"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"

Jonathan Lethem’s words reflect a personal trajectory through the world of comics and artistic development, highlighting a shift from mainstream superhero narratives to the more niche, often experimental realm of underground comics. This movement was significant for many young artists and readers who sought alternatives to the dominant, commercial comic industry typified by caped heroes and formulaic plots. Lethem implies an early curiosity, he didn't simply consume the popular content that was most accessible, but actively explored new, perhaps less celebrated genres.

The idea of "wandering away from the superhero stuff" suggests a conscious distancing or evolution of taste. Comics, especially in Lethem’s formative years, were synonymous with superhero tales from industry giants like Marvel and DC. However, underground comics provided subversive commentary, adult themes, and unique artistic expressions that broke away from conventional molds. By aligning himself with this movement, Lethem hints at a desire not only for new stories, but for a new way of seeing and creating art.

Describing himself as an art student who drew extensively as a child adds depth to this narrative. Artistic engagement was not a later development for Lethem, but something intrinsic to his identity. Drawing, for him, was a natural extension of his interest in comics, both as a mode of storytelling and a form of personal expression. The interplay between his artistic pursuits and his exposure to underground comics may have profoundly shaped his imaginative sensibilities, encouraging a more critical and individualistic approach to both making and interpreting art.

Lethem's recollection underlines the formative power of early influences and underscores the importance of seeking out alternative perspectives. His journey mirrors that of countless creators who, searching for authenticity and originality, found inspiration beyond the mainstream’s bright colors and heroic archetypes.