Megalobox is an alternate future where the world is in decay, but boxing itself has evolved dramatically with specialized exoskeletons that enhance the capabilities of their boxers called gears. Yet despite this, the world was forever changed when Gearless Joe came on stage. Shocking everyone as the underdog. This is similar to Joe Yabuki and how he shocked the boxing world forever during Ashita No Joe. While the anniversary character and the original share similarities, there are differences that make them distinctive characters.
Here are the characteristics that they both share and not share, between the two Joes. Readers are warned of spoilers.
Similar - Thirst For Fighting
Due to their respective upbringings, the only thing that they've learned is how to fend for themselves. However, they also see the value in seeing through people beyond their rich pedestals. That is often combined with their bluntness and being a jerk at times.
But their true expression comes when they are in the ring. Fighting till the very end to get what they want. This all culminates when they seem to be nearing the end. Whether it's in their matches or when their life is on the line, they fight for what they want and never for anyone else.
Different - Personality
Although they are both fairly rough around the edges, their personalities are still notably different. Joe Yabuki can be on a lot of people's bad sides a lot of the time, with his arrogance and cockiness hiding away his insecurities. In contrast, Gearless Joe is a fair bit nicer but can be still blunt at times. However, his contemplative side doesn't have as much impact or is as prevalent as his counterpart. Nonetheless, they both share a reckless attitude when it comes to fighting.
Similar - Rivalries
When it comes to the respective main characters, they are defined partly by their rivals. For Joe Yabuki, it was his relationship with Rikiishi. This extended to his other opponents, but Rikiishi is his most important because he was the reason why he became a boxer. Similarly, Gearless Joe has a rivalry with Yuri who gives the character the urge to do more than what he has done before. Fighting against a true megalo-boxer. All of this culminates in the best battles they can possibly have.
Different - Design
One of the more obvious differences between the characters is their respective designs. Joe Yabuki has a design that came off of the drawing style of Tetsuya Chiba. A stoic Japanese boy with hair that allows him to stay recognizable. Contrasting that is Gearless Joe, who has a more tanned design, scars, and wild hair. Both designs offer a rough look and an underdog outlook for the character, with the latter feeling like an updated version of what the former character can be within an updated setting.
Similar - Wanderer
Prior to his boxing career, Joe Yabuki was an orphan who is simply going from place to place. Until he met his future coach, that is all that he has ever done. Similarly, Gearless Joe as of season 2 has become a wanderer. A nomad who simply goes from place to place and fights. Nonetheless, the characters go through a metaphorical journey that makes them fight mentally just as much as they do physically, which allows their respective journeys to be compelling.
Different - Identity
Although the two characters are fairly similar, their identities set them apart. With Joe Yabuki, he may appear to be a nobody in the boxing world initially, his identity and personality still remain central to his own. Meanwhile, Gearless Joe has an unknown name. Prior to the series, he was named Junkdog, and following season 2 he became known as Nomad.
Similar - Willpower
What makes the two characters so memorable is their willpower and their refusal to give up. Even if the odds seem to be stacked against them, they will fight to the end to be heard. Their willpower is also the reason why they are beloved within their respective communities. Audiences cheer for Joe Yabuki by the end of the series and Gearless Joe for his reputation. Even when they are both stacked against more powerful opponents and personal hardships, they make it to the very end.
Different - Backgrounds
While the two Joes have similar backgrounds regarding their somewhat rough upbringings, at its core there are still some differences. Joe Yabuki is an orphan who stumbles upon the slums, meeting an old has-been who sees potential in him. In the end, Joe fights for what he believes in the last fight. Contrasting this is Gearless Joe and, although the meeting of his coach is fairly similar, the shows place them at different points in life with Gearless Joe being an underground boxer for the majority of his life.
Similar - Personal Struggles
Both Joes have gone through personal struggles on top of their many accomplishments as a boxer. Joe Yabuki often contemplates his life going forward like a boxer. How it feels to be within the sport, as well as hoping to go out like ashes.
Contrasting this, Gearless Joe during season 2 is struggling mentally after the death of his coach. His deteriorating relationship with Sachio and his overall health have gone drastically low. These traits seemed to be shared as Joe Yabuki went through something similar following the death of Rikiishi.
Different - Accomplishments
As a result of their different settings, both Joes have won against different people while also having different victories as a result. For example, when it comes to their main rivals, Gearless Joe won against Yuri, while Joe Yabuki lost against Rikiishi. Gearless Joe has also gone through several fighters in order to make it to the finals, while Joe Yabuki fought opponents who were more realistic to his respective setting.