JLA #20 is an issue of the series JLA (Volume 1) with a cover date of July, 1998.
Synopsis for "Mystery in Space"
Orion and Barda are exploring the Watchtower's trophy room. When Orion examines a confiscated weapon, while ignoring Green Lantern's warnings, he accidentally fires it. Fortunately, the projectile is caught by Superman, who is now back in his more recognizable uniform follow his battle with the Millennium Giants which dispersed his electromagnetic energy. As the Leaguers talk over Superman and Barda and Orion's accommodations, they are suddenly teleported off the Watchtower and are in chains, which keeps their powers inactive. Their captor is Adam Strange, the defender of Rann and is apparently insane. Adam explains to the Leaguers that they are taken away from their Watchtower by Zeta-Beam and are pressed into slavery into rebuilding Rann, which has been left a wasteland, to prepare for the return of his wife Alanna, who previously to have died from giving birth to their daughter. Furthermore, he has enlisted the En'Taran slavers for help enslaving the Rannians and the Leaguers, whose energy chains keeps their powers in check. Initially the Leaguers believe that Strange is likely brainwashed by the En'Tarans, but the Martian Manhunter looked into Strange's minds and confirms that he is indeed insane. However, J'onn doubted that the En'Taran are capable of mental control as they wouldn't bother to be using shackles. The League decide to humor Strange and the En'Tarans until they find a way to escape.
The League used their powers to relieve the Rannians' burdens, however, a slight mistake during construction by Wonder Woman angered Strange, who harshly punished her and Steel to set as an example. That night the League are sent to their cell while being watched by the En'Tarans. Some of the Leaguers are still confused by Strange's insanity in which J'onn explained of Strange's rise to champion of Rann and the loss of his wife badly affected him. The League do know that the Zeta-Beam that took them to Rann is temporarily and will return them to Rann, but they cannot leave the Rannians to Strange's mercy. Nor could they found a trace of Strange's erstwhile ally Sardath, whom Superman have already eavesdropped with his super-senses and believed that the scientist may have left Rann for a long time after Alanna's death. Orion is not taken too well by his imprisonment despite his Mother Box controlling his rage but is restrained and tempered by Wonder Woman.
The Flash finds way to break free by enveloping his speed over himself, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Martian Manhunter, allowing them one second to go after Strange. Just as they confront Adam, they are ambushed by the En'Tarans as they are betrayed by J'onn.
Appearing in "Mystery in Space"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Adam Stange (Flashback and main story)
Antagonists:
- En'Tarans
Other Characters:
- Amazo (As merchandise only)
- Rag Doll (As merchandise only)
- Sardath (Mentioned only)
- Alanna Strange (Flashback and main story) (On a TV or computer screen) (Cameo)
- Aleea Strange (Flashback and main story)
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
Notes
- This issue is reprinted in the JLA: Strength in Numbers trade paperback and the JLA Volume Three trade paperback.
Trivia
- The story is named after Mystery in Space (Volume 1), where Adam Strange originally appeared. He teamed with the Justice League in Mystery in Space #75.
See Also
Recommended Reading
- Justice League Recommended Reading
- Justice League of America (Volume 1)
- Justice League of America (Volume 2)
- Justice League of America (Volume 3)
- Justice League of America (Volume 4)
- Justice League of America (Volume 5)
- JLA (Volume 1)
- Justice League (Volume 1)
- Justice League (Volume 2)
- Justice League (Volume 3)
- Justice League (Volume 4)
- Justice League International (Volume 1)
- Justice League International (Volume 2)
- Justice League International (Volume 3)
- Justice League Europe (Volume 1)
- Justice League America (Volume 1)
- Justice League Task Force (Volume 1)
- Justice League Quarterly (Volume 1)
- Justice League Dark (Volume 1)
- Justice League Dark (Volume 2)
- Extreme Justice (Volume 1)
- Justice League Elite (Volume 1)
- Justice League Odyssey (Volume 1)