JLA Annual #4 is an issue of the series JLA Annual (Volume 1) with a cover date of August, 2000.
Synopsis for Planet DC - "On Call"
General Anka Kazim wishes to restore Turkey to its former glorious world power status, and enlists the help of the demon Iblis to do so. He had only intended to become Turkey's president, but the demon suggest that he should rule a new Ottoman empire instead. In return, the demon will inhabit the general's body for a time until he can gain possession of another body, that of Turkey's national hero: the Janissary.
Suddenly, a large fiery Jinn appear in each major city in Turkey, bringing with them hordes of undead Ottoman soldiers. Not only does the Janissary, armed with a sword and a book of spells, intervene, but so does the JLA - Aquaman, Batman, Green Lantern and Wonder Woman acting as field troops, with the Martian Manhunter coordinating from the JLA Watchtower.
Batman discovers General Kazim's location, while the others prevent the destruction of the Ataturk Dam. They then travel, along with the Janissary to Kazim's location, where Iblis is revealed to them, proving to be a match for even the Olympic gods-imbued power of Wonder Woman. In order to call off the demon's attacks on Turkey, Janissary surrenders her body to the demon, who then becomes even more powerful with the addition of her own mystical might. However, the Janissary is able to retain some control, and at the urging of Batman, is able to expel the demon by bowing to Allah, an act of humility which is anathema to Iblis, who was cast out from heaven for refusing to do the same.
Janissary is invited by Aquaman to join the JLA, but declines in order to concentrate her attentions on her own country.
Appearing in Planet DC - "On Call"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Janissary(First appearance)
Antagonists:
- Iblis (First appearance)
- General Anka Kazim (First appearance)
- Etrigan
Other Characters:
- Olhan
- Periham Hanim
- Latif, Asmet
Locations:
- Earth's Moon
- Turkey
- Batman
- Ankara
- Ankara Numune Hastanesi
- Malatya
- İzmit
Items:
- Green Lantern Ring
- Lasso of Truth
- Scimitar of Suleiman the Magnificent
- Eternity Book of Merlin
Vehicles:
- None
Synopsis for "Ruins"
The sun is setting on the Ottoman Empire of Suleiman the Magnificent, and his adviser Merloch reveals himself as Merlin the magician, explaining the reason for the empire's decline. The demon named Etrigan has been campaigning constantly through history to bring empire after empire to ruins while Merlin fights to support them. This time he fears he will truly lose, even losing his book of spells to the demon. He encourages Suleiman to set up an Excalibur-type situation, burying his scimitar with Merlin's book deep into stone, only to be removed by a noble man.
Four and a half centuries later, Red Crescent doctor Selma Tolon is trapped underground in the process of bringing aid to the victims of a catastrophic earthquake. She discovers the scimitar and removes it, using the power imbued in both it and the book of spells to become the Janissary and guard her country, an early act being to save the life of the Turkish president. This brings her to the attention of both General Kazim and of Etrigan, who is determined to get his hands on the book of spells.
Appearing in "Ruins"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Olhan
Antagonists:
- General Anka Kazim
- Etrigan
Other Characters:
- Merlin
- Suleiman the Magnificent
Locations:
Items:
- Scimitar of Suleiman the Magnificent
- Eternity Book of Merlin
Vehicles:
- None
Notes
- This issue is reprinted in The DC Universe by Brian K. Vaughan.
See Also