In chapter 7, there is a a strong connection between Rorschach and the Night Owl in regards to their true identities. Though in an earlier reading, Rorschach’s capture and de-masking is as dramatic as it is influential to the character development of all the superheroes we have come to know in Watchmen. Rorschach happens to be the only character that openly admits to being his persona rather than his day to day being, Walter Kovacs.

In regards to Night Owl, Moore basically gives us an entire chapter showing Dan accepting the fact that he feels impotent in his normal skin. He literally uses the word impotent while wearing nothing but his owl goggles. The fact that he admits his own inabilities not only while completely exposed in his normal skin is a quiet admission to feeling only himself when in the skin of the Night Owl. This happens also after his dramatic dream of peeling back the human form to expose the true form of the superhero underneath.

We shouldn’t forget his sexual impotence. This is indeed a difference between Rorschach and Night Owl because of Rorschach’s disgust toward physical intimacy of any kind. Before he puts on his owl skin we see an unsuccessful attempt at physical intimacy between Night Owl and Laurie. After they put on their superhero skins, they save a burning building, and lo and behold sexual success. When asked if the costumes helped Night owl says yes, “It just feels strange, you know? To come out and admit that to somebody. To come out of the closet.” (VII, 28)

It’s interesting to see Laurie’s reaction to this experience. Maybe if it were looked at more closely we could argue she is maybe accepting her superhero skin more than she did before. This I think has something to do with the fact that she was there to see someone she respects openly accept his position as a superhero and admitting that it makes him feel powerful. This is definitely a complete opposite to what Laurie says her mother makes her feel about the superhero world.