The Witching Hour #79

Published by DC Comics in 1978, The Witching Hour #79 emerged during the twilight years of the Bronze Age of comics, a period defined by a decline in the popularity of anthology horror titles. Following the strict oversight of the Comics Code Authority, which had stifled the gruesome imagery of the 1950s, this series navigated the creative constraints by focusing on gothic atmosphere, psychological dread, and the recurring editorial presence of three witch sisters—Mildred, Mordred, and Cynthia—who served as the series' narrators.

The issue features artwork and storytelling characteristic of the DC supernatural stable, which relied on a revolving door of talented illustrators and writers like Sheldon Mayer or Alex Niño to maintain a distinct, eerie aesthetic. While titles like The Witching Hour were beloved by a dedicated subset of readers for their commitment to classic macabre tropes, they struggled to compete with the rising tide of superhero dominance, leading to the series' eventual cancellation shortly after this era. It remains a notable example of the final sustained efforts to keep the traditional horror anthology format viable in the mainstream market.