Ahoy, LEGO lovers and buccaneers of the brick seas! Gather 'round as we chart the legendary voyages of none other than the most notorious minifigure to ever sail the seven seas of imagination: Captain Roger Moore Redbeard. This fearsome figurehead of the LEGO Pirates realm has been a beacon for brick-built adventures since his first appearance in 1989, captivating the hearts of young and old with his peg leg, hook hand, and, of course, that unmistakable fiery beard.
Captain Redbeard, a true pioneer among LEGO minifigures, was the first to don a peg leg and a hook, setting a trend for character diversity in the world of LEGO. His debut in the Buccaneers 6204 and later the iconic 6285 Black Seas Barracuda set a course for countless adventures on the high seas. Redbeard wasn't just a minifigure; he was a symbol of the untamed, adventurous spirit that LEGO Pirates embodied.
The tale of Redbeard is steeped in the lore of "Pirates of the Seas," a comic series that breathed life into the LEGO Pirates theme. This narrative was so captivating that it was a shame when the series docked at port for the last time after a brief but memorable voyage. The comic, particularly with its story "The Treasure of the Half Coin," and its characters, like Rumpot and Willi, became treasures in their own right for fans of the theme.
Diving deeper into the lore, Captain Redbeard, also known as Captain Roger Moore, is a character of many layers. Despite his fearsome appearance and reputation, Redbeard sails a fine line between a ruthless treasure hunter and a surprisingly affable pirate, especially when not under the spell of his infamous gold fever. His lineage, tracing back to Spanish ancestors, adds a touch of noble quest to his character as he seeks to reclaim lost family treasures scattered across the Southern Sea.
Over the years, Captain Redbeard's appearance has evolved, but his essence remains unchanged. From his initial guise with the iconic red beard and eyepatch to his more recent incarnations, including an aged version in the LEGO Ideas Pirates of Barracuda Bay set, Redbeard has remained a constant figure in the LEGO universe. This diversity in design showcases the character's enduring appeal and the creative possibilities that LEGO offers.
The sets that have featured Captain Redbeard read like a map to buried treasure, each one a piece of history in the LEGO world. From the Buccaneers set to the Pirates of Barracuda Bay, Redbeard's presence has enriched the LEGO Pirates theme, making it a treasure trove for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Not content with merely commanding the brick seas, Captain Redbeard has also ventured into other realms, from the virtual pitches of Soccer Mania to the chessboard battles of LEGO Chess. His versatility as a character is a testament to the enduring appeal and imaginative potential of LEGO minifigures.
In a fitting tribute to this iconic figure, the LEGO House unveiled a giant brick-built figure of Captain Redbeard in 2023, cementing his status as a legend in the LEGO universe. This honor highlights the special place Captain Redbeard holds in the hearts of LEGO fans and the rich history of the Pirates theme.
The Captain Redbeard Minifigures
His journey from the original swashbuckling minifigure to his most recent appearances showcases the evolution of LEGO design and the enduring appeal of this iconic character.
Minifigure pi055 has appeared in 14 sets.
Captain Redbeard first appeared with the launch of the LEGO Pirates theme. Characterized by his namesake red beard, a classic pirate hat adorned with a skull and crossbones, a hook for a hand, and a wooden peg leg, this minifigure broke new ground in LEGO design. His face, detailed with an eyepatch and a rugged smile, added personality to LEGO characters like never before. Throughout the 1990s, Redbeard appeared in various sets, maintaining his iconic look with minor updates to his torso printing and accessories, reflecting the different adventures and roles he played within the Pirates theme. These variations kept the core elements consistent, such as his red beard and pirate attire, while occasionally introducing different facial expressions or additional accessories like maps and swords.
Minifigure pi002 has appeared in 1 set.
A notable variant came with the LEGO Studios theme, where Redbeard was portrayed as an actor in a pirate movie. This version saw him without his signature skull and crossbones hat decoration and brown epaulettes, offering a "behind-the-scenes" take on the character. The set 1411 LEGO Studios Pirates Treasure Hunt is part of the LEGO Studios line, which was introduced in the early 2000s. The Studios theme focused on the movie-making process, with sets designed to look like film sets, allowing builders to create their own LEGO movies. Set 1411, the "Pirates Treasure Hunt," was a small promotional polybag set released in 2001. It was designed to complement the larger pirate-themed sets within the Studios line, providing additional characters and props for creating pirate movie scenes.
(Redbeard reimage possibly)
Minifigure as pi148 has appeared in 1 set.
Is the Pirate captain from the 2015 LEGO Pirates The Brick Bounty (70413) really the infamous Captain Redbeard? While the pirate captain featured in the 2015 LEGO Pirates set "The Brick Bounty" (70413) is often associated with Captain Redbeard due to his role as a pirate captain and his visual similarities to the iconic character. However, this minifigure is not explicitly identified as Captain Redbeard in official LEGO materials related to the set. The 2015 pirate captain has a distinct appearance with a red beard, but he also has unique characteristics that differentiate him from the classic Captain Redbeard minifigure, such as a different facial expression and attire.
Minifigure idea065 has appeared in 1 set.
In 2020, Captain Redbeard was rejuvenated with the LEGO Ideas set 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay. This set paid homage to the original Pirates theme and featured an aged Captain Redbeard, complete with a more detailed beard, a weathered hat, and a nostalgic yet updated look that resonated with long-time fans and new builders alike. The tale suggests that we're seeing an older version of Redbeard, as indicated by the greying of his beard. It's worth noting the pirate captain from the 2015 Pirates theme, whose torso bore a striking resemblance to the original, though his facial features didn't quite capture the essence of our beloved captain.
Captain Redbeard's LEGO Legacy: A Voyage in Sets
Throughout the storied history of LEGO Pirates, Captain Redbeard has been a stalwart presence, his visage gracing an array of sets that have ignited the imaginations of countless enthusiasts. Each set in which he has appeared not only contributed to the lore of LEGO's high seas but also showcased the evolution of LEGO design and storytelling.
The journey begins with the iconic Black Seas Barracuda (6285-1) in 1989, the flagship that first introduced Captain Redbeard to the world. This set became a cornerstone of the Pirates theme, embodying the spirit of adventure and piracy that would define the entire series. The Black Seas Barracuda was more than just a ship; it was a treasure trove of stories waiting to be told, with Captain Redbeard at the helm of every tale.
As the years sailed by, Captain Redbeard's adventures expanded with sets like the Skull's Eye Schooner (6286-1) in 1993, showcasing the ever-evolving design and complexity of LEGO sets. This vessel, with its imposing sails and formidable cannons, served as a worthy successor to the Black Seas Barracuda, cementing Redbeard's reputation as the undisputed king of the LEGO seas.
The turn of the millennium saw Captain Redbeard's legacy revisited in the re-release of the Black Seas Barracuda (10040-1) in 2002, under the LEGENDS series, allowing a new generation of LEGO enthusiasts to partake in the classic pirate adventures. This reissue paid homage to the original, preserving the essence of the classic pirate era while introducing modern LEGO fans to the legend of Redbeard.
In 2020, the Pirates of Barracuda Bay (21322-1) set sailed into the hearts of fans, part of the LEGO Ideas series. This set was a nostalgic ode to the original pirate theme, reimagining the Black Seas Barracuda in a shipwrecked state, marooned on a deserted island. This set not only honored Captain Redbeard's enduring legacy but also demonstrated LEGO's commitment to its fan base, blending classic themes with new storytelling techniques.
Throughout these and other sets like the Buccaneers (6204-1), Cross Bone Clipper (6250-1), and the various fortresses and hideouts like Eldorado Fortress (6276-1) and Rock Island Refuge (6273-1), Captain Redbeard's presence has been a constant, guiding star. Each set tells a part of his story, from daring raids on Imperial strongholds to treasure hunts on remote islands.
In 2023, Captain Redbeard was celebrated with the release of "40504 A Minifigure Tribute," a LEGO House exclusive. This special edition, the fourth in its series, features a large-scale model of the iconic pirate from the Black Seas Barracuda. Available exclusively at The LEGO House in Billund, Denmark, from March 1, 2023, this tribute highlights the enduring legacy of Captain Redbeard in the world of LEGO. For those unable to voyage to Denmark, secondary markets like eBay and Bricklink offer a chance to acquire this unique piece.
Captain Redbeard's saga, as told through these LEGO sets, is a testament to the enduring appeal of storytelling through building. Each brick, each set, and each adventure contribute to the tapestry of tales that make the LEGO Pirates theme a beloved classic. As we build and play, we keep the spirit of Captain Redbeard alive, a reminder of the endless possibilities that await on the high seas of imagination.
The sets that shaped the legend
Buccaneers 6204 in 1997
Cross Bone Clipper 6250 in 1997
Pirate Minifigures 6251 in 1989
Lagoon Lock-Up 6267 in 1991
Forbidden Island 6270 in 1989
Rock Island Refuge 6273 in 1991
Eldorado Fortress 6276 in 1989
Skull Island 6279 in 1995
Black Seas Barracuda 6285 in 1989
Skull's Eye Schooner 6286 in 1993
Red Beard Runner 6289 in 1996
Red Beard Runner 6290 in 2001
Pirate’s Treasure Hunt 1411 in 2001
Black Seas Barracuda 10040 in 2002
Pirates of Barracuda Bay 21322 in 2020
A Minifigure Tribute 40504 in 2023
Captain Redbeard's Adventures
Captain Redbeard's legacy extends beyond the high seas of LEGO sets and into the digital realm, where he's made notable appearances in video games and even a cameo in "The LEGO Movie." In "Soccer Mania," he takes on the role of an antagonist, leading a pirate crew that challenges the player to a match against the Pirate Skeletons team in exchange for crucial information. His involvement doesn't end there; he later serves as the goalkeeper for the Tricorner Pirates and ultimately joins the Intergalactic team as a defender in the game's finale.
His digital adventures continue in "LEGO Chess," where he leads the pirate-themed red team and faces off against his old foe, Admiral Woodhouse, in a strategic battle of wits. The game's narrative sees Redbeard attempting to pilfer a treasure map, leading to a series of confrontations that highlight his cunning yet humorous character. In "LEGO Racers," Redbeard showcases his versatility by swapping the pirate ship for a racing car, becoming a circuit champion whose preferred weapon, fittingly, is the cannonball attack. His brief appearance in "The LEGO Movie" adds a touch of nostalgia, reminding fans of his enduring presence in the LEGO universe. Through these appearances, Captain Redbeard not only cements his status as a beloved character but also demonstrates the expansive nature of LEGO's storytelling.
A Tale of Two Bearded LEGO Captains
Ahoy, me hearties! Gather 'round and lend an ear, for I've a tale of two captains, as different as the calm and the stormy sea, yet bound by the spirit of the seven LEGO seas. Captain Redbeard, the old salt, and Captain Brickbeard, the newer buccaneer on the block, be the heart and soul of many a pirate tale.
In the grand tapestry of LEGO's pirate-themed adventures, two captains stand out: the venerable Captain Redbeard and the somewhat newer Captain Brickbeard. Their stories, while distinct, are interwoven with the same thread of adventure and the quest for treasure that defines the LEGO pirate saga.
Captain Redbeard, with his iconic red beard and battle-hardened demeanor, is a figure of legend, having navigated the LEGO seas for decades. He's the embodiment of the classic pirate, complete with tales of daring escapades and narrow escapes. Then there's Captain Brickbeard, with his striking brick-red beard and a smile that suggests he's as cunning as he is cheerful. He represents a new chapter in LEGO's pirate stories, bringing a fresh wave of adventures to the high seas.
While the two captains may never have shared a storyline or battled it out on the rolling waves, their presence enriches the LEGO pirate world. Captain Redbeard, with his seasoned wisdom and tales of old, and Captain Brickbeard, with his eye always on the horizon for the next big adventure, offer different perspectives on life at sea.
Imagine if these two were to meet. It wouldn't necessarily be a clash of swords but perhaps a meeting of minds, sharing tales of their exploits and maybe even plotting a course to undiscovered treasures. Both captains, each a legend in his own right, continue to inspire LEGO fans with their spirit of adventure, proving that the world of LEGO pirates is as vast and varied as the seas they sail.
As we look back on the adventures of Captain Redbeard, we're reminded of the endless possibilities that LEGO offers to builders and dreamers alike. So, here's to Captain Redbeard—may his legacy continue to inspire generations of LEGO enthusiasts to set sail on their own creative voyages!