In the shocking conclusion to the 6-part ''Year of the Bastard,'' outlaw journalist Spider Jerusalem cracks the secret of the mysterious Vice-Presidential candidate. It may well be his finest moment as a reporter, but Spider's expose will lead to a horrific--and very personal--climax.

Year of the Bastard, Part 6.

Spider begins practicing investigative journalism, something that is virtually unknown in the society he lives in. After he finds proof of his suspicions, he decides to confront the Smiler. Channon returns after discovering that life as a nun in the Church of Fred Christ wasn't particularly fulfilling, plus she's dug up some great dirt on The Smiler's campaign.. After confronting the Smiler, the Smiler's approval rating plummets and it seems like his campaign is over. Then, Spider's good friend Vita Severn, the Smiler's political director, is assassinated on live television. The Smiler's approval rating consequently gets a huge sympathy boost.