Meaning: Jonathan Lethem, an American novelist, essayist, and short story writer, is known for his unique blend of literary fiction and genre fiction. In this quote, Lethem reflects on his early exposure to underground comics and his subsequent departure from mainstream superhero comics. He attributes his shift in interest to his background as an art student and his passion for drawing during his formative years.

Lethem's mention of "underground comics" refers to a movement within the comic book industry that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These comics were characterized by their countercultural themes, non-traditional storytelling, and often controversial content. Unlike mainstream superhero comics, which were primarily targeted at a younger audience and adhered to established conventions of the genre, underground comics pushed boundaries and explored a wide range of social and political issues.

Lethem's early exposure to underground comics likely exposed him to a diverse array of artistic styles and narrative approaches, which may have contributed to shaping his own creative sensibilities. The underground comix scene was a hotbed of experimentation and boundary-pushing, providing a fertile ground for emerging artists and writers to explore unconventional storytelling methods and themes.

As Lethem delved deeper into the world of underground comics, he found himself drawn away from the more traditional superhero stories that dominated the mainstream comic book market. This shift in interest aligns with the broader cultural shift that was taking place during the period when underground comics were gaining prominence. The countercultural movement of the 1960s and 1970s, with its emphasis on individual expression, social critique, and nonconformity, likely resonated with Lethem and influenced his artistic and literary inclinations.

Lethem's background as an art student and his early experiences with drawing also played a significant role in shaping his artistic trajectory. As a visual artist, he would have been attuned to the aesthetic and formal aspects of comics, such as panel layout, composition, and visual storytelling techniques. His training as an art student likely honed his appreciation for the visual arts and provided him with a strong foundation in visual communication, which would later inform his writing and storytelling.

Moreover, Lethem's experience as a young artist and avid drawer suggests that his creative impulses were deeply ingrained from an early age. The act of drawing and creating visual narratives may have served as a formative influence on his development as a writer, instilling in him a deep understanding of visual storytelling and the power of imagery to convey meaning and emotion.

In conclusion, Jonathan Lethem's early immersion in underground comics, coupled with his background as an art student and his passion for drawing, undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic and literary sensibilities. His departure from mainstream superhero comics reflects a broader cultural and artistic shift during the era of the underground comix movement, while his artistic upbringing laid the groundwork for his later achievements as a writer. This quote offers valuable insight into the formative influences that shaped Lethem's creative journey and the diverse sources of inspiration that have informed his multifaceted body of work.