Knuckle Joe

Knuckle Joe is a recurring enemy in the Kirby franchise. He is a squat human-like character with blue clothes, a white bandana, and yellow, spiked hair.

Background information
Knuckle Joe first appeared in Kirby Super Star, where he grants Kirby the Fighter ability when inhaled. He is also the helper formed for the Fighter ability when Kirby summons him. Knuckle Joe has appeared in numerous games since, still granting Kirby the Fighter ability when inhaled.

History
Knuckle Joe appears in Super Smash Bros. Brawl as an Assist Trophy. When summoned, Knuckle Joe hops to the nearest opponent and deliver a flurry of jabs and punches. He performs this one more time before finishing off the opponent with either a Rising Break or Smash Punch, both signature moves of the Fighter ability from the Kirby series. After unleashing one of these attacks, Knuckle Joe disappears. Knuckle Joe is also featured as a trophy.

Knuckle Joe reappears in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U reprising the same role. However, his attacks are weaker, but he can perform two Rising Breaks or Smash Punches before disappearing rather than one like in the previous game. There is also a trophy of Knuckle Joe in both games, although each game has a certain condition that must be met to unlock it; in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, the trophy is obtained for playing the game for ten collective hours, and in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, the trophy is obtained by clearing Classic Mode at intensity 9.0 without any customizations.

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Knuckle Joe returns as an Assist Trophy, and is also featured as a spirit.