Watchmen: Chapter VII - page 18

PAGE 18

Panel 3:  Dan’s finger across the window – the smudge streaked over the image of the sun in the background – is reminiscent of the bloodstain on the Comedian’s smiley face badge, a symbol that is seen throughout this narrative.

Panel 4-6:  Note that the shadow of Dan’s head in these three panels looks very much like that of the cowl to his Nite Owl costume, signifying his true self while foreshadowing his plans.

Panel 9:  Dan’s reflection, in his Nite Owl goggles, can be seen as symbolic – Dan Dreiberg the civilian is merely a reflection of Dan’s true self, Nite Owl the costumed adventurer.