Imran A :: Movie Poster Artwork

STAR WARS: EP V - THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980) - Movie Poster Concept Artwork

Artist: Josh Kirby (All)

2,628 Views - 9 Comments - 11 Likes

STAR WARS: EP V - THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980) - Movie Poster Concept Artwork Comic Art

Click Image to View Full Size

Additional Images:

Return of the Jedi Poster - Josh Kirby

Previous Item:
Superman II (1980) Movie Concept Art

Next Item:
The Lord of The Rings (1978) Movie Poster Concept Art

Artwork Details

Title:	STAR WARS: EP V - THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980) - Movie Poster Concept Artwork
Artist:	Josh Kirby (All)
Media Type:	Paint - Acrylic
Art Type:	Illustration
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	2,628
Likes on CAF:	11 12
Comments:	9
Added to Site:	12/27/2021
Comic Art Archive:

Description

Josh Kirby's original signed hand-painted artwork for Irvin Kershner’s "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back". This portrait format piece is rendered in water colour, acrylic and gouache was commissioned by the advertising agency Feref (Kirby worked as a freelance artist for them) who had the contract to provide campaign artwork designs for Lucasfilm on the sequel.

Kirby met the studio's remits with the inclusion of Han and Leia ("Gone with the Wind"-style); Bespin the Cloud City; Luke astride a Taun Taun,;the new character of Lando Calrissian; and, of course, Darth Vader. Sadly for Kirby, the studio decided against this concept for the campaign and chose those of Tom Jung and Roger Kastel, but it must have been a close decision for such a detailed painting to be completed for consideration.

Kirby's work didn't go unrewarded as he was retained for "Return of the Jedi" (1983) where his designs were used as part of the main British marketing campaign.

Social/Sharing

About the Owner

	Imran A ( 2 ) Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	April 2011
Last Login:	January 2026
Website:	http://www.comicanadirect.com
Country:	UNITED KINGDOM
On CAF:	Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

Contact the Owner

Use can use a contact form to send an email to this gallery owner,
but, you must be logged in to use this feature.

Comments on this Artwork

You must be logged in to make comments.

Amir E
Member Since 2020

1 - Posted on 12/27/2021

This is so cool! Congrats and thanks for sharing!

Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 12/27/2021

It's fantastic and looks like it was done in to be in the vein of the original Hildebrandt Star Wars poster.

Ankur J
Member Since 2003

1 - Posted on 12/27/2021

Truly amazing! Congrats!!!

John S.
Member Since 2005

2 - Posted on 12/27/2021

So you get a Kirby, but not even a proper Kirby 🤔 Have I taught you nothing???

Gene Park
Member Since 2004

1 - Posted on 12/27/2021

Very cool!

Yo Kuri
Member Since 2019

1 - Posted on 12/27/2021

Amazing! Love it! My uncle took me to see Empire at the Ziegfeld in New York City. One of my favorite childhood memories. I like it without mega nostalgia but the ultramega nostalgia puts it over the top. Super acquisition. Congrats!

Bill J
Member Since 2009

1 - Posted on 1/30/2022

Gorgeous painting! Hard to believe the studio didn't choose to use it--It's stunning.

Michael McIsaac
Member Since 2020

1 - Posted on 3/24/2022

A true work of art!

Rob Liano
Member Since 2016

Posted on 2/19/2024

We read about this in Josh's journal but never saw it until it went to auction, well done on the purchase!

All
	Brad Potts 1/24/2026 3:08:00 AM
	Dennis Books 1/24/2026 3:03:00 AM
	--J S-- 1/24/2026 2:40:00 AM
	Todd Warren 1/24/2026 2:34:00 AM
	Pop Warner 1/24/2026 2:18:00 AM
View All


	David Dias 1/24/2026 1:45:00 AM
	Miki Annamanthadoo 1/24/2026 1:42:00 AM
	Paul Biermann 1/24/2026 1:32:00 AM
	Bruce W 1/24/2026 12:30:00 AM
	Steven Ng 1/23/2026 11:56:00 PM