetics, dark romanticism, and unique, character-driven artwork. It appeals to readers who enjoy a deck with a strong thematic narrative and a sense of humor, but still desire a foundation in traditional RWS and Golden Dawn meanings. Both experienced practitioners and novices seeking a distinctive, non-traditional visual experience will find this deck engaging.

Doug Thornsjo is a graphic artist, writer, and cartoonist with over 35 years of experience. He successfully funded his first tarot deck, "Tarot of the Zirkus Mägi," four years prior to this campaign, and has since created several other popular tarot, oracle, and Lenormand packs available through his website, Tarot By Duck Soup. His goal with Kickstarter campaigns is to move away from print-on-demand production to achieve higher quality and more affordable prices for his decks.