Gladiator vs Dragon: Comic Lair Battle

A high-energy comic-book style illustration of a muscular gladiator in gleaming bronze armor, a crested helm, wielding a gleaming gladius and a round shield, standing in a dragon's lair. The lair glows with molten lava, jagged rocks, and piles of gold coins and ancient treasure. A colossal dragon coils overhead with emerald-green scales, glowing orange eyes, and smoke and fire curling from its nostrils. The gladiator strikes a dynamic three-quarter pose with action lines and bold black ink outlines, thick halftone shading, and saturated colors. Dramatic lighting, strong shadows, and a pulp-fiction vibe. The cave is filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and treasure scattered across the ground; smoky atmosphere enhances the tension.