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

Price range: $3.90 through $74.90

This Star Wars Empire Strikes Back poster is the “character strip” variant—cast portraits across the top, a bright starburst in the sky, and the Millennium Falcon slicing diagonally behind the central kiss.
Printed on 200 GSM museum-grade matte paper with fade-resistant archival inks, available in seven sizes (9×11″ through 24×36″).

That emerald-green glow and black starfield look best in home theaters, game rooms, and darker media spaces.
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 Star Wars Empire Strikes Back poster has a very specific energy: a black starfield washed in emerald-green light, a bright starburst near the top, and long streaking lines that make the whole design feel like it’s in motion. The Millennium Falcon cuts diagonally across the center like a spotlight beam, while the focal point stays personal—Han and Leia locked in a close-up kiss in the middle of the chaos.

What really sets this one apart is the “character strip” across the top—small portrait panels that turn the poster into a mini lineup of the film’s icons. It’s part collectible checklist, part classic illustrated one-sheet, and it nails the Episode V vibe: romance, danger, and that feeling that the galaxy is bigger than the frame.

Why This Star Wars Empire Strikes Back Poster Stands Out

  • Design & vibe: The composition balances three strong moves at once: the starburst “cross” highlight at the top, the diagonal Falcon fly-through, and the dense story collage in the lower third. The greens and teals give it a retro sci‑fi glow, while the warmer skin tones in the kiss keep the center from getting swallowed by space. The top character panels change how you read the art—your eye starts by “meeting the cast,” then drops into the main scene like you’re stepping into the movie.
  • 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: Empire-first Star Wars fans, collectors who love “busy” illustrated posters with lots of details to spot, and anyone building a trilogy wall where each print has its own distinct mood.

Where to Hang This Poster

The black-and-emerald palette looks best on darker wall colors (charcoal, deep navy, matte black), where the green star glow can pop without competing with the room. If you’ve got LED bias lighting behind a TV or a console, the teal/green tones play especially well—this one feels made for a media setup. In a warmer room (walnut shelves, tan leather, brass lamps), it works as a high-contrast “cool tone” anchor—especially in a simple black frame.

More from MerchFuse

Want to keep the same universe on your wall? Browse our Star Wars movie posters collection for more Episode-era designs. For a broader mix of space classics, explore sci-fi movies posters, or dig into illustrated one-sheets in vintage movie posters. If you’re after bigger, bolder blockbuster energy, action adventure movie posters is the rabbit hole.

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.