Comments like this and this suggest that Rorschach’s sleuthing techniques are based on those of Inspector Clouseau of the Pink Panther movies. Frankly, I’m having a hard time making the connection. Does anyone have any specific examples of how things Rorschach did were parodies or suggest a connection to Clouseau?
The big tip-off that Rorscach is a Pink Panther fan is that Rorschach leaps out of Moloch’s refrigerator to attack the former villain in his home, much as Clouseau’s assistant Cato once attacked the inspector as part of a combat training exercise in THE RETURN OF THE PINK PANTHER (1975). Other than this one very superficial similarity, and the fact that they are both carbon-based lifeforms, Rorshach and Clouseau are nothing alike. Rorschach is rather more dogged in his investigative techniques and unlike Closeau, competant.
Also, Blake Edwards directed the PINK PANTHER movies; Edward Blake was the Comedian, Rorschach’s contemporary. Whether this was intended as a deliberate allusion by Alan Moore seems unclear.
He wears a trenchcoat and hat. That’s the only resemblance I can see.
Clouseau wasn’t in the habit of breaking random lowlife’s fingers until he got answers, for one. Don’t remember him drowning too many tiny crimelords in prison toilets either.
He certainly wasn’t a bumbler, he comes across as very practical and intelligent, if batshit insane… or batshit super-sane, if you prefer. Gotta admire him for sticking to his principles to the bitter end, though.
Also, he did not have a large nose, and he would probably just have beaten “ze unlaisanced minkey to deeazh”