When Red Harlow is mentioned by characters in the Redemption games, they’re basically referencing fiction. The story of Red Harlow and his exploits would be myth in the Redemption universe in the same way that Arthur and John are fiction in our world, so the fact that he’s mentioned at all makes no difference. Plus, at the end of the day, it’s just Rockstar referencing one of their games, which is fair enough.

That's just my personal stance. The way people at campfires talk about him certainly feels as though he existed, but he's more of a urban myth than a man, like Davy Crockett.

While Revolver may not be canon, that doesn't mean Red himself isn't canon to the Redemption universe. Lazlow Jones and other characters and brands appear in both the 3D and HD eras of Grand Theft Auto, despite being separate continuities.

It was a funny meme while it lasted, but no.

I still believe that Red Harlow and the other characters are canon to the Redemption universe

@Tesshu I’d also love for Revolver to be canon in some form; Red Harlow is way too cool to fade into noncanon obscurity. But nonetheless, unless R* goes back on those interviews and/or acknowledges his existence in any way, he isn’t cannon.

@Phoenixskull295

Whether or not Red Harlow exists in the Redemption universe is ambiguous. Just because Revolver isn't canon to the Redemption universe doesn't mean the character is also non-canon.

Physically, as a real person, he doesn’t exist in said universe as Rockstar confirmed it as such. However, in the form of tales, stories, urban legend, etc, he does exist in it.

Did R* confirm that he doesn't exist in the Redemption universe? Or just that Revolver isn't canon?

They said that Red Dead Revolver is “in its own universe”, so Red Harlow would be part of that and therefore not in the Redemption universe.

Right. However, going back to my Grand Theft Auto example, many of the same characters appear throughout both the 3D and HD eras of the games such as Lazlow Jones and Fernando Martinez. The band "Love Fist" plays a role in both Vice City and V. Occasional, the radio show's continuity continues the storyline presented in the earlier 3D era.

Despite the differing continuities, they have some of the same characters appear. I don't see why the same case can't be made for Harlow.