I knew it didn't matter what I did. But I had to do something. I had to try to rebuild the walls of my well, or stare into the abyss and go insane. 
Enigma #8 is an issue of the series Enigma (Volume 1) with a cover date of October, 1993.
Synopsis for "Episode 8: Queer"
The Enigma continues to tell Michael aspects of his origins. He recounts the time when he was first retrieved from the Arizona well as an adult and brought to a hospital. The hospital administrators had to restrain him from eating one of the staff members. They tried to help, but the Enigma used his powers to hypnotize them, and left the building of his own accord.
Michael and the Enigma continue driving and the Enigma directs him to a small, run down cemetery where Michael's mother is buried. Her name is nowhere to be found on the marker, but Enigma insists that her remains are in fact buried here. Michael visits the grave and tries to bring closure to this part of his life. He tells the Enigma of his formative years growing up in various orphanages.
Afterward, the Enigma reveals more of his own nature. He tells Michael that after discovering Michael's Enigma comic books in the ruins of his old home, he decided to emulate the title character. In this, he was able to forge some sense of identity. Simply living as the Enigma wasn't enough however, and he needed to recreate the Enigma's gallery of villains. By "throwing his mind" into different people, he was able to force a transmutative effect that turned unsuspecting targets into super-villains from the comic strip.
Titus interrupts their conversation to tell them that the Enigma's mother, Ellen Collins, has found them and is on her way to confront her son. Ellen wants to finish the job that she couldn't manage twenty-five years ago - the murder of her only son. A beastly creature herself now, she feeds on the Enigma's power and will eventually become stronger than him.
This is why the Enigma established a connection with Michael in the first place. By manipulating Michael's mind and personality, the Enigma hoped to absorb some of Michael's passion. If his foe were to sense this passion within him, it might be enough to stave off her desire to kill her son. Michael is furious to discover this. He despises the idea of having his behavior and sexuality altered to suit the Enigma's needs. The Enigma offers to return him to normal, but Michael declines. Despite it all, he likes the person that he has now become. Enigma now fears that his mother will destroy him. Titus interjects the notion that by offering to return Michael to the way he was before, he demonstrated compassion and humanity. Perhaps this will be enough to empower the Enigma for the coming struggle.
The monstrous Ellen Collins arrives in the middle of the field ready for the coming battle. The Enigma, Michael Smith and Titus Bird join hands and walk forward to meet their destiny.
Appearing in "Episode 8: Queer"
Featured Characters:
- Enigma (Flashback and main story)
- Michael Smith
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
Other Characters:
- Victor Lamont (Flashback only)
- Doug Moon (Single appearance)
Locations:
- Arizona (Flashback only)
- California
Items:
Vehicles:
Notes
- This issue is reprinted in the Enigma trade paperback.
- Issue shipped on September 28th, 1993.
- Final issue of the series. Final appearance of all characters.