In the comic and upcoming film Watchmen, how does Rorschach's mask change?

Question

Is it in his mind? Did Dr. Manhattan create it's shifting ability? Do we leave it all to creative liscense?

Answer 1

The mask was made from a discarded dress that Rorschach acquired while working in a garment shop. The material was created based on Dr. Manhattan's work (not necessarily created by him). It is a pair of viscous fluids sandwiched between two layers of latex. The fluids respond to heat and motion and do not mix with each other.

Some people believe that the mask changes shape according to Rorschach's mood. Although it could be argued that since the mask responds to heat it thereby responds indirectly to the wearer's emotions, apparently Alan Moore has commented that this is not the case. Ironically, the belief that the mask behaves this way is probably due to the way people interpret the inkblot on Rorschach's face as expressions based on the context in which they view it.

[EDIT] Sorry, the mask reacts to heat and pressure, not motion.

Answer 2

In the comic, it is explained that Rorschach, as a young man, worked in a garment factory where a women commissioned a dress made out of a fabric that had a pattern on it that changed over time. The woman didn't like the dress so Rorschach used the abandon fabric to make his mask.