I'm flattered that my work inspired you. Even when it makes you want to create a blood thirsty gladiator.
I think the second version of your drawing is much more menacing because of how dark it is and I think the blood has a more natural color. I'm guessing you increased the sharpness? That really created a lot of interesting aspects to look at.
Good luck with the rest of it. I can't wait to see what you do.
There's only thing that could make that helmet better. Give it to Russel Crowe, who would proceed to beat the hell out of me with it. That would be good.
I like your idea. If they make the movie Gladiator 2 I'll give them this helmet.
I would like to directed the my film Bloodthirsty Gladiator, where each Gladiator has unique equipment and nasty weapons. Where they would fight in the coliseum by mortal combat (game) system. For example my favorite: Scorpio gladiator (get over here),and some dangerous finishing blows (brutality and fatality)