"I got into underground comics fairly early on and kind of wandered away from the superhero stuff, but I was an art student and I was drawing a lot as a kid"

In this quote, acclaimed author Jonathan Lethem reviews his early forays into the world of comics and art, exposing a personal narrative of expedition and progressing interests. Lethem shares that he "entered into underground comics fairly early on," suggesting an exposure to a specific niche and typically more avant-garde section of comic literature that diverges from mainstream, industrial series. Underground comics are understood for their countercultural styles, which typically consist of satire of societal norms, political commentary, and speculative storytelling. By gravitating towards this category, Lethem hints at an early disposition for content that challenged standard storytelling and perhaps used more intellectual or subversive substance than common superhero stories.

The second part of the quote, "and sort of wandered away from the superhero stuff," recommends a conscious move away from conventional comic book fare, which typically focuses on tales of excellent versus wicked portrayed through the adventures of superheroes. This inclination aligns with Lethem's progression as an author understood for mixing genre fiction with literary elements, hinting at an early awareness and gratitude of narrative intricacy and innovation beyond common superhero tropes.

Moreover, Lethem's admission, "I was an art student and I was drawing a lot as a kid," supplies insight into the foundations of his imaginative journey. His background in art and drawing suggests an eager visual sensibility, which is additional showed in his composing through brilliant, descriptive imagery and a strong local color. The reference to his history as an "art trainee" highlights an official engagement with artistic principles, possibly sowing the seeds for his later ability to craft richly detailed, creative worlds in his books. In general, Lethem's journey from an art trainee and comic reader to a renowned author underscores a long-lasting engagement with storytelling, art, and the exploration of cultural and narrative borders.