Chapter 7 of the watchmen shows an interesting turn of events. Two people who seemed to be most free from their mask through out the book, were shown that they too are the captives of the mask Identity.

Dan Dreiberg and Laurie are the two people through out the previous chapter, shown as people who live their normal life after retiring mask hero life. However, chapter 7 too shows that they both were never truly free from the disturbed internal struggles that most masked heroes (comedian, Rorschach etc) seemed to exhibit. Previous to their mask adventure, Dan seems so unstable and nervous and unsure of himself. (For exaple, page 10 of chapter 7, 6th box, Dan is unable to evenput his hands slightly n Laurie from lack of confidence).

Contrastingly, on Page 26 of Chapter 7, we are shown of dan on the rooftop of his airship, He is drawn as confident and even smiling. His face is portrayed from as if the viewers are looking up to him, making him look more confident and higher being. He is also able to command people and keep them relaxed as he releases the people he rescued from fire.

Dan Dreiberg was unstable and unsure without the mask, however with his mask, he is sure of himself and carries himself with power and control(example he is able to reach to Laurie after the masked adventure).

It is truly interesting how, noone, seems to be truly free from their masked identity after the years have passed.