Nite Owl II
A genius engineer who piloted the Owlship to protect a city in crisis.
Daniel M. Dreiberg is the second Nite Owl, a costumed adventurer who relied on technical wizardry and tools as well as his skills as a fighter. Born on September 18, 1940, he took over the mantle from the original Nite Owl, Hollis T. Mason, after seeking Mason out and asking permission to use the name and persona. Dreiberg became a member of the vigilante team Crimebusters, also known as the titular Watchmen. All of his gadgets and costumes are based on an owl theme, including an owl-shaped flying vehicle nicknamed the "Owlship" or "Archie" (short for Archimedes, after Merlin's pet owl in T.H. White's novel The Once and Future King), equipped with flamethrowers and "screechers"—devices capable of producing a sharp screech-like sound.
Quick Facts
- Real name
- Daniel M. Dreiberg
- Base of operations
- New York City
Lore & Background
Dan Dreiberg met fellow costumed adventurer Rorschach, who suggested they partner to take on organized crime. The two became not only a team but also best friends. Dreiberg supported the idea of costumed vigilantes forming a group to fight crime strategically, but Rorschach and the Comedian rejected the idea. Having already come to understand that his expensive activities were too limited in scope to make any real difference, Dreiberg retired after the passing of the Keene Act on August 3, 1977. In 1985 (when the story takes place) he seemed to regret his decision to give up crime fighting, having no sense of personal fulfillment without it. Rorschach said regarding his retirement, "No staying power." Following the Keene Act, Dreiberg contributed scholarly articles to ornithological journals. Dreiberg became romantically entangled with the second Silk Spectre, Laurie Juspeczyk, after she left Doctor Manhattan. He returned to vigilantism along with her following the murder of the Comedian. Their first foray was the successful rescue of the occupants of a burning building. The excitement of aiding the residents awakened Dreiberg's sexual feelings for Laurie and the two made passionate love following the rescue. They later broke Rorschach out of prison in an attempt to stop Ozymandias' scheme to "save the world from itself."
Reader's Guide
Daniel Dreiberg serves as the technological backbone of the vigilante group known as The Watchmen. While his peers relied on combat or charisma, Dan utilized engineering genius to create advanced gadgets and aircraft. His journey begins when he inherits the Nite Owl identity from Hollis Mason, a former hero from the Minutemen era. Initially confident in their ability to make a difference, the passage of the Keene Act forces him into retirement and obscurity. Years later, the murder of his old teammate Moloch pulls him back into action alongside Rorschach and Silk Spectre II. Throughout the narrative, Dan struggles with the moral ambiguity of vigilantism versus the safety of a normal life. He shares a deep romantic connection with Laurie Juspeczyk, complicating their professional dynamic. Unlike Rorschach, Dan is willing to compromise his principles for the greater good when faced with Ozymandias revelation. His defining moment occurs in Antarctica, where he realizes that stopping the villain would trigger nuclear war between superpowers. Ultimately, he chooses peace over truth, retiring alongside Laurie to preserve the fragile stability of the world. This arc highlights his growth from a tech-focused hero into a man burdened by heavy secrets and global consequences.
More in Characters & Costumes
Elsewhere in Watchmen
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced