The Empire Strikes Back (1980) Illustrated Poster – Wall Art Print

This Empire Strikes Back poster goes big on atmosphere: a black starfield washed in emerald-green light, a bright starburst near the top, and long streaking “laser” lines that make the whole composition feel like it’s moving. Vader’s face hangs in the background like a dark planet, while the Millennium Falcon slices diagonally through the center of the scene, pointing straight toward the action.

Front and center, the poster pivots to the film’s emotional core — a close, romantic Han-and-Leia moment — with Luke and the droids staged below, ready for the next beat to hit. If you love Episode V for its mix of mythic scale and personal stakes, this design nails that exact balance in one frame.

Why This Empire Strikes Back Poster Stands Out

• Design & vibe: The standout move here is the lighting: neon greens and teals radiate from the starburst and rake across the sky in sharp, straight lines, like the galaxy itself is spotlighting the characters. The Falcon isn’t just “in” the poster — it functions like a diagonal arrow that guides your eye from Lando at the left, across the kiss, and down into the crowded lower-third vignette of ships, armor, and machinery. Vader’s face is softened and ghosted into the background, so it feels omnipresent without stealing the foreground emotion.
• Print quality: Printed on 200 GSM museum-grade matte paper with fade-resistant archival inks. Rich blacks, accurate colors, and a finish that looks sharp with or without glass.
• Sizes available: Choose from seven sizes — 9×11″ up to 24×36″ — all cut to standard frame-ready dimensions. A high-res digital download ($3.90) is also available if you prefer to print locally or need a custom size.
• Great gift for: Fans who prefer the darker, moodier Star Wars chapter; collectors who like illustrated one-sheets with lots of narrative detail; and anyone building a home theater where the wall art needs to match the “lights down, screen on” vibe.

Where to Hang This Poster

Because this poster lives in black, green, and teal, it looks best on darker paint colors (charcoal, deep navy, matte black) where the starburst can really pop. It also pairs nicely with chrome, brushed metal, and LED accent lighting — the same kinds of materials you see in media consoles, speaker setups, and gaming desks. If your room leans warm (walnut, tan leather, brass), this print is a clean way to introduce cool-toned contrast without making the space feel sterile.

More from MerchFuse

If you’re building a trilogy wall, start in our Star Wars movie posters collection and mix this with other Episode-era designs. For a broader gallery of space opera and futuristic classics, browse the sci-fi movies posters category. Want that older-school theatrical feel? Our vintage movie posters section is where the illustrated one-sheets live.

Print & Material Details

Every MerchFuse poster is printed on 200 GSM museum-grade matte paper using fade-resistant archival inks. Colors stay true, blacks stay deep, and the matte finish eliminates glare whether you frame under glass or mount open. All seven sizes (9×11″ through 24×36″) use standard frame dimensions — no custom framing needed.

Prefer to print your own? The digital download option gives you a 300 DPI high-resolution file (PDF/JPG) for $3.90. Print it at your local shop in any size you want.

Disclaimer: This is fan-inspired artwork and an original artistic interpretation. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially licensed by any film studio, production company, or rights holder.