Viper
alp004 · Alpha Team
Original Wave · 2001
Figure ID
alp004
Theme
Alpha Team
Year Released
2001
Rarity
Uncommon. While not a limited release, this figure remains specific to the short-lived Alpha Team sets of the early 2000s and is becoming harder to find in mint condition.
Head
Yellow classic skin tone. Features a distinctive orange/reddish ginger beard and sideburns, angry eyebrows, and a soul patch. Topped with a Dark Red knit cap (beanie) piece.
Torso
Light Gray sleeveless torso with tactical vest printing. Features utility pockets, straps, and purple rope/cables draped over the shoulders. Yellow arms and Black hands.
Legs
Light Gray legs with hip and leg printing. Includes tactical belt detail and dark gray knee pads/straps. The printing is localized to the front.
Accessories
The specific set version usually included a specialized gray glider or tactical equipment; however, the base minifigure is often sold with just the red beanie.
Color Scheme
Primary colors are Light Gray, Yellow, and Dark Red, with purple accents in the torso printing.
Printing Details
Standard early-2000s pad printing. Features high-contrast facial hair and detailed tactical gear on the torso. No back printing was standard for this era.
Variants
There are multiple versions of Viper across the Alpha Team line, including the 'Mission Deep Sea' (alp012) and 'Ogel's Mountain Fortress' (alp017) versions which feature different outfits/diving gear.
Condition Notes
Prone to wear on the silver/gray torso straps and silver hip printing. The Dark Red beanie can develop stress marks if removed frequently. Watch for 'heel cracks' on the Light Gray legs.
Estimated Value
Used Complete: $4.00 - $7.00 USD. New/Mint: $10.00 - $15.00 USD. Value is stable but lower due to his commonality within the sub-theme's sets.
Price (New)
Featured in sets ranging from $3.00 (Small polybags/quads) up to $20.00 (Mobile Command Center), making him very accessible at retail in 2001.
Compatible Sets
Set 6772 (Alpha Team Cruiser), Set 6775 (Alpha Team Bomb Squad).
Character Background
Viper is the Alpha Team's communications and surveillance expert. He is known for his rugged look and ability to intercept Ogel's transmissions in the theme's lore.
Design Notes
A classic example of LEGO's 'extreme' early 2000s aesthetic, moving away from town themes into more action-oriented, hero-vs-villain archetypes with unique facial hair molds.
Similar Minifigures
Other Alpha Team members like Dash (alp001), Cam (alp003), and Crunch (alp005).
Collectibility
Moderate. High nostalgia value for 'Millennial' collectors who grew up during the Alpha Team era, though he is not as sought after as the villain Ogel.
History
Alpha Team was LEGO's home-grown 'secret agent' theme that bridged the gap between classic Town and modern City/Agents themes. Viper was a core member of the first wave.
Interesting Facts
Viper's beanie in Dark Red was a relatively new color application for that part in 2001. His face print was fairly aggressive for a 'hero' character at the time.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the core 6-member Alpha Team on a Light Gray baseplate, or in a 2000s-era 'Legacy' display case.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'gritty' City MOCs or survivalist figures due to the sleeveless tactical vest and beard combo.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential 2001 LEGO figure. While not financially valuable, he is a classic design with great character and represents a pivotal era of LEGO transition.