The Empire Strikes Back (1980) Special Edition Poster – Wall Art Print
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.
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.
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.
Verified Customer Reviews
Shipping
Every order is printed on demand. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days, then ships free worldwide with tracking.
| Region | Processing | Delivery | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 3 to 5 days | 2 to 6 days | 5 to 11 days |
| Canada | 3 to 5 days | 5 to 10 days | 8 to 15 days |
| UK and Europe | 3 to 5 days | 5 to 10 days | 8 to 15 days |
| Australia and NZ | 3 to 5 days | 8 to 15 days | 11 to 20 days |
| Asia | 3 to 5 days | 7 to 15 days | 10 to 20 days |
| Rest of world | 3 to 5 days | 10 to 20 days | 13 to 25 days |
📦 Packaging
Prints up to 12x18 inches ship flat in rigid cardboard mailers with backing board. Larger prints are rolled in sturdy tubes with protective end caps. Every package includes moisture barriers and Handle With Care labels.
Returns and Replacements
- 30 day return window from delivery. No questions asked.
- Report damage within 48 hours with photos for a free replacement.
- Full refunds for eligible returns in original condition.
- Cancel before production starts for a complete refund.
- Return shipping covered for defective or incorrect items.
Need help? info.merchfuse@gmail.com
How to Care for Your Print
Follow these steps to keep your print looking gallery fresh for decades.
Handling
Allow rolled prints to relax flat for 30 to 60 minutes. Handle by the edges with clean, dry hands and avoid touching the printed surface.
Placement
Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources and high humidity areas. North facing walls receive less UV. Use LED or incandescent lighting instead of fluorescent.
Framing
Use acid free mats and UV protective glass or acrylic for maximum longevity. Leave a small gap between print and glazing for airflow.
Cleaning
Dust framed glass with a soft cloth. Spray the cloth, not the glass. For unframed prints, use a dry microfibre cloth and never apply liquids to the surface.
Climate
Keep temperature at 18 to 24 degrees C and humidity at 40 to 60 percent. Avoid attics, basements and garages where conditions swing widely.
Storage
Store flat in acid free folders, interleaved with tissue paper, in a cool dark place. Never fold. Check stored prints annually.
⚠️ Avoid
- Prolonged direct sunlight or fluorescent lighting.
- Bathrooms, kitchens and areas above heat sources.
- Tape, adhesives or liquids applied directly to the print.
- Rolling with the image facing inward as this can crack the ink layer.
- Extreme or rapid temperature and humidity changes.
📊 Expected Lifespan
- 100+ years when framed with UV protective glazing and indirect light.
- 50 to 75 years when framed with standard glass and indirect light.
- 25 to 50 years when stored correctly in darkness.
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.











