Dr. Articus (Alpha Team - Deep Sea)
alp011 · Alpha Team
Mission Deep Sea · 2002; debuted in the Deep Sea wave which was the second major story arc for the Alpha Team theme
Figure ID
alp011
Theme
Alpha Team
Year Released
2002; debuted in the Deep Sea wave which was the second major story arc for the Alpha Team theme
Rarity
Uncommon; while not a limited edition, this figure appeared in only two sets from a retired sub-theme that ran for a short duration in the early 2000s
Head
Yellow skin with a confident smirk/half-grin and bushy grey eyebrows; topped with a Dark Red diving helmet featuring a trans-clear visor and a Pearl Light Gray breather base
Torso
Olive Green flight/diving suit with yellow harnesses, a center zipper, and a dark grey utility belt; features Olive Green arms and Dark Gray hands
Legs
Olive Green legs with hip and pocket detailing; the printing represents cargo pockets and tactical gear consistent with the deep-sea rescue theme
Accessories
Trans-clear visor and Pearl Light Gray neck gear (breather mask) are attached; in sets, he often came with diving flippers or harpoons
Color Scheme
Primary Olive Green base with dark red and pearl light gray accents; the yellow harnesses provide high-visibility contrast common in rescue themes
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing for the era; features detailed pocket outlines on the legs and complex harness webbing on the torso; no back printing as per the standard of 2002
Variants
None of this specific version; however, Dr. Articus appears in other Alpa Team waves with different outfits (e.g., Arctic theme)
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the silver paint on the breather piece and scratches on the trans-clear visor; check for cracks in the olive green torso sides
Estimated Value
Used: $5 - $8 USD; New/Mint: $12 - $15 USD; value is relatively stable as a niche nostalgic piece
Price (New)
N/A (Individual figure); set 4793 (OG Ogel Ship) retailed for $20.00 in 2002
Compatible Sets
4793 Ogel Shark Sub and 4794 Alpha Team Command Sub
Character Background
Dr. Articus is the resident scientist and technician for Alpha Team; he specializes in gear and vehicle design to stop Ogel's world-domination plans
Design Notes
The use of Olive Green was fairly rare at the time; the helmet/breather combo was a clever repurposing of the classic space/town helmet styles into a 'tech' look
Similar Minifigures
Dash (Deep Sea), Radia (Deep Sea), and other 2002-2003 Alpha Team members with the same Olive Green color palette
Collectibility
Moderate; highly sought after by collectors specializing in early 2000s 'Action' themes or Alpa Team completionists
History
Alpha Team was LEGO's 'secret agent' internal IP; this Deep Sea version represents the transition into more specialized, mission-based gear systems
Interesting Facts
Dr. Articus was originally one of the few older 'mentor' characters in LEGO action themes; his look in Deep Sea is significantly more militaristic than his Arctic scientist look
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in an underwater MOC or alongside the 4794 Command Submarine; use blue translucent plates to simulate water
Modification Potential
The Olive Green parts are highly prized by military MOC builders for creating custom infantry or pilot figures
Overall Assessment
A classic example of LEGO's experimental early-2000s period; excellent color coordination and unique helmet assembly make it a standout for the era.