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Knuckle Joe

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Knuckle Joe
KSSU Knuckle Joe artwork.png
Artwork of Knuckle Joe from Kirby Super Star Ultra.
Details
First game Kirby Super Star (1996)
Latest game Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe (2023)
Other game(s) Kirby's Star Stacker (Super Famicom)
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Kirby Super Star Ultra
Kirby Mass Attack
Kirby's Return to Dream Land
Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition (New Challenge Stages)
Kirby: Triple Deluxe
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U
Kirby: Planet Robobot
Kirby Battle Royale
Kirby Star Allies
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Kirby Fighters 2 (reference)
Kirby's Dream Buffet (reference)
Copy Ability Fighter
Voice actor(s) Minami Takayama (Super Smash Bros. series; Japanese)
Alésia Glidewell (Super Smash Bros. series; English)
"Knuckle Joe" on other NIWA wikis:
Niwa.png SmashWiki
Super Mario Wiki
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This article is about the reoccurring fighting-oriented enemy. For the shark enemy from Kirby's Dream Land 3, see Joe.
Heya, fighter! Go give 'em a knuckle sandwich for me!
— Knuckle Joe about the Fighter Copy Ability in Kirby Battle Royale

Knuckle Joe is an enemy in the Kirby series. Knuckle Joe appears as a humanoid figure with spiky blonde hair, a face closely resembling Kirby's, a bandana around his head, and a pair of pointy ears. Knuckle Joe is a fairly notable character in the Kirby series, receiving a reoccurring character role in Kirby: Right Back at Ya! and appearing as an assist trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and subsequent Super Smash Bros. titles.

Game appearances[edit]

Knuckle Joe's video game appearances  
Game Role Notes
Kirby series
Kirby Super Star Enemy and playable character Knuckle Joe can be played when recruited as Helper.
Kirby's Star Stacker (Super Famicom) Opponent
Kirby Super Star Ultra Enemy and playable character As this is the remake of Kirby Super Star, his role doesn't change.
Kirby Mass Attack Cameo Appears in the sub-game Kirby Brawlball as one of the many enemies spit out from Marx's Black Hole attack. Uses his enemy palette from Kirby Super Star and its remake.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Enemy
Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition Enemy Appears in New Challenge Stages. Kirby Super Star is also ported here, where Knuckle Joe has the exact same role.
Kirby: Triple Deluxe Enemy
Kirby Fighters Deluxe Reference One of the Rare Outfits is based off him.
Kirby: Planet Robobot Enemy
Kirby Battle Royale NPC
Kirby Star Allies Enemy and playable character Knuckle Joe can be recruited as a friend.
Kirby Fighters 2 Reference One of the Rare Hats is based off him.
Kirby's Dream Buffet Reference Knuckle Joe appears on a Character Treat.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Enemy Same as Kirby's Return to Dream Land.
Super Smash Bros. series
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Supporting character Appears as an Assist Trophy.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U Supporting character Appears as an Assist Trophy.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Supporting character Appears as an Assist Trophy.

Kirby Super Star / Kirby Super Star Ultra[edit]

KSSU Knuckle Joe Helper sprite.png
Sprite from Kirby Super Star Ultra.

Knuckle Joe makes his debut as an enemy in Kirby Super Star as well as its remake Kirby Super Star Ultra. Here, he attempts to harm Kirby by throwing punches and kicks at him. When inhaled, he grants Kirby the Fighter ability, and also acts as the Helper of said ability.

Knuckle Joe is also one of the participants of the Megaton Punch contest. He appears as Kirby's second opponent, after Kirby defeats Bandana Waddle Dee.

In the Kirby Super Star Ultra-exclusive main game Helper to Hero, Joe, apart from being playable, appears in the opening sequence and in the boss picture for Wham Bam Jewel. Since Waddle Dee appears on the file select screen and life counter, these two could be considered to be the "mascots" of helpers. Knuckle Joe also appears on a card in Kirby Card Swipe and as a target in Kirby on the Draw, with the target using his design from the anime.

Knuckle Joe can be found in the following places in Kirby Super Star and Kirby Super Star Ultra:

Knuckle Joe locations in Kirby Super Star and Kirby Super Star Ultra  
Stage Appearance? Stage Appearance?
Green Greens No RoMK Chapter 4 No
Float Islands Yes RoMK Chapter 5 Yes
Bubbly Clouds No RoMK Chapter 6 Yes
Mt. Dedede No RoMK Chapter 7 No
Peanut Plains No Floria No
Mallow Castle No Aquarius Yes
Cocoa Cave Yes Skyhigh No
Candy Mountain No Hotbeat No
Trial Room 1 No Cavius No
Trial Room 2 No Mekkai No
Sub-Tree Yes Halfmoon No
Crystal No ??? No
Old Tower No Purple Plants No
Garden No Illusion Islands No
RoMK Chapter 1 No Crash Clouds Yes
RoMK Chapter 2 No The Revenge No
RoMK Chapter 3 Yes

Kirby's Star Stacker (Super Famicom)[edit]

In the Super Famicom version of Kirby's Star Stacker, Knuckle Joe appears as the fourth opponent in the story mode. When Kirby and his Animal Friends run into him, he punches them all away and challenges them to a fight over the piece of Mr. Star that fell into his possession.

In Knuckle Joe's round, the boards start with the first four rows solidly filled in and a small 3x2 stack placed on the left-hand side, with one pair of each Friend Block nestled in the formation. Knuckle Joe appears to prefer placing his blocks on the left or right sides of his board, only placing them in the middle columns whenever he can cause some stars to be stacked. He is capable of getting rather large combos this way, so Kirby will need to keep on his toes to stay ahead.

After being defeated, Knuckle Joe is bruised and beaten, being carried away by a Waddle Dee in a wheelbarrow while insisting that he needed to train harder.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land / Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe[edit]

KRtDLD Knuckle Joe screenshot.png
A Knuckle Joe from Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe.

Knuckle Joe reappears as an enemy that can be swallowed for the Fighter ability, not appearing until White Wafers - Stage 1 and making sporadic appearances throughout. In Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, he also reprises his role as a target in Kirby on the Draw.

In Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Knuckle Joe can be found in the following levels and stages:

Knuckle Joe locations in Kirby's Return to Dream Land and Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe  
Stage Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
Cookie Country No No No No No
Raisin Ruins No No No No No
Onion Ocean No No No No N/A
White Wafers Yes No No No Yes
Nutty Noon No No No Yes Yes
Egg Engines No No No No Yes
Dangerous Dinner No No Yes N/A N/A

Kirby: Triple Deluxe[edit]

Knuckle Joe appears as he did in Kirby's Return to Dream Land.

In Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Knuckle Joe can be found in the following levels and stages:

Knuckle Joe locations in Kirby: Triple Deluxe  
Stage Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 (EX) Stage 7 EX Stage 8 EX
Fine Fields No No No No N/A No N/A N/A
Lollipop Land No No No No N/A Yes N/A N/A
Old Odyssey No Yes No No No N/A No N/A
Wild World No No No Yes No N/A No N/A
Endless Explosions No No Yes No Yes N/A No N/A
Royal Road No Yes No No No N/A Yes No

Kirby: Planet Robobot[edit]

Knuckle Joe appears largely unchanged from his previous appearance.

In Kirby: Planet Robobot, Knuckle Joe can be found in the following levels and stages:

Knuckle Joe locations in Kirby: Planet Robobot  
Stage Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 (EX) Stage 7 EX Stage 8 EX
Patched Plains No No No Yes N/A No N/A N/A
Resolution Road No No No No N/A No N/A N/A
Overload Ocean Yes No No No No N/A No N/A
Gigabyte Grounds Yes No No No No N/A Yes N/A
Rhythm Route No No No No Yes N/A No N/A
Access Ark No Yes No No No N/A Yes No

Kirby Battle Royale[edit]

Knuckle Joe can be seen in the audience in many of the battle modes. He also appears in Dedede's Cake Royale, standing in front of the Training Room tent. If Kirby talks to him, Knuckle Joe will comment on the ability Kirby has equipped. An alternate headgear for Fighter Kirby is also based on Knuckle Joe.

Kirby Star Allies[edit]

Menu artwork of Knuckle Joe in Kirby Star Allies.
“Gonna be the top fighter anywhere!”
He’s eager to prove himself in a legendary tournament and sets off at full speed to find it…wherever it is! He’s up for any battle, no matter how tough!

— Guest Star Knuckle Joe The Contender Pause Screen description in Kirby Star Allies

Knuckle Joe appears in this title, and can be recruited as a Friend. As a Friend, he has all of Fighter Kirby's moves, and can also use the Friend Throw. His agility is also arguably greater than that of Fighter Kirby's, since he uses an Infinity Jump which he can act out of immediately with further attacks.

In Kirby Star Allies Knuckle Joe can be found in the following levels and stages:

Knuckle Joe locations in Kirby Star Allies  
Stage Appearance? Stage Appearance?
Dream Land Far-Flung Starlight Heroes
Green Gardens No Planet Earthfall Yes
Donut Dome No Falluna Moon No
Honey Hill No Planet Misteen No
Fruity Forest No Mareen Moon No
Clash at Castle Dedede Yes Planet Caverna Yes
Extra Eclair No Grott Moon No
Planet Popstar Planet Frostak Yes
Friendly Field No Blizzno Moon No
Reef Resort No Planet Towara No
Echo's Edge No Gabbel Moon No
Nature's Navel Yes Star Lavadom No
Sacred Square No Sizzlai Moon Yes
Inside Islands No Jambandra Base Yes
Duplex Dream No The Divine Terminus Yes
Jambastion Extra Planet α No
Gatehouse Road No Extra Planet β No
Eastern Wall Yes Extra Planet γ No
Longview Corridor No Extra Planet δ No
Western Outer Wall No Ability Planet Yes
Inner Sanctum No Heroes in Another Dimension
Heavenly Hall No Dimension I No
Sector A No Dimension II No
Sector B Yes Dimension III No
Sector C No Dimension IV Yes

Kirby Fighters 2[edit]

A Rare Hat for Fighter Kirby based on Knuckle Joe appears in Kirby Fighters 2.

Kirby's Dream Buffet[edit]

In Kirby's Dream Buffet, Knuckle Joe appears on a Character Treat, depicting his sprite from Kirby Super Star.

Super Smash Bros. series[edit]

Super Smash Bros. Melee[edit]

While Knuckle Joe does not make a direct appearance in Super Smash Bros. Melee, he is indirectly mentioned in the description of the Fighter Kirby trophy. The description reads: "Kirby dons a warrior's headband and becomes a fierce fighter when he swallows an enemy skilled at physical attacks."

Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

Artwork of Knuckle Joe from Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Knuckle Joe appears as an Assist Trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, as well as an Assist Trophy character, who uses the Vulcan Jab attack, as well as other attacks on opponents.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U[edit]

Knuckle Joe reprises his role from the previous game as an Assist Trophy and as a collectible trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U. In the 3DS version, the trophy can be obtained by playing ten hours of the Smash mode. In the Wii U version, the trophy can be obtained by clearing Classic Mode on 9.0 without customizations. His attacks remain the same, however he can now be defeated.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]

Knuckle Joe once more reprises his role as an Assist Trophy in this title. He also appears as a spirit in World of Light. He cannot appear on the following stages: Midgar, Mute City SNES, Norfair and Suzaku Castle.

In Kirby: Right Back at Ya![edit]

Knuckle Joe
Knux.png
Artwork of Knuckle Joe from Kirby: Right Back at Ya!.
Details
First episode Here Comes the Son
Last episode Fright to the Finish
Main role Supporting character
Relative(s) Unnamed father
Similar characters Sirica
Voice actor(s) Kevin Kolack (English)
Minami Takayama (Japanese)
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Knuckle Joe makes an appearance as a reoccurring character in the anime series Kirby: Right Back at Ya!, first appearing in the episode Here Comes the Son. He is a young rogue fighter whose father was a Star Warrior slain during the great war against Night Mare Enterprises and its monster armies. Not knowing the true circumstances of his father's death beforehand, he believes a Star Warrior to be responsible for his death, and travels to Dream Land with the help of N.M.E. to hunt down Kirby and Meta Knight. Meta Knight then reveals to Knuckle Joe the true story, but it takes a duel with Kirby for Knuckle Joe to truly come to understand this. After this point, Knuckle Joe becomes an ally to Kirby and Meta Knight, aiding them against some of the stronger monsters sent by N.M.E., most notably the titan Masher.

Knuckle Joe has a very similar physique and appearance to his video game incarnation, but he is portrayed with a different color palette in his first appearance (perhaps to reflect the Helper mechanic of Kirby Super Star). His powers include using many of the attacks associated with the Fighter ability, but he also has the ability to fly and cast electric attacks. In Here Comes the Son, he momentarily transforms into a monstrous version of himself which uses needles to attack, thus granting Kirby the Needle ability to retaliate against him. This needle version of Knuckle Joe is unique to the anime.

Filmography[edit]

The following is a complete list of all of Knuckle Joe's appearances in Kirby: Right Back at Ya!, along with other information regarding his role in each episode:

Knuckle Joe's appearances in Kirby: Right Back at Ya!  
Episode Image Role Selected quote Notes
Here Comes the Son
E19 Knuckle Joe.png
Primary character "I told ya...I'm not a monster."
Monster Management
E40 Knuckle Joe.png
Primary character "It took a long time to plan, but it was worth it! I'm a monster hunter now...and I wanted to bag one of the big ones! That meant goin' after Masher!"
Masher 2.0
E65 Knuckle Joe.png
Primary character "You may be a good warrior...but you're a lousy driver." (to Kirby after he crashes the Warp Star)
Combat Kirby
E99 Knuckle Joe.png
Tertiary character "I took over a Destroya and was hopin' you'd let me join your party!"
Fright to the Finish
E100 Knuckle Joe.png
Tertiary character "I hate to tell ya this, Meta Knight, but I got some bad news for ya! Three Destroyas got through. They're headed your way!"

Gallery[edit]

In the Kirby novel series[edit]

Knuckle Joe
V9 Knuckle Joe Illustration.png
Knuckle Joe, as he appears in Kirby Clash Team Unite!
Details
First appearance Kirby Clash Team Unite!
Last appearance Kirby: The Dream Onsen is a Good Hot Spring♪
Role Supporting character
Other appearance(s) his video game counterpart
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This section is incomplete. You can help WiKirby by expanding it.
Missing coverage for most appearances, and general description.

In the Kirby novel series, Knuckle Joe is a resident of Dream Land.

Volume appearances[edit]

The following is a complete list of every appearance Knuckle Joe has made in the Kirby novel series, along with the role he plays and its details in the plot of each volume:

Knuckle Joe's appearances in the Kirby novel series  
Volume Image Role Role details Notes
Kirby Clash Team Unite! V9 Knuckle Joe Illustration.png Tertiary character
Kirby's Decisive Battle! Battle Royale!! V10 Illustration 11.png Tertiary character
Kirby Star Allies: The Universe is in Trouble?! V12 Illustration 28.png Tertiary character
Kirby: Super Team Kirby's Big Battle! V15 Knuckle Joe Illustration.png Tertiary character
Kirby: Meta Knight and the Knight of Yomi V17 Knuckle Joe Illustration.png Tertiary character In this volume, Knuckle Joe sees Beryl rampaging in Dream Land disguised as Meta Knight, and is attacked when he confronts him. Knuckle Joe seeks out Kirby, asking the latter to protect them. He then offers himself to be inhaled so Fighter Kirby can fight back against the fake Meta Knight.
Kirby: Uproar at the Kirby Café?! V18 Knuckle Joe Illustration.png Tertiary character In this volume, Knuckle Joe joins the staff of the Dedede Café. He works as a bouncer and a waiter.
Kirby: The Mysterious Incident on the Pupupu Train?! Needed.png Tertiary character

Profiles[edit]

Flavor text[edit]

Image Game Flavor text
KSA Boxart NA.jpg Kirby Star Allies Guest Star Knuckle Joe:

"Gonna be the top fighter anywhere!"
He’s eager to prove himself in a legendary tournament and sets off at full speed to find it…wherever it is! He’s up for any battle, no matter how tough!

Super Smash Bros. Brawl trophy description[edit]

Name Image Appears in Description
Knuckle Joe Knuckle Joe Trophy.png SNES Kirby Super Star A martial artist known for amazing attacks like the Vulcan Jab. With his bandana, he looks and fights the part of a Muay Thai boxer. When Kirby copies Knuckle Joe, he gains the fighting techniques of a hand-to-hand-combat expert. Knuckle Joe also engages in friendly block-breaking competitions with Kirby. His other famous techniques are the Smash Punch and Rising Break.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U trophy information[edit]

Name 3DS image Wii U image Appears In American English description British English description
Knuckle Joe
KnuckleJoe3DS.png
KnuckleJoeWiiU.png
SNES Kirby Super Star 09/1996)
Wii Kirby's Return to Dream Land 10/2011
A martial-arts master, Knuckle Joe can be inhaled by Kirby and his Fighter ability copied. If you summon him, he'll leap toward the enemy nearest you and unleash his powerful Vulcan Jab attack. He'll then finish off his target with a devastating Smash Punch or Rising Break. When Kirby copies this expert in all martial arts, he becomes a pro at hand-to-hand combat. Release Knuckle Joe in this game, and he'll jump towards the enemy nearest to you and unleash his mighty Vulcan Jab, then finish them off with a devastating Smash Punch or Rising Break!
Blue indicates exclusive to the Wii U version.

Trivia[edit]

  • In Kirby Star Allies, Knuckle Joe can provide the Sizzle attribute with Giga Force Blast. However, a CPU will not acknowledge this if it needs to light a fuse or provide a Power Effect.

Gallery[edit]

Main article: Knuckle Joe/gallery

Quotes[edit]

Quotes from Knuckle Joe in Kirby Battle Royale  
  • "Cool sword you've got there. Hope you're putting it to good use. Spin Slash is fairly unbeatable. Be sure to train every day!"
  • "That pointed hat gives you the Bomb ability! You should use Bomb Dunk if you want to shock your foe!"
  • "Look at that horn on you! The Beetle ability sure looks impressive. Use Rocket Horn to grab foes and Dive to drive them into the ground."
  • "That spear... Did you join the Waddle Dee army or something?! Spears are great for both thrusting and throwing? Get the point?!"
  • "Ah, the Cutter ability! Those slashes sure are satisfying. There's nothing like a good charge session...and a Hyper Cutter!"
  • "Heya, fighter! Go give 'em a knuckle sandwich for me! When you see an opening, use your Giga Force Blast to knock 'em out!"
  • "When you use your Ninja ability, you'll have lots of fierce moves! With those, you can unleash quick attacks for a decisive win."
  • "That whip is cool and all... but the hat is where it's really at. Whip your enemies into shape! Wrap 'em up while you're at it!"
  • "Huh? Carrying a parasol on a nice day like this? I wanna see you pick up your opponents and swing them around!"
  • "A big hammer and a headband. That look really suits you! If you've got a hammer, take a swing! Not at me, though!"
  • "Ha! Are you wearing those glasses to look smart? If I were a doctor, I'd say to get rest and call me in the morning!"
  • "Try the Tornado ability if you want to play cool tricks on your rivals. All that wind will feel mighty nice to you, but not your opponents."
  • "Ice-skating is pretty cool, isn't it?! I just love those spinny jumps! It's fun seeing frozen foes slide to their doom when you throw them!"

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning
Japanese ナックルジョー
Nakkuru Jō
Knuckle Joe
His name likely derives from the eponymous character of Tomorrow's Joe, a very famous and influential boxing manga.
Traditional Chinese 格鬥家喬
gé dòu jiā qiáo
Wrestler Joe
Simplified Chinese 格斗家乔
gé dòu jiā qiáo
Dutch Knuckle Joe -
French Knuckle Joe -
German Knuckle Joe -
Italian Knuckle Joe -
Korean 넉클 죠
Neokkeul Jyo
Knuckle Joe
Brazilian Portuguese Knuckle Joe
Joe Mãos à Obra[1]
-
Joe Hands at Work ("Mãos à Obra" is an expression in Portuguese that means "Let's get to work!")
European Portuguese Knuckle Joe[2] -
Spanish Knuckle Joe -


References