Comix Zone

コミックスゾーン (Komikkusu Zōn)Genesis, Windows, Game Boy Advance, Wii +131995

  1. JP1995
  2. NA1995
  3. EU1995
  4. RUDendy

Comix Zone kept the same name in North America and Europe and was released in Japan as コミックスゾーン (Komikkusu Zōn). The easiest legal way to play the Genesis original today is the Sega Genesis library of Nintendo Switch Online, which requires the Expansion Pack tier.

Comix Zone is a side-scrolling beat 'em up with light platform and puzzle elements, developed by Sega Technical Institute and released for the Genesis in 1995. Peter Morawiec conceived and designed it and also voiced the villain Gravis. The idea was first shown in 1992 as "Joe Pencil Trapped in the Comix Zone", and the story was inspired by the music video for a-ha's "Take On Me". Sega's marketing later renamed the hero from Joe Pencil to Sketch Turner.

The game spans six comic-book pages across three episodes. Iced tea is the only healing item, and Sketch's pet rat Roadkill finds most of the items. Comix Zone and The Ooze are the only two games to carry the S.T.I. logo. The Japanese Mega Drive release on 1 September 1995 was a localization of the American-developed game.

Later versions appeared on Windows, Game Boy Advance, Wii Virtual Console, Xbox Live Arcade, Steam, mobile phones and the Sega Genesis Mini. In August 2022 Sega announced a film adaptation with Picturestart.12

Names and releases

RegionTitle on the boxPlatformDatePublisherSrc
NA Comix Zone Genesis July 1995 Sega 1
NA Comix ZoneWindows 3.1 port; Europe March 1996 Windows November 1995 Sega PC 1
JP コミックスゾーンKomikkusu Zōn Genesis Sep 1, 1995 Sega 2
EU Comix Zone Genesis Oct 6, 1995 Sega 1
EU Comix ZoneEurope-only, limited quantities; port by Virtucraft Game Boy Advance Sep 11, 2002 — 1
WW Comix ZoneVirtual Console Wii 2007 Sega 1
WW Comix ZoneXbox Live Arcade Xbox 360 2009 Sega 1
WW Comix ZoneSteam; no longer found in the Steam store on 2026-10-13 Windows 2010 Sega 1
JP コミックスゾーンSega Vintage Collection (PlayStation Store) PlayStation 3 Aug 31, 2011 Sega 2
WW Comix ZoneSega Forever; also Android iOS 2017 Sega 1
WW Sega Genesis MiniPreinstalled on the Sega Genesis Mini / Mega Drive Mini Other 2019 Sega 1
WW Comix ZoneSega Genesis – Nintendo Switch Online (Expansion Pack) Switch Jun 30, 2022 Sega 3

Also known as: コミックスゾーン JP2Joe Pencil Trapped in the Comix Zone US1

Box art by region

  • Comix Zone box art, North America release
    NA Comix Zone
  • Comix Zone box art, Europe release
    EU Comix Zone
  • コミックスゾーン box art, Japan release
    JP コミックスゾーン

Box art © its publishers, shown to identify each release. Scans: libretro-thumbnails.

Version differences

  • AudioWindows (1995)

    The Windows port is largely identical to the Genesis game but plays a MIDI soundtrack.1

  • GraphicsGame Boy Advance

    Many graphics were reworked to fit the Game Boy Advance's smaller screen.1

  • ContentSonic Mega Collection (JP)

    In the Japanese GameCube release of Sonic Mega Collection, Comix Zone is a hidden unlockable rather than a menu option.1

Where to play legally today

  • Nintendo Switch Online Subscription

    Comix Zone (Sega Genesis – Nintendo Switch Online)

    Genesis version

    Checked: 2026-10-133gameinformer.com

Reception

Critics praised the comic-book visuals and soundtrack but criticized the difficulty and short length; the game holds 76% on GameRankings. It was not a financial success, partly because it arrived late in the Genesis's life.1

Sources

  1. 1en.wikipedia.org
  2. 2ja.wikipedia.org
  3. 3gameinformer.com
  4. 4iphones.ru

Checked: 2026-10-13Text reviewed: 2026-10-13

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