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











