Daniel M. "Dan" Dreiberg is the second former masked vigilante known as Nite Owl II. Dreiberg succeeded the original Nite Owl, Hollis Mason, and became part of the second generation of costumed adventurers. He joined up with other heroes to form the Crimebusters, but the team never came to fruition. Dreiberg continued to fight crime alongside his former partner Rorschach until he was forced into retirement due to the Keene Act which made costumed vigilantism illegal.
In October 1985, Dreiberg ignored the warnings of the Keene Act and returned to vigilantism. After breaking Rorschach out of Sing Sing Correctional Facility, Dreiberg helped in his "Mask Killer" investigation.[1][2][3] Upon discovering Adrian Veidt's involvement in the death of the Comedian and neutralization of Doctor Manhattan, he flies to Antarctica with Rorschach to confront him. After failing to stop Ozymandias' plot to save mankind by killing millions, Dan and his lover Laurie Juspeczyk changed their appearances and identities.
Dreiberg continued his career as a costumed adventurer following the 11/2 Psychic Shockwave and secretly started his own company MerlinCorp, providing him and Laurie, and several state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States with their own versions of Nite Owl II's high tech vehicles and equipment to fight crime. Dan and Laurie would break up as he wanted to settle down and have children, but she wanted to continue vigilantism. Despite their breakup, they put aside their differences and worked together to stop the Oklahoma City Bombing and killed Timothy McVeigh. In violation of the Keene Act, they were both arrested by the police. While Laurie chose to cooperate and ended up working for the FBI's anti-vigilante unit, Dreiberg refused to speak to the authorities and accepted the maximum sentence mandated by the Keene Act.
Biography[]
Early life[]
Childhood Fascinations[]
Daniel M. "Dan" Dreiberg was born on September 18, 1940.[4] His father, was a corporate banker.
As a child, Dan was an introvert fascinated with birds, aviation, mythology, and the crime-fighting exploits of his hero Nite Owl. His favorite stories were about Pegasus and the flying carpet from mythology.[1]
In the mid-1940s, he attended Tom's River Public Grade School in New Jersey.[4]
Throughout his childhood in the early 1950s, he spent many of his summers in New England, venturing out into the fields at night and searching for owls.[5] Fascinated with the idea of flying, he studied ornithology and aviation extensively alongside engineering.[1] He was also fascinated with the Arthurian legends and deemed Sir Galahad his favorite knight because of his bravery, heroism, and strength, though his father reminded him that such heroes no longer exist.[4]
Attending Harvard[]
In the late 1950s he attended Harvard University. During this time, he attended several of Joseph Westwood's ornithology lectures.[4] When he was nineteen, Dreiberg graduated summa cum laude from Harvard with a double major in Aeronautics and Zoology. As valedictorian he gave a speech to his class called "A Little Nostalgia".[1][4]
After leaving Harvard, Dreiberg received a job offer from his uncle, Alan Dreiberg, to work in the family banking industry, but respectfully declined, as he decided to spend time studying ornithology at the Bronx Zoo.[4]
Costumed career[]
Becoming Nite Owl[]
Using the inheritance that his father left for him after his death, Dreiberg invested his money in designing and building an arsenal of high-tech crimefighting devices as well as his base of operations, which he called the Owl's Nest.
Upon hearing about Hollis Mason's retirement from crimefighting, Dreiberg wrote to him asking if he could carry on the mantle of Nite Owl.[1][4][6] Upon looking at his technology, Mason was too impressed to refuse him, and so he became Nite Owl II in 1962.
In 1965, Nite Owl teamed up with fellow costumed adventurer Rorschach to take on organized crime. Thanks to Rorschach's unpredictability and Nite Owl's tactical brilliance, the dynamic duo was successful in apprehending and defeating several criminals throughout New York City, including Jimmy the Gimmick, Underboss, and Big Figure.[4][7][8]
The Crimebusters[]
The next year, having made quite an impression on other crimefighters, Dreiberg and Rorschach were invited by Captain Metropolis to join the Crimebusters.[8][9][10] Dreiberg felt that he joined a fellowship of legendary beings and he was disappointed that it didn't last.[1] Though the Crimebusters became defunct, Nite Owl kept a recurring partnership with Rorschach and would occasionally team up with other former Crimebusters, particularly the Silk Spectre.
Relationship with Twilight Lady[]
In 1968, Nite Owl brought down the vice queen known as the Twilight Lady. She wrote to Nite Owl from prison. Against Hollis Mason's advice, Dan wrote back, thinking he could reform her. When she was released in the early 1970s, Dan tried to mold her into a crimefighting partner, but she was more interested in being his romantic partner. After a long and tumultuous relationship, Dan and her parted ways.[1]
Retirement[]
During the Police Strike of 1977, Nite Owl was patrolling with the Comedian on Archie and attempted to pacify the rioters, an action rendered moot when the notoriously short-tempered Comedian opened fire.[9] Having already come to believe that his expensive activities were accomplishing little, Dreiberg retired after the passing of the Keene Act on August 3, 1977,[10] although he seemed to regret his decision later.[1] Rorschach would later say regarding his retirement, "No staying power."
After retirement, he chose not to reveal his civilian identity and kept his past secret. However, he had kept some friendship with Laurie Juspeczyk.[10] He also maintained his friendship with Hollis Mason and the two men met every Saturday night.[11] In his civilian life, he contributed essays and scholarly articles to ornithological journals, although he knew that they didn't interest many people.[1]
In 1981, Dreiberg traveled to Africa with Professor Westwood to study rare specimens of birds in the region. During the trip he wrote a postcard to Mason.[4]
In 1983, Dreiberg visited Kennebunkport, Maine in order to pay a visit to Byron Lewis at the Overlook Asylum, on behalf of Mason. On his way back to the parking lot, he heard the screech of a mature owl and was filled with a feeling that renewed his excitement about birds. He shared his experience in the Journal of the American Ornithological Society.[5]
The Mask Killer Conspiracy[]
Death of the Comedian[]
Dreiberg was the first of the "masks" that Rorschach warned after the death of Edward Blake. The two shared a tense reunion, with Rorschach chastising him for his decision to retire, and Dreiberg criticizing Rorschach's insistence on continuing his vigilante activities. Shortly thereafter he met with Laurie Juspeczyk, the second Silk Spectre, at Rafael's and the two reminisced about their times as costumed adventurers.[12]
Later he attended the Comedian's funeral, reuniting with Ozymandias and Dr. Manhattan.[9]
Dr. Manhattan goes into self-imposed exile on Mars after Laurie leaves him and he is tricked into believing he was harming the people he loved. Simultaneously, an attempt is made on the life of Adrian Veidt, and Dreiberg takes in Laurie as a precaution. The two explore their feelings for each other and attempt to make love. However, Dan experiences a moment of impotency, and they are unable to. During her stay, they are made aware of the capture of Rorschach by authorities, as he is charged with the murder of Moloch.
Return to Vigilantism[]
Tenement Fire Rescue[]
After a nightmare, Dreiberg goes to his lab, where he expresses how helpless he feels in the face of impending nuclear war. He and Laurie decide to take up arms once again and experience that sense of power they had before. Donning their outfits, they take the Owlship and patrol New York City once again, in defiance of the Keene Act. Discovering a fire at a tenement, they come to the rescue and evacuate everybody from the burning building safely. Being in his Nite Owl persona again revives Dan's spirit, and he and Laurie are able to make love in the Owlship above the city.
Deciding the time had come to act rather than stand by Nite Owl and Silk Spectre break Rorschach out of Sing Sing. Afterward, as Laurie is taken to Mars by Manhattan, Dreiberg and Rorschach explore the New York underworld looking for clues on whatever plot is taking place. They discover that the prison break led to a series of anti-superhero riots, including the murder of Dreiberg's predecessor and mentor as Nite Owl, Hollis Mason. Dreiberg swears vengeance, assaulting one of the men responsible with such fury that Rorschach, known for his brutality in dispatching criminals, has to restrain him. During their interrogations, they determine that their leads point to none other than their former comrade Ozymandias. The two head to Karnak, Veidt's fortress in Antarctica, in the Owlship.
Prison Break[]
Deciding the time had come to act rather than stand by Nite Owl and Silk Spectre break Rorschach out of Sing Sing.
Investigation of Adrian Veidt[]
On November 1st, 1985, Dreiberg helped in Rorschach's "Mask Killer" investigation. Dreiberg and Rorschach explore the New York underworld looking for clues on whatever plot is taking place.
They visited Happy Harry's Bar & Grill to interrogate the criminal element. They tried to acquire information about an incident that occurred on the day of Kovacs' arrest, the attempted murder of Adrian Veidt by a contract killer, Roy Victor Chess. Through physical torture, Kovacs induced a scattered confession from a man who described himself as an employee of Pyramid Deliveries saying that he had delivered some envelopes to Mr. Chess at the request of his superior.[3]
While at the bar, they discover that the prison break led to a series of anti-superhero riots, including the murder of Dreiberg's predecessor and mentor as Nite Owl, Hollis Mason. Dreiberg swears vengeance, assaulting one of the men believed to be responsible with such fury that Rorschach, known for his brutality in dispatching criminals, has to restrain him.[1][2][3]
They determine that their leads point to none other than their former comrade Ozymandias. Upon discovering Veidt's involvement in the death and neutralization of costumed adventurers, Dreiberg, convinced of Veidt's guilt, persuaded Rorschach that they need to confront him at his headquarters in Antarctica. They aboard the Owlship, and fly en route to the frozen continent, but not before stopping over at a nearby mailbox for Rorschach to deliver his journal to the New Frontiersman.[3]
Confrontation with Veidt[]
In Antarctica, Adrian Veidt reveals his plan to send a genetically engineered "alien" to New York City, knowing it will kill millions of people. His hope is that it will be perceived as an extraterrestrial threat forcing the nations of Earth to end their Cold War and work together. Although Dreiberg and Rorschach try to stop him, he reveals that his plan is already in motion, well-ahead of their arrival. They are forced to watch the devastation and look on as the leaders of the United States and the Soviet Union end their standoff and agree to work together to end the "alien" threat.
After a brief fight, joined by Dr. Manhattan and Silk Spectre, most of the masks, except Rorschach, agree with Veidt that, although terrible, the preceding events are preferable to a nuclear holocaust. Rorschach tries to leave to tell the world of the plan but is intercepted by Manhattan, who reluctantly kills him. Veidt agrees to give Dreiberg and Laurie protection at his fortress. After coming in from killing Rorschach, Osterman sees Dreiberg and Laurie laying together on a fur rug, naked. He smiles, shares a brief conversation with Veidt, and departs for parts unknown.
Post 11/2 Life[]
New Identity[]
Following the death of Rorschach and their failure in stopping Adrian Veidt from releasing the Extra-Dimensional Biological Entity onto New York City, Dreiberg left Karnak and returned to America with Laurie Juspeczyk, leaving behind Archie in Antarctica.
Because of the cataclysmic psychic shockwave unleashed by the E.D.B.E. and the death of Steven Fine, the lead detective on the Rorschach case, Dreiberg's vigilante activities were never thoroughly investigated. In the months that followed, finding Dreiberg and Kovacs became a low priority for an overwhelmed police department as half their employees died in the psychic shockwave. As New York began its glacial return to stability, few cared about a loose end of the past.
Because of this, Dreiberg was able to go into hiding and changed his appearance and identity. Dreiberg and Laurie Juspeczyk, now going by Sam and Sandra Hollis (in his late mentor's honor) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and both sporting blonde hair, they pay a visit to Laurie's mother, Sally Jupiter, where mother and daughter make amends for years of animosity.
Forming MerlinCorp[]
Dreiberg continued his career as a costumed adventurer following the 11/2 Psychic Shockwave and secretly started his own company MerlinCorp, providing him and Laurie Juspeczyk, and several state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States with their own versions of Nite Owl II's high tech vehicles and equipment to fight crime.
Breaking Up[]
Sometime in the early 1990s, he and Laurie Juspeczyk, now going by the Comedienne, had broken up due to irreconcilable differences. Dreiberg wanted to settle down and have children, but Juspeczyk wanted to continue to vigilantism. Following their breakup, Dreiberg gave Laurie mocking gift in the form of "Excalibur", a vibrator modelled after Doctor Manhattan's penis, as he believed that she still harbored strong feelings for Osterman.[13]
Imprisonment[]
Oklahoma City Terrorist Attack and Arrest[]
In 1995, Dreiberg and Laurie Juspeczyk put aside their differences and worked together to stop the Oklahoma City Bombing and killed the perpetrator Timothy McVeigh. In violation of the Keene Act, they were both arrested by the police.
Refusing to Cooperate[]
While Laurie Juspeczyk chose to cooperate and ended up working for the FBI's anti-vigilante unit, Dreiberg refused to speak to the authorities and accepted the thirty year maximum sentence mandated by the Keene Act. In response to his imprisonment, he issued a blunt statement: "Never compromise, never surrender", quoting his late partner Rorschach. Following his arrest, Dreiberg's company, MerlinCorp, was seized by the government and his technological designs, such as his Owlship, were co-opted by police departments in the United States, including Tulsa PD. As of 2019, Dreiberg remains in federal custody and has steadfastly refused to speak to the FBI about the validity of Rorschach's Journal, or confirmation into Adrian Veidt's involvement in the 11/2 Psychic Shockwave.[3]
Possible Pardon[]
In 2019, Laurie Juspeczyk, now going by Laurie Blake, agreed to investigate the murder of Judd Crawford and the reemergence of the domestic terrorist group the Seventh Kavalry in Tulsa with the promise that, if Oklahoma's senator Joe Keene become the next president, he would pardon Dreiberg for her in return.[13]
Personality[]
From a young age, Dan Dreiberg displayed a keen intellectual curiosity, particularly in subjects like ornithology, aviation, and mythology. His life as an introverted child fascinated with books and mythology laid the foundation for a thoughtful and introspective personality. His fascination with heroes and mythology, combined with a love for birds, shaped his worldview. His educational achievements, including a double major in Aeronautics and Zoology from Harvard, showcase his intellectual prowess. His interest in scholarly pursuits continued in his civilian life through contributions to ornithological journals.
Despite the tough exterior required for his vigilante activities, Dan's attempts to reform the Twilight Lady and his tumultuous romantic relationship with her reveal a compassionate side. His concern for others, particularly his crimefighting partners, is evident in his interactions and decisions. The romantic relationship with the Twilight Lady and later with Laurie Juspeczyk showcases a romantic side to his personality. However, his failed relationship with Laurie and the mocking gift given after their breakup also highlight a sense of humor, albeit in a sarcastic and bitter form.
The title of his valedictorian speech, "A Little Nostalgia," and his regular meetings with Hollis Mason suggest a nostalgic tendency. This sentimentality is reinforced by his decision to keep the friendship alive with Laurie and his mentor Hollis even after retirement. The decision to retire and his later regrets about it, as well as the conflict surrounding the Crimebusters' disbandment, reflect a character with inner conflicts and a sense of duty. His reluctance to fully embrace his civilian identity after retirement also adds a layer of internal struggle.
Following the death of Hollis, his pursuit of vengeance against those responsible reveals a determined and driven side of his personality. This aspect becomes even more pronounced during the investigation of Adrian Veidt and the confrontation in Antarctica. Following his arrest, a decade later, his refusal to compromise and surrender, as evidenced by his statement "Never compromise, never surrender," also demonstrates a dedicated and unyielding nature that was influenced by Rorschach. Rorschach, known for his uncompromising and absolutist views on justice, was a significant influence on Dan. His refusal to cooperate with the authorities following his arrest could be seen as an extension of Rorschach's unwillingness to compromise and could have motivated him to uphold his late partner's uncompromising stance. Dan, having witnessed the repercussions of Veidt's plan and the compromises he and some of his former comrades made, caused him to lose faith in the authorities' ability to uphold justice and truth. This trait is further reinforced by his decision to accept a thirty-year maximum sentence in prison rather than cooperate.
Abilities[]
- Genius Level Intelligence: Dreiberg has demonstrated immense mental prowess throughout his career as a costumed adventurer. Although nowhere near the likes of Ozymandias and the nearly omniscient Doctor Manhattan, Dreiberg is much more intelligent than the average person, with his intellect granting him two degrees from Harvard University.
- Master Engineer: Dreiberg is an immensely formidable genius in vehicles' operations and general engineering, being able to construct numerous technological wonders to aid his crusade against crime. These devices include not only his iconic and highly futuristic Owlship, but also his suit, the Owl Cave, handheld laser, night vision goggles and Rorschach's grapple gun.
- Expert Martial Artist: Dreiberg is an expert martial artist, with his skill allowing him to defeat most, if not all common thugs and costumed villains. However, despite his skill and fervor, Dreiberg is nowhere near a match for Ozymandias, a nearly superhuman combatant in his own right.
- Master Pilot: Dreiberg is able to fly the highly complex Owlship, a futuristic aircraft of his own design, to great effect. For years Dreiberg navigated the ship through the concrete jungles of New York City, only ever faltering due to an engine failure in Antarctica caused by freezing temperatures.
- Expert Businessman: Dreiberg managed to secretly start his own company MerlinCorp which provided law enforcement agencies throughout the country with their own versions of Nite Owl technology to fight crime. Dreiberg managed it in secrecy for several years until it was seized by the government following his arrest.
Trivia[]
- This version of the character is exclusive to the continuity of the television series Watchmen and is an adaptation of Nite Owl II. The original character was created by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons and first appeared in Watchmen #1.
References[]
Template:Reflist
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 A Brother to Dragons
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Old Ghosts
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Rorschach's Journal (Memo)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 Watchmen Sourcebook
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Blood from the Shoulder of Pallas
- ↑ Under the Hood: Chapter V
- ↑ Chapter V: Fearful Symmetry
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Chapter VI: The Abyss Gazes Also
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Chapter II
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Chapter IV: Watchmaker
- ↑ Chapter III: The Judge of All the Earth
- ↑ Chapter I
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 "She Was Killed by Space Junk." Damon Lindelof, Lila Byock (writers) & Stephen Williams (director). Watchmen. HBO. November 3, 2019. No. 3, season 1