10,000 Ink Stains: Jeff Lemire’s Life Story Coming This July

If you don’t know the name Jeff Lemire, you are probably already familiar with his work and don’t realize it. Remember Sweet Tooth on Netflix? It was based on a comic book Lemire created. He’s also written for DC and Marvel and is the creator of Descender, Black Hammer, Gideon Falls and his most recent hit, Minor Arcana. His scratchy. grungy style easily stands out on the comic store racks.

But how much do you know Lemire the person? The man opens himself up to tell his life story in 10,000 Ink Stains, an illustrated autobiography coming soon from Dark Horse. By “illustrated” we mean it’s NOT a comic, but told in text next to many examples of his own work.

In 10,000 Ink Stains, Lemire guides the reader on a personal tour of his career, revealing the thought process and behind-the-scenes struggles behind his most famous creations. You’ll see not only examples of his most well-known work but his most obscure: Lemire’s self-published mini-comics and other rare stuff from early in his career. You’ll also learn how Lemire’s struggles with mental health influenced his storytelling.

Patton Oswalt seems to like the book, providing this quote for the back cover: “A gorgeous, helpful memoir/visual journey of how Jeff Lemire found his voice, his vision, and all of the messiness that entailed. Essential reading for any up-and-coming comics creator!” Jason Aaron of Absolute Superman and Thor adds, “A must-read overview of one of the most staggeringly prolific and impressive careers in modern comics.”

10,000 Ink Stains: A Memoir is coming out through Dark Horse on July 15, 2025, at comics shops everywhere. Copies will sell for $49.99.