Can I just say -
wow ;-;

I was absolutely blown away by the serenity visible in Anthony's face, his posture, especially with that impeccably realistic shading. The grayscale serenity, coupled with the bright red blood spatter on his face, is an accurate representation of this character with his clarity of mind but gruesome lifestyle.
This piece certainly does not need a background to be alive. The aforementioned expression and lively red in the blood are as brilliant focal points as any and don't need further elements to balance them, especially not with how you have combined them here.
Your graphite technique is astounding, as well as the crisp edge of the splattered blood.
Well done. Well done.