The artwork "I'm Not A Monster - Lenticular" by JJ Adams is a limited-edition lenticular print (edition of 45) that centres on the iconic Joker character from the Batman universe.
It shows the Joker in a confined, prison-like space reminiscent of Arkham Asylum. He is dressed in his classic attire, including a green waistcoat, purple trousers, and distinctive face paint. Surrounding him are details such as scattered playing cards, swirling smoke, graffiti-like markings (including the word "BANG"), and a moody, shadowy cityscape inspired by Gotham. The overall style merges familiar pop-culture references with modern street-art techniques, including stencilling, layered collage elements, and vivid colours.
The lenticular process delivers an engaging "double-flip" effect with an X-ray overlay. When the viewer shifts their angle, the image transitions between the vibrant, surface-level portrait of the Joker and a semi-transparent X-ray view that exposes a skeletal structure beneath. This creates a merged or split appearance, where the colourful exterior partially gives way to the ghostly, bone-level interior. This animated GIF demonstrates the "double-flip" in action: as the viewing angle changes (simulated by the loop), the vibrant surface portrait transitions to a semi-transparent X-ray view revealing the skeletal structure beneath. Click the image to view the full product page for more details, pricing, and purchasing options.
JJ Adams employs this X-ray lenticular approach across a small series of related works (for example, a companion piece featuring Batman uses a comparable technique). The method introduces movement, illusion of depth, and a literal revelation of concealed layers beneath the visible surface.
Hidden Meaning and Symbolism
- JJ Adams frequently incorporates subtle, concealed details and messages within his pieces, inviting close inspection to uncover hidden graffiti, symbols, or small elements that are not obvious at first glance.
- The title "I'm Not A Monster" alludes to the Joker's intricate inner world — a theme that recurs in Batman stories, where the character either denies or questions whether he is truly monstrous (drawing on ideas of distorted logic, fractured sanity, and blurred lines between villainy and tragedy).
- The X-ray transition symbolically peels back the layers to expose what lies underneath the theatrical, grinning persona: a damaged or decayed core. It implies that the Joker's chaotic behaviour arises from profound inner harm, trauma, or a corrupted sense of self, rather than pure, unexplainable evil.
- This shift challenges the viewer's initial impression, moving from an eye-catching, theatrical exterior to a raw, vulnerable (or ruined) interior. It highlights themes of duality — such as order versus disorder, reason versus madness, and humanity versus monstrosity.
- Overall, the work reflects a mix of admiration and commentary on enduring pop-culture anti-heroes, delivered with the artist's characteristic dark wit and bold edge.
The lenticular mechanism forms the central "hidden" feature — far more than a visual trick, it directly supports the exploration of concealed depths, contrasting appearances, and what exists below the surface.
Designed as a collectible for fans of Batman and comic-inspired art, the print uses UV-protective inks and is often presented in a black reverse-edge hardwood frame (typically around 40 by 34 inches). Its interactive quality makes it especially compelling when viewed in person.
For truly subtle embedded messages (such as tiny text or overlooked symbols), a physical copy or very high-resolution examination is usually needed, as Adams places these elements discreetly throughout his compositions.