Different Types of Friendship

Friendships come in many different ways as seen in The Fortress of Solitude. This is true of many of the friendships begun – and ended – in the novel. Most significant is the friendship between Dylan and Mingus.

Early in the novel, Rachel predicts that Dylan and Mingus will be best friends. This turns out to be exactly true. Outwardly, Dylan and Mingus seem to have little in common, from the color of their skin to their family situations to the kind of men their fathers are. However, despite these many differences, Dylan and Mingus instantly bond over their mutual love of comics. It is as if they become friends in spite of their differences because they share one important thing in common. Their friendship ultimately expands from this point.

Dylan and Arthur later strike up an unusual friendship as well. Dylan and Arthur are...