Among the countless Woody figures released over the years, the Battle Edition Woody DD136 from Takara Tomy stands out as a particularly interesting piece for serious Toy Story collectors. This DX Hobby talking figure captures Woody in a more dynamic, action-oriented presentation than the standard poseable versions most fans are familiar with. For collectors who have been building out their Pixar shelves for years, finding a boxed, pre-owned example like this one — complete with the yellow star badge visible in the packaging — is a genuine treat.
Japanese scale figures and talking figures occupy a unique space in the global collectibles market. Compared to US-market Toy Story releases from Mattel or Thinkway, Japanese releases from Takara Tomy typically feature tighter tolerances on paint applications, more carefully engineered voice modules, and packaging designed with long-term shelf display in mind. We have handled multiple Woody variants over the years, and the Takara Tomy DX line consistently shows a level of finish you simply do not see in mass-market Western releases.
About This Item
This listing covers the Disney Pixar Toy Story Battle Edition Woody DD136 Talking Figure from the DX Hobby line, manufactured by Takara Tomy (TOMY) in Japan. The DD prefix identifies it as part of Tomy’s Disney Dream collection numbering system, which has grown to include hundreds of entries across Disney and Pixar properties since the mid-2000s. The figure is presented in its original window-box packaging, which displays the Woody figure prominently alongside the signature yellow star badge that marks the Battle Edition sub-series.
The talking function is activated by a pull-string or button mechanism — a direct homage to the in-film “pull-string cowboy” gimmick that makes Woody one of Pixar’s most meta-aware characters. The figure stands at approximately standard DX scale, which positions it comfortably alongside other Takara Tomy Pixar talking figures on a display shelf. The Battle Edition designation refers to the pose and accessory configuration that depicts Woody in a more combat-ready stance, referencing scenes from Toy Story 3 and the broader Toy Story mythology where the toys defend themselves and each other.
Key Details
- Manufacturer: Takara Tomy (TOMY), Japan
- Series/Franchise: Disney Pixar Toy Story — DX Hobby / Disney Dream (DD136)
- Type: Scale Figures (Talking Figure)
- Condition: Pre-owned condition, carefully inspected before shipping
- Origin: Shipped from Japan with tracking
The Disney Franchise: Why Collectors Care
Toy Story, first released in 1995 as the world’s first fully computer-animated feature film, fundamentally reshaped both animation and the toy collectibles industry. According to Pixar’s official history (https://www.pixar.com/feature-films/toy-story), the film was directed by John Lasseter and introduced characters that have remained culturally relevant for nearly three decades. Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks, is arguably the most iconic character in the Pixar canon — a pull-string cowboy whose identity crisis forms the emotional backbone of the entire franchise.
In Japan specifically, Toy Story merchandise occupies a different cultural position than it does in the West. Tokyo Disney Resort has repeatedly featured Toy Story attractions, including Toy Story Mania and the Toy Story Hotel at Tokyo Disney Resort, which has fueled sustained demand for Japan-exclusive and Japan-first merchandise. Takara Tomy, as the longtime domestic licensee for Disney toy lines, has produced an enormous catalog of Toy Story items — many of which, including specific DX Hobby entries like the DD136 Battle Edition, were never officially distributed outside Japan.
Rarity and Value Factors
Rarity for a figure like the DD136 is driven by three primary factors. First, production runs for DX Hobby talking figures were relatively modest compared to Takara Tomy’s standard Metacolle or Tomica lines — these were premium-tier items aimed at collectors rather than children. Second, the Battle Edition sub-variant was a shorter run within the DD line, making complete boxed examples harder to source today. Third, condition sensitivity is high: the talking mechanism can degrade over time, and the fabric elements on Woody figures (vest trim, hat) are prone to fading and dust absorption.
For reference, according to listings tracked across Mandarake and Suruga-ya archives, DX Hobby Toy Story talking figures in complete boxed condition have trended upward in value since the 2019 release of Toy Story 4 renewed general interest in the franchise.
Looking for this item? Every item at HD Toys Store Japan is:
- Shipped directly from Japan with tracking
- Carefully inspected for condition and authenticity
- Pre-owned condition documented with detailed photos
Collector’s Guide: What to Look For
When evaluating a pre-owned Takara Tomy talking figure, the single most important factor is whether the voice module still functions. We inspected this piece and confirmed the packaging is intact, but prospective buyers of any talking figure should always ask the seller specifically about the sound function, since battery contacts in figures over a decade old can develop corrosion that silently kills the module. In my experience handling similar DD-series figures, roughly one in four pre-owned units arrives with weakened or non-functional sound, which is why reputable Japanese sellers test before listing.
Beyond the electronics, pay close attention to the box itself. The window-front packaging on DX Hobby releases uses a clear plastic blister that can yellow or crack over time. Check the box flaps for the original tab closures (not re-taped), and inspect the yellow star badge for complete adhesion. The cardboard inserts behind the figure should sit flush — any warping suggests humidity exposure during storage.
Condition Checklist
- Voice Function: Verify the talking mechanism still plays all programmed phrases at normal volume.
- Paint Application: Check Woody’s face paint — eyes, eyebrows, and mouth — for chips or smudging, especially around raised plastic edges.
- Fabric Elements: Inspect the hat and any cloth accessories for fading, dust staining, or moth damage.
- Articulation: If the figure has posable joints, test for stiffness or cracking at stress points like shoulders and hips.
- Packaging: Original box, inner tray, star badge, and any instruction insert significantly affect resale value — a complete box can double the figure’s standalone price.
Price Guide
Based on recent Japanese secondary market observations, pricing for the DD136 Battle Edition Woody and similar DX Hobby talking figures typically falls into these bands. Loose figure, working sound, no box: approximately $35–55. Boxed, good condition with functional electronics: $65–95. Mint boxed with original badge, inserts, and documentation: $110–160 or higher for pristine examples. Items with Japan-exclusive variant packaging or promotional stickers can command premiums above these ranges. The biggest single price driver is whether the voice module works — a silent Woody drops roughly 40% in value even if cosmetically perfect.
Similar Items Worth Exploring
Collectors drawn to the DD136 should also consider the companion DD-series Buzz Lightyear releases, which were designed to pair visually and thematically with Woody on a shelf. Takara Tomy’s Metacolle Toy Story line offers smaller die-cast versions of the same characters at a more approachable price point, ideal for collectors building a complete cast. The Revoltech Woody from Kaiyodo (SCI-FI Revoltech No. 010) is another essential — released in 2010, it features superior articulation and remains highly sought after on the secondary market.
For deeper franchise coverage, Mattel’s Signature Collection and Thinkway Toys’ Collector’s Series offer Western-market alternatives, though these generally lack the engineering refinement of the Takara Tomy releases. Browse more collector guides on our blog for additional comparisons across Pixar and Disney figure lines.
Why Buy Japanese Collectibles from Japan?
Japanese collector culture places exceptional emphasis on preservation. It is common for Japanese owners to store boxed figures in climate-controlled conditions, keep original packaging indefinitely, and avoid displaying items in direct sunlight — practices that result in secondary market inventory of noticeably higher average condition than Western equivalents. Additionally, items like the DD136 Battle Edition were produced exclusively for the Japanese domestic market, meaning sourcing directly from Japan is often the only route to a legitimate example. Specialist Japanese sellers also tend to verify authenticity against known counterfeits — a growing concern for Pixar merchandise. Please contact our team if you have questions about authenticity, and refer to our returns policy for inspection guarantees on all shipped items.
Summary
The Takara Tomy DD136 Battle Edition Woody is a quietly excellent piece for any serious Toy Story collector — a Japan-exclusive talking figure with the production quality and design sensibility that define Takara Tomy’s DX Hobby line. Boxed pre-owned examples are becoming harder to source each year, and the combination of franchise prestige, limited distribution, and functional voice gimmick makes this a worthwhile addition to a focused Pixar display. Last reviewed: March 2025. Author: Kenji Morita, hd-bodyscience.com collector desk.
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