A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

I’m not a monster. I’m just ahead of the curve.

CraigSomeone had this awesome piece done by Denis Prevost (Live Once Tattoo) at the recent Calgary Tattoo Convention..

Click through for a closer view.

I’m sure I don’t need to explain who it is, but just in case it’s the late Heath Ledger as The Joker.

Comments

67 responses to “I’m not a monster. I’m just ahead of the curve.”

  1. Melf Avatar
    Melf

    Distorted Smiles – are you sure you can’t answer that yourself?

  2. lost raevyn Avatar

    Why do SO many people ask “Why would anyone get this tattooed on them?” This blog is absolutely rampant with that question. Who cares why?? They wanted it, that’s WHY.
    The quality of this piece in particular is SPECTACULAR. Kudos to the artist!

  3. natalie elizabeth Avatar

    i like this a lot.

    and whats the big deal, people get marilyn monroe etc. tattoos alllll the time

  4. Jane.Jones Avatar
    Jane.Jones

    I saw this piece get started!

  5. craig Avatar
    craig

    as the person who took this photo, i assure you the lips look exactly the way they do in the scene..
    the photo was taken in the hotel room the day after the piece was done and his skin was pretty tight and sore, it’s how he’s standing that gives the lips, the stretched out look..not the tattoo itself.

    and yes..he knows he’s gonna get slack about having a H.L. tattoo, we even joked about getting cowboy heath from brokeback on the other rib and putting “my pledge to ledge” across his back.

    it was a cool character and he was a fan of the movie…get over it! i don’t see anyone questioning people who get “scarface” tattooed on themselves… if you prefer i’m sure modblog can resort to posting nautical stars and swallows from now…cuz that’s exciting and new!

  6. carly Avatar

    amazing

    i love it

    I LOVE IT

  7. Ben Avatar
    Ben

    The lips are way off, he looks like a duck or something.

  8. Menasor Avatar
    Menasor

    yeah i think the whole point of this site is not to go “why would you get this done?!” cause in all fairness, different things mean different amounts to different people. i got 7 tattoo’s myself, and each and every one of them means a lot to me. does it matter that 2 of them are from a series of games? no. would it matter if it was poorly inked or sloppy work? yeah maybe.

    for me, we’re all here for the appreciation of good technique, ideas and for the sense of community.

    i mean we’re all here because we appreciate body modification in one form or another. not everyones going to agree, but cmon, the reason this guy has a joker portrait is the same as the reason you have pierced / tattoo’d / scarred / branded. it means something to you, in some way. the fact he’s willing to share it is all for the better. lets try and move away from the whole judging “why”, and move towards discussing / critiquing the “how”

  9. RooRaaah Crumbs Avatar

    Menasor – I agree utterly and completely, and maybe even unequivocally.

    This isn’t a place to gawp at people and question their motives (although being inquisitive is healthly), it’s when people type “meh”/”ugh” or are just trying to be mean just for the sake of it that irks me.

  10. Fra Avatar
    Fra

    OMG…very beautifull tattoo of the Heath Ledger’s face……………….WHY SO SERIOUS???

  11. Tranque Avatar

    From the same scene? You have to be from a certain scene to desire a tattoo of a role that inspired or touched you?

    I don’t understand why people are so upset over the Joker’s popularity. Ledger did a great job, and the portrayal of his character was addictive. It’s only natural for something appealing to become popular. You wouldn’t say such a thing over microdermals or lip piercings.

    But I think this is amazing.:)

  12. SkullFuck Avatar

    I’m getting sick and tired of reading the words “not something I would get, but […]“. How is that relevant at all? Obviously we wouldn’t all get the same tattoos; why do half of the people replying in here need to say so?

    It’s a great piece, beautifully done and definitely a nice tribute to Heath Ledger.

  13. Rebecca Avatar
    Rebecca

    I think its perfect.

  14. denis Avatar

    I’ld like to thank everyone for the feedback, truth of the matter is:
    -the role was played quite well
    -that’s how is lips are from the photo
    -the piece is 20x30cm in size so it would not fit on the chest or shoulder
    -it took ten hours to do… the guy (jeff) had to lay on a wooden table (no massage table available)
    -i also used my own interpretation when designing the layout….and my personal preference was to keep the border sharp, everyone fade’s out now-a-days.
    I think alot of people miss the point of the tattoo….IT’S JUST ART! there really does not need to be a huge reason behind it, as long as it looks good. As a tattooer, i must say that the biggest pain in the ass is when a customer and/or person viewing the tattoo begins to rip it apart because of ‘what’ the image is of, instead of being impressed by the actual technique involved. I have seen beautiful tattoos of serial killers, hitler, boxes of kraft dinner, homo erotic bondage pieces, etc., etc…. the reason behind the tattoo is neither my business or yours! I just make it look great!

  15. adam Avatar
    adam

    wow how incredible original…i sure want another dudes face tattooed on my body forever. the fact that your tattoos dont mean anything they just “look good” makes it even worse. all art should have meaning.

  16. PiPyoPi Avatar
    PiPyoPi

    I watched some of this, absolutely amazing!

  17. Corey Avatar
    Corey

    Gratz buddy!!! That piece looks stellar.

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