Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH Podcast! On this edition, we’re continuing to follow one of the best books on the Comixology Originals line. Red Tag #4 by Rafael Scavone, Roger Cruz, Cris Peter & Bernardo Brice continues to showcase three friends fight to survive after becoming involved in a political conspiracy. Readers are heading to the homestretch now with a big cliffhanger last issue. How do these fare with increasing odds against them? Lets check out the latest issue and find out, shall we?

Red Tag #4 - On Sale June 7th
Creative: Rafael Scavone, Roger Cruz, Cris Peter & Bernardo Brice
Credit: Comixology Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story of Leco, Lis and Lu has escalated rather quickly. After coming into contact with Noronha, a corrupt policeman and a phone filled with information to influence an upcoming election , the trio is now on the radar of Zé Fofinho. Zé Fofinho’s mission is simple: clean up the mess left when Noronha’s phone was compromised. While being on the run, The trio are sending warning messages to Neto, a candidate who opposes the current regime. Information is power and those who have it will try to keep it at all costs.

Last issue, Zé Fofinho kidnapped Leco. This issue, readers jump into see him being tortured by Zé Fofinho, with hopes of getting information on the phones whereabouts. As for the phone, Lis and Lu are trying to get it into hands that will spread the message to the masses. Once they try telling Leco of the news, the pair find out he’s in the hands of Zé Fofinho and an ultimatum is given. How does the trio get out of this situation? Is all their work for nothing? Readers will have that answered plus are left with a final panel that will keep them excited until the final issue drops.

Very solid issue leading into the finale. Scavone really starts to let loose on what Zé Fofinho is capable of. The tension of the situation is built up perfectly as the Zé Fofinho ultimatum is set and the resolution is equally as matched. The series showcases the main friends as risk takers for the right cause. This issue really drives that point home. How they “fight” back against Zé Fofinho during this series has always been creative and this issue has a cool sequence with a few subtle moves that pay off big. Going into the final issue, Scavone has everything all coming together in a way that readers should be very pleased with.

Cruz’s art brought out the best of Zé Fofinho. The torture/interrogation panels are presented bluntly and paint the picture to readers of how ruthless he can be. The use of the red colors during these panels worked well. This is balanced out by the street portion of the story. Action moments pop when they need to for escalating the story. The final panels fit well to close the previous chapters out before heading into what should be an epic conclusion.

Overall, Red Tag #4 keeps the story of fighting corrupt politics moving in the right direction before it concludes this chapter. Scavone and Cruz bring a balanced pace to this issue with Zé Fofinho making moves while being met with counters by Leco, Lis and Lu along the way. Make sure to check this issue out before the conclusion drops next month by heading over to Comixology and checking it out asap!

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Red Tag #4. As always, thanks for reading.

RED TAG #4 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS/STOUT CLUB)

Ken M