“Deathstalker II: Duel of the Titans / 勇者ストーカーの冒険”, Original Japanese First Release Movie Poster 1987, Boris Vallejo Artwork, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) R8
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the film’s first Japanese release in 1987. Deathstalker II: Duel of the Titans was released in Japan under the local title Yūsha Stalker no Bōken (勇者ストーカーの冒険), approximately meaning “The Adventures of the Hero Stalker.”
Directed by Jim Wynorski and executive-produced by legendary independent filmmaker Roger Corman, the sword-and-sorcery adventure stars John Terlesky, Monique Gabrielle, John Lazar, Toni Naples, and Queen Kong. It opened theatrically in Japan on 12 September 1987, distributed by Joypack Film.
The poster is particularly significant for its spectacular painted artwork by Boris Vallejo, one of the most celebrated fantasy illustrators of the late 20th century and the artist behind a famous series of Coca-Cola promotional posters for Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
Film background
The story follows Deathstalker, a formidable but irreverent warrior who encounters Evie, the rightful princess of Jzafir. Her kingdom has been seized by the evil sorcerer Jerak, who has created an identical double of the princess to rule in her place.
Disguised as a travelling seer, Evie persuades Deathstalker to help her reclaim the throne. Their journey takes them through encounters with the dangerous Sultana, undead warriors, an Amazon settlement, monstrous adversaries, and finally Jerak’s fortified stronghold.
Rather than approaching heroic fantasy with complete solemnity, the film combines swordplay, monsters, physical spectacle, comedy, and knowingly exaggerated genre conventions. It belongs to the energetic cycle of independently produced fantasy adventures that followed the international popularity of Conan the Barbarian.
Although it is the second film in the Deathstalker series, the original instalment did not receive a Japanese theatrical release. This sequel was therefore marketed to Japanese audiences as a largely self-contained fantasy adventure under its distinctive local title.
Poster design
This Japanese B2 is dominated by an extraordinary painted fantasy composition by Boris Vallejo, whose name and date appear within the image at lower right:
“BORIS ©86 — DEATHSTALKER II”
The original painting was completed in 1986 specifically as the film’s poster illustration and depicts the two principal warriors standing back-to-back upon a rocky outcrop.
Deathstalker occupies the left side, presented as an idealised heroic figure with an immense double-headed battle axe. Beside him, Evie stands poised with a curved sword, her costume and stance transforming the princess into an equally formidable fantasy warrior.
Both figures are rendered with the highly polished anatomy, theatrical lighting, and hyper-real heroic physicality for which Vallejo became internationally recognised. Their bodies are illuminated by a blazing golden light that rises from behind the rocks, giving the pair an almost mythological presence.
Above them, the red-orange sky gradually reveals a host of monstrous faces, claws, wings, and reptilian forms emerging from the smoke. These semi-concealed creatures turn the background into a vision of the dangers awaiting the heroes while preserving the powerful symmetry of the central composition.
The Japanese campaign line across the top reads:
「鍛え抜いた肉体に火がついた時、一大スペクタクルが始まる」
Approximately:
“When the fire is lit within bodies honed to perfection, a great spectacle begins.”
At upper right, the circular “JOY PACK BEST FICTION” emblem identifies the Japanese distributor’s fantasy and genre-film campaign.
The Japanese title dominates the lower border:
「勇者ストーカーの冒険」
The enormous white characters are printed with illustrated cracks and deep black dimensional shadows, giving the lettering the appearance of monumental carved stone. This bold Japanese treatment substantially changes the character of the international artwork and gives the poster outstanding display impact.
Artwork by Boris Vallejo
Boris Vallejo is one of the defining names in modern fantasy illustration. His paintings are celebrated for their heroic figures, fantastic creatures, theatrical compositions, and meticulously rendered anatomy. His commercial work has encompassed film posters, science-fiction and fantasy publishing, advertising, album artwork, and major entertainment properties.
His connection to Star Wars is particularly notable. Coca-Cola commissioned Vallejo to produce a series of promotional paintings connected with The Empire Strikes Back, which were distributed as tie-in posters and have since become highly collected pieces of original Star Wars advertising art.
The presence of Vallejo’s signed artwork gives this Japanese poster significant crossover appeal for collectors of 1980s fantasy cinema, original movie-poster illustration, Roger Corman productions, and vintage Star Wars-associated commercial art.
Condition
Excellent+. The poster retains exceptionally strong red, orange, gold, and black colour, with crisp illustrated detail and superb overall visual impact. Only minimal evidence of period handling is visible and the poster displays magnificently. Please review the photographs—they show the exact poster for sale.
This poster is an original Japanese theatrical B2 from the 1987 first-release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a modern reprint.
It is approximately 39 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
