Empire Magazine – June 2005 – Star Wars Episode III Limited Edition Collectors' Issue

Original UK edition of Empire Magazine, June 2005, featuring a dramatic Darth Vader cover celebrating the release of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.

This special collectors' issue features an imposing close-up of Darth Vader's iconic black helmet, accompanied by the cover headline "BEHIND THE MASK..."

A striking piece of Star Wars memorabilia from 2005, published during the release period of the final film in George Lucas's prequel trilogy.

Magazine Details

Publication: Empire Magazine
Issue Date: June 2005
Edition: Limited Edition Episode III Collectors' Issue
Cover Character: Darth Vader
Featured Film: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Original UK Price: £3.90
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Condition: Pre-owned – visible wear
SKU: 1567

Special Darth Vader Collectors' Cover

The main attraction is the dramatic Star Wars cover, designed around one of cinema's most recognisable villains.

The cover features a large, almost full-page close-up of Darth Vader's black helmet and mask.

The design uses a predominantly black background with metallic silver highlights, creating a striking contrast against the bright red EMPIRE masthead.

Across the upper border is the wording:

"LIMITED EDITION EPISODE III COLLECTORS' ISSUE"

The image concentrates on the distinctive features of Darth Vader's helmet, including its angular eye sections, central nose bridge, triangular breathing apparatus and polished black surfaces.

The helmet fills nearly the entire cover, making this an especially eye-catching design for display.

A thin red rectangular border surrounds the artwork, matching the red Empire lettering.

Across the bottom is the headline:

"BEHIND THE MASK..."

This presentation is closely associated with the release of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, the 2005 film depicting Anakin Skywalker's transformation into Darth Vader.

The minimalist cover design places the emphasis on the character rather than multiple promotional headlines, making it particularly appealing to Star Wars collectors.

Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith

Released in May 2005, Revenge of the Sith was one of the most anticipated cinema releases of the year.

Directed by George Lucas, the film completed the prequel trilogy and explored the events leading to the rise of Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire.

The film stars:

• Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker.

• Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi.

• Natalie Portman as Padmé Amidala.

• Ian McDiarmid as Chancellor Palpatine.

• Samuel L. Jackson as Mace Windu.

• Christopher Lee as Count Dooku.

• Frank Oz as the voice of Yoda.

The film bridges the events of the prequel trilogy and the original Star Wars films, making it a significant chapter in the franchise's history.

This June 2005 Empire issue was published during that important period in Star Wars cinema history.

The cover's "Behind the Mask" theme reflects the central importance of Darth Vader to the story.

Please note that the detailed interior contents have not been photographed, so individual interviews, articles and features cannot be confirmed from the available image.

Collectors' Appeal

This magazine may be of particular interest to collectors of:

• Star Wars memorabilia.

• Darth Vader collectables.

• Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.

• George Lucas films.

• Empire Magazine special editions.

• Original cinema and film publications.

• 2005 Star Wars promotional memorabilia.

• Science-fiction movie magazines.

• Star Wars prequel trilogy memorabilia.

• Vintage 2000s entertainment magazines.

The dramatic Darth Vader cover would also make an attractive addition to a framed magazine display or Star Wars-themed collection.

Condition Report – Important

Condition: Pre-owned, with noticeable signs of age, handling and storage.

The photograph shows the actual magazine being offered.

Front Cover

The cover artwork remains clear and visually striking, with the Darth Vader design, Empire masthead and collectors' edition lettering all visible.

However, there are several noticeable imperfections.

Visible condition details:

• Surface scratches and scuff marks across the glossy black cover, particularly noticeable around Darth Vader's helmet and the darker background.

• White speckling and small surface marks across several areas.

• Rubbing and colour loss along parts of the left-hand spine edge.

• Small nicks and abrasions along the upper-left edge.

• Visible corner wear, particularly at the bottom corners.

• A noticeable diagonal crease near the bottom-right corner.

• Additional creasing and rubbing along the lower cover edge.

• Light surface scratches around the lower headline.

• Minor waviness and handling-related curvature.

• General age-related wear consistent with a magazine originally published in 2005.

Spine and Binding

The visible spine edge shows rubbing, small areas of wear and minor abrasions.

The magazine appears to retain its original cover and binding, although the interior binding has not been inspected in the supplied photograph.

Interior Pages

The interior pages have not been shown, so their individual condition and completeness cannot be independently verified from the photograph.

Overall Condition

A collectable pre-owned example with moderate visible cosmetic wear to the front cover.

The cover remains attractive for display, but this is not a mint-condition copy.

The scratches, spine wear, corner wear and bottom-right crease should be taken into account when purchasing.

Please inspect the supplied photograph carefully, as it forms an important part of the condition description.

Original Additional Items

This listing is for the Empire Magazine shown in the photograph only.

Any original free gifts, promotional items, loose supplements or other additional items that may originally have accompanied the magazine are no longer included.

Only the magazine pictured will be supplied.

Packaging and Delivery

UK Orders: The magazine will be carefully packaged and dispatched in a protective hardback envelope to help minimise bending and damage during transit.

International Orders: The magazine will be carefully packaged in a sturdy cardboard mailing-size box for additional protection during international shipping.

The photograph shows the actual item being sold.

Please review the visible condition carefully before purchasing.

SKU: 1567