2007 marked the graphic invasion of the peeling trompe l'oeil sticker. These graphic devices, usually referred to as violators, held a revered spot in the packaging industry and usually held copy such as “new and improved” or “30% more detergent.” Often as simple as a laid-back shape on a round background, these designs gave the appearance of a sticker with poor adhesion. Used on web interfaces and print alike, the proliferation of these violators reached saturation levels by 2010.

The old faux-tactile effect, which had completely run its course, is reincarnated now as a reveal. The effect is incorporated into identities set to unveil or expose an inner value or underlying trait. The rendered shadow implying that the peeling back of layers is occurring in real time gives you an immediate peek behind the scenes. DC Comics uses a family of solutions, each pulling back the curtain on a graphic representing a different super hero.