Toy Story 5 Isn’t Done Playing: Woody, Buzz and Jessie Return in New Comic Adventures

Spoiler warning: This article discusses characters and story setups from Toy Story 5 and its new comic-book spinoff.

The movie ends. The credits roll. You finish the popcorn. But apparently, nobody told Woody, Buzz and Jessie that playtime was over.

Papercutz is bringing the gang back in The New Adventures of Toy Story 5 Vol. 1: A New Way to Play, a graphic novel collecting four new stories featuring characters from Pixar’s latest toy-box adventure. This isn’t simply the movie retold in comic panels—it gives the toys more trouble to get into. Simon & Schuster

And for those of us who aren’t quite ready to put these characters back on the shelf, that is a welcome invitation.

From Screen Time to Story Time

In Toy Story 5, Woody, Buzz, Jessie and their friends face competition from Lilypad, the smart tablet with her own ideas about what Bonnie needs. It puts the familiar toys in an uncomfortable position: How do you compete with something designed to keep a kid tapping, watching and coming back for more? Disney Movies

There’s something wonderfully appropriate about that story continuing in a book.

No charging cable. No notifications. Just turn the page.

The comic’s appeal is straightforward: more time with these characters, without requiring every adventure to carry the weight of another feature film. Sometimes, you just want to see what happens when a bunch of toys tries to organize a game night.

Speaking of which…

Rescue Missions, Space Rangers and a Game Night Gone Wrong

According to the publisher’s synopsis, Woody heads out to rescue tiny lost toys, while Jessie and Buzz take center stage in a science-fiction-themed playtime adventure. It’s a pairing of familiar Toy Story ingredients: helping someone who needs it and letting imagination turn an ordinary day into something much bigger. Papercutz

That is the charm of this setup. When your heroes are toys, a small problem can become a massive mission. You don’t necessarily need another planet. Sometimes, the other side of the room will do.

The Hi-Tech Edition Buzz Lightyears also get their own outdoor training adventure. Meanwhile, Jessie and Lilypad team up to host a game night that quickly gets away from them. Papercutz

Honestly, that last premise might be the most relatable one in the collection. Anyone who has tried to keep a family game night friendly knows that “we’re just playing for fun” can have a very short shelf life.

For Your Nerd Side, Jessie and Lilypad’s team-up is the especially intriguing hook. Pixar describes them as very different personalities with one important thing in common: both want to help Bonnie. Putting them together suggests room for comedy beyond simply making technology the enemy. Pixar Animation Studios

Who’s Bringing the Toys to the Page?

The collection is written by Joshua Pruett, whose comics work also includes Phineas and Ferb. The creative team includes Sergio Algozzino, inker Gianfranco Florio, colorist Sara Galanti, and letterers Chris Dickey and Charles Pritchett. Simon & Schuster lists the hardcover at 88 pages, with an age range of 7–12. Papercutz

Of course, that age range doesn’t mean the grown-up with a Buzz Lightyear on their desk has to pretend they’re buying it for someone else.

We see you. Your shelf is safe here.

When Can You Get It?

There is a release-date distinction worth noting. Papercutz and Simon & Schuster list September 29, 2026, as the publication date, while comic-shop release schedules include the book for Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Check with your store about its arrival rather than assuming every retailer has the same schedule. Simon & Schuster

And for a movie refresher before opening the book, Toy Story 5 is now streaming on Disney+. Disney Movies

The attraction here isn’t another enormous franchise announcement. It’s a rescue, an imaginary space adventure, an outdoor mission and a game night that probably needed better supervision.

Sometimes, another good afternoon with your favorite toys is enough.

To infinity—and the next page.