Supreme issue 38 came out in April 1996. Jim Valentino did the writing and layouts. Pencils by Joe Bennett. Inked by Norm Rapmund. Lettered by Kurt Hathaway. Eric Stephenson was the editor but did not co-plot. And I have to admit, I kind of am enjoying these silly, energetic covers by Dan Fraga.
The issue starts with Lord Ardath watching the news coverage of the Supremes/Loki fight and tells Balthazar it is time to strike. His plan is to drain Probe's powers the same way he did the other two Supremes' powers so that he's strong enough to fight back against his sister and fix his deformed body or something.
Really, this whole subplot is a subplot too many. Can't we just deal with the Loki nonsense and move on?
Back at the fight, Loki makes Star Guard (including another Probe and Val-En) appear. Enigma wraps the area in an energy bubble to stop anyone else from getting in and Probe tries to explain to Other Probe but as is to be expected with this series, they start fighting.
Ardath and Balthazar show up and walk through the energy bubble (really effective, Enigma). They knock out Val-En and Ardath tells Balthazar says that this is his body. That when Probe took over Val-En's body, Val-En's mind was transported to Other Earth by Loki and given his twisted body. Loki then had him drain Supreme's powers.
Ardath goes to merge with Val-En but something goes wrong and burns up in a shock of blue energy. In a rage, Balthazar blames Probe and goes to attack her, but she instinctively attacks back and mortally wounds Balthazar. Well, that subplot was tied up quickly.
The Supremes beat up on Star Guard until it's just them versus Loki, who transforms into a giant.
Two issues left! And I guess I should touch on the Kid Supreme and Lady Supreme series. Okay, so a little more to go!
