Transmetropolitan: Year of the Bastard

As if he wasn't political enough already, superstar journalist Spider Jerusalem uses this volume to turn party political, and commentate on the presidential elections currently occurring in his futuristic version of the US. Having written columns and a best-selling book about the last election and the circus that surrounds it, he eventually comes to relish the control he has over the opinions of his readers, uncovering dirt on both sides and taking great pride in slinging it around.

This is another personality focused affair, which delves deeper into Spider's psychosis, but also reveals a little more of his sensitive side, especially when his emotions conflict with his hunger to produce a good story. These moments are perhaps where this story finds its peaks.

Again, Robertson helps visualise characters to perfection and appears to particularly enjoy the earthier moments in the storyline. He's also given enough room to create some large single-page set pieces, which provide him with a bit more room to show off his talents. A main cover credit is also given to inker Rodney Ramos who makes a fine job of filling Robertson's gaps with dark swathes of shadow.

This book carries the series along, showing dimension to Jerusalem that reaffirms his position in society, though his ego can also make him blind to the power others can hold. It's a good story with a nice conclusion (read it, you'll see what we mean) and some great set pieces along the way. Add it to your Transmetropolitan collection, read it, and move along.