The Empire Strikes Back – Series 2 (1980 Topps)

A deep dive into the second wave of Topps’ iconic Empire Strikes Back trading cards, released July 1980.  

This series expanded the visual world of Episode V with new stills, vehicle profiles, and a distinctive blue‑and‑silver border aesthetic.

🚀 Overview of the Series

• Publisher: Topps

• Release Date: July 1980

• Total Base Cards: 132

• Total Stickers: 33

• Border Color: Blue

• Cards per Pack: 12 cards + 1 sticker

Packs per Box: 36

Series 2 continued the numbering directly from Series 1, beginning with card #133 and extending the visual storytelling of the film.

🎨 Visual Style & Themes

Topps maintained the blue and silver border motif introduced in Series 1, giving the set a cohesive look across releases. The cards feature:

• Film stills from The Empire Strikes Back

• Promotional photography

• Behind‑the‑scenes images

A special run of “Starcraft” vehicle profile cards (the first 10 cards of the set)

These vehicle cards highlight iconic ships such as the Millennium Falcon, Slave I, TIE Bomber, and Rebel Transport.

📦 Set Composition

Base Set (Cards #133–#264)

The base set includes:

• Title card (#133)

• 10 Starcraft vehicle cards (#134–143)

• Character moments (Luke, Han, Leia, Yoda, Vader)

• Hoth sequences

• Imperial pursuit scenes

• Cloud City story beats

Examples include:

• Preparing for Battle (#144)

• Seeking the Missing Luke (#145)

• Han Solo, Rescuer (#152)

Imperial Assault! (#155)

Sticker Subset (33 total)

Series 2 also includes 33 stickers, continuing the numbering from Series 1. These typically feature character portraits and stylized art.

🧊 Notable Features & Collector Appeal

1. Expansion of the ESB Narrative

Series 2 adds another 132 images to the Topps ESB line, effectively doubling the visual coverage of the film after Series 1.

2. Strong Focus on Vehicles

The Starcraft subset is a fan favorite, offering detailed looks at the ships that define the film’s aesthetic—from the Falcon’s battered hull to the sleek menace of the Executor.

3. Continuity Across Series

The numbering, border style, and sticker design all maintain continuity, making Series 2 feel like a natural extension of Series 1 rather than a standalone release.

4. Availability & Market Value

Complete Series 2 sets appear regularly on collector marketplaces. Prices vary by condition, but complete sets often fall in the $70–$100 range for ungraded examples.

Individual cards—especially high‑grade key characters—can command higher prices. For example, a PSA‑10 Yoda card from the broader ESB line can reach several hundred dollars.

🗂 Why Series 2 Matters

Series 2 is beloved because it captures the heart of The Empire Strikes Back—the film’s tension, its expanded universe, and its iconic vehicles. For collectors, it represents:

• A visually cohesive continuation of Series 1

• A rich trove of mid‑film story moments

• A nostalgic artifact from the height of early Star Wars merchandising

It’s a cornerstone for anyone building a complete ESB trading card run.