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

Price range: $3.90 through $74.90

This empire strikes back poster uses a Special Edition-style montage: Vader’s glossy helmet dominates the top, the Emperor’s face floats to the right, and a Star Destroyer cuts through the middle with TIE fighters swarming the frame.

Printed on 200 GSM museum-grade matte paper in seven sizes (9×11″ through 24×36″) with fade-resistant archival inks and low glare.

The electric blues and black-space contrast looks best in home theaters, game rooms, and darker “cinema wall” setups.

Digital download available too (300 DPI PDF/JPG) for $3.90.

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Museum-Grade Quality 200 GSM premium matte paper
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What You will Receive

  • Made to order, museum-grade art print. Frame not included unless stated.
  • Printed on 200 GSM premium matte paper for crisp detail and zero glare.
  • Archival giclée inks that resist fading for decades.
  • Multiple size options. Use the selector above.
  • Protective packaging: rigid mailer or sturdy tube.
Paper
200 GSM premium matte
Finish
Non-reflective matte
Printing
Giclée digital process
Inks
Archival, fade-resistant
Production
Made after you order
Quality
Sharp detail, rich tones
Packaging
Rigid mailer or tube
Durability
100+ year colour life

Print Quality

Every print is produced using state-of-the-art giclée technology on heavyweight 200 GSM matte paper. The non-reflective surface eliminates glare while the archival pigment inks deliver rich, accurate colours designed to last a lifetime.

Size Guide

For walls above furniture, choose a print roughly two thirds to three quarters the width of the piece below it. Smaller sizes up to 11x14 inches suit gallery walls. Larger formats of 18x24 inches and above create striking focal points.

This empire strikes back poster is a villain-forward Special Edition-era design: a glossy Darth Vader helmet centered at the top, the Emperor’s face hovering to the right, and a massive Star Destroyer dominating the middle of the frame. TIE fighters swarm the left and right sides like a mechanical halo, while orange bursts of explosion heat up the otherwise cool, deep-space blues.

It’s a clean, high-contrast take on Episode V — less romantic collage, more “the Empire is coming.” If you want your wall art to feel like a fleet moving in formation, this one does the job in a single glance.

Why This Empire Strikes Back Poster Stands Out

  • Design & vibe: The composition is built around symmetry and scale: Vader’s helmet is the anchor, and everything else radiates outward from it. The Star Destroyer sits like a steel horizon line across the center, with TIEs arranged on both sides so the poster reads as a full-on space engagement rather than a character portrait. The color work is the hook — electric blue highlights and purple-tinted space haze make the blacks look deeper, while the small orange explosions add just enough warmth to keep the scene from feeling cold or flat.
  • 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 love the “Imperial fleet” aesthetic, collectors who gravitate to Special Edition-era poster design, and anyone building a darker Star Wars wall (Vader-centric, ship-heavy, high-contrast prints).

Where to Hang This Poster

This print shines in darker rooms where the blues can glow: home theaters, LED-lit gaming corners, or a media wall with black/charcoal paint. It also matches modern decor with metal accents (brushed aluminum, chrome, black frames), because the Star Destroyer and TIE shapes echo clean industrial lines. If your space is warmer (wood tones, tan leather), this is a strong contrast piece — the orange explosions and blue highlights keep it from feeling too icy.

More from MerchFuse

For more from the same universe, browse our Star Wars movie posters. If you’re expanding beyond Star Wars into space opera classics, start with sci-fi movies posters and then dig into action adventure movie posters for the biggest, boldest one-sheets.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is the print made of?
Premium matte paper (200 GSM) that's archival-quality and acid-free. This museum-grade paper provides exceptional color reproduction with a non-reflective finish that reduces glare, making it perfect for displaying artwork in various lighting conditions.
2Is the frame included?
Frames are not included unless explicitly mentioned in the product listing. This gives you the flexibility to choose framing that matches your existing decor. We recommend using frames with UV-protective glass or acrylic for optimal preservation.
3What printing technology do you use?
We use advanced giclée printing technology - the gold standard for fine art reproduction. This process uses archival pigment-based inks that are fade-resistant and provide exceptional color accuracy and detail reproduction.
4How long will the print last?
With proper care (avoiding direct sunlight and humidity), our prints can last 100+ years without significant fading. The archival inks and museum-grade paper are specifically designed for longevity. Framing with UV-protective glass further extends the lifespan.
5What sizes are available?
We offer a wide range of sizes from small (9×11″) to extra large (28×40″). Use the size selector on the product page to see all available options and pricing for each size.
6How is the print packaged?
Packaging depends on size: smaller prints (up to 12×18″) ship flat in rigid protective mailers with backing boards. Larger prints ship rolled in sturdy triangular tubes with protective end caps. All packages include moisture barriers and "Handle With Care" labels.
7Do you ship internationally?
Yes! We offer free worldwide shipping to over 150 countries with tracking on all eligible orders. International orders typically arrive within 8–20 business days depending on the destination. Customs fees may apply based on your country's import regulations.
8Can I track my order?
Absolutely! Once your order ships, you'll receive an email with a tracking number and link. You can monitor your shipment's progress in real-time. Most carriers update tracking information every 24 hours.
9What if my print arrives damaged?
If your print arrives damaged, please contact us within 48 hours with photos of the damage and packaging. We'll immediately send a free replacement or issue a full refund. Customer satisfaction is our top priority.
10Can I cancel my order?
Yes, cancellations are possible before production starts. Since we use a made-to-order model, please contact us immediately at info.merchfuse@gmail.com if you need to cancel. Once production begins, we cannot stop the order, but you can return it under our 30-day return policy.