Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast. For this edition, we’re checking out the next installment from a very cool book from Comixology Originals. Their line has been producing quality reads each issue and Red Tag is no exception. Red Tag #2 by Rafael Scavone, Rafael Albuquerque, Roger Cruz, Cris Peter & Bernardo Brice for Stout Club continues the saga of Lis (aka Lisa), Lu (aka Luciana) and Leco (aka Leandro), who fought back against a bad situation but have now become caught up in a political plot that is more than anyone had bargained for. Let’s check out the latest issue, shall we?

Red Tag #2 - On Sale April 5th
Creative: Rafael Scavone, Rafael Albuquerque, Roger Cruz, Cris Peter & Bernardo Brice
Credit: Comixology Originals/Stout Club

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The issue is driven around an emergence of a dangerous character who’s sent to deal with the fallout of the three friends actions. Ze Fofinho has arrived on the scene and is looking for Noronha, who’s stolen phone has been the match to this powder keg situation. Last issue, his phone was stolen in retaliation to what he did to an innocent man. With what was on that phone, there are major ramifications if that information is in the wrong hands. Currently, those hands belong to Lis, Lu, and Leco.

While this is going on, Neto has emerged as a character of interest. Neto is running in the elections and promising major reforms that people in power don’t want to see. This is made evident when the 3 friends uncover plans to eliminate Neto. They make a bold statement that doesn’t go unseen. Meanwhile, readers get to see what Ze is fully capable of and leaves a lasting impression heading into issue #3.

Scavone & Albuquerque have something special going on with the story they’re crafting with Red Tag. This issue had great pacing and really gave some insight on the character of Ze. Readers get a great picture of how ruthless his character is and foreshadowing what’s to come. The slow build of what the friends have uncovered is another layer to what clicks with this story and issue. Throwing in Neto”s story was a great addition to the book as well. Each arc had enough time to tell what it needed to and keep you engaged right to the end of the issue.

Cruz’s art crushes this issue as well. The biggest stand out point is when the “heroes” are ready to make their move” in the latter half of the issue. How Cruz (& Peter) make the red in the panels pop is a very cool visual. It gives, in a unique sense, a heroic vibe to that point in the story. Everything else from Ze & Noronha’s exchanges to Neto’s moments were presented very strong.

Overall, Red Tag #2 continues it’s story with fantastic storytelling and art. The issue breaks down a great deal about the characters involved while ramping up the tension going into the next issue. If this isn’t on your comic radar, fix that asap! There’s a lot to enjoy from this book!

Hit me up on Twitter & let me know what you thought of Red Tag #2. As always, Thanks for reading!

RED TAG #2 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGNALS/STOUT CLUB)

Ken M