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DC Finest: Horror: The Devil's Doorway
Step through The Devil’s Doorway and into a haunting collection of DC Finest’s most spine-tingling horror stories!
Prepare to enter a world of shadows, mystery, and the supernatural in DC Finest: The Devil’s Doorway. This collection features bone-chilling tales from House of Secrets, House of Mystery, The Witching Hour, The Phantom Stranger, and The Unexpected. Discover the eerie origins of Abel and his infamous House, witness Johnny Peril’s harrowing encounters, and explore cursed artifacts, haunted mansions, and demonic forces that defy explanation.
From the masterful storytelling of Len Wein, Neal Adams, Alex Toth, and Bernie Wrightson, these tales showcase DC’s talent for weaving horror and suspense into unforgettable narratives. With tales that are as timeless as they are terrifying, The Devil’s Doorway is an essential addition to the DC Finest library.
DC Finest continues, a major publishing initiative presenting comprehensive collections of the most in-demand and celebrated periods in DC Comics history, spanning genres, characters, and eras!
This volume collects stories from House of Secrets #81-85, House of Mystery #180-185, The Phantom Stranger #5, The Witching Hour #3-7, and The Unexpected #113-117.
Prepare to enter a world of shadows, mystery, and the supernatural in DC Finest: The Devil’s Doorway. This collection features bone-chilling tales from House of Secrets, House of Mystery, The Witching Hour, The Phantom Stranger, and The Unexpected. Discover the eerie origins of Abel and his infamous House, witness Johnny Peril’s harrowing encounters, and explore cursed artifacts, haunted mansions, and demonic forces that defy explanation.
From the masterful storytelling of Len Wein, Neal Adams, Alex Toth, and Bernie Wrightson, these tales showcase DC’s talent for weaving horror and suspense into unforgettable narratives. With tales that are as timeless as they are terrifying, The Devil’s Doorway is an essential addition to the DC Finest library.
DC Finest continues, a major publishing initiative presenting comprehensive collections of the most in-demand and celebrated periods in DC Comics history, spanning genres, characters, and eras!
This volume collects stories from House of Secrets #81-85, House of Mystery #180-185, The Phantom Stranger #5, The Witching Hour #3-7, and The Unexpected #113-117.
560 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2025
About the author
Gerry Conway
2,115 books90 followersGerard Francis Conway (Gerard F. Conway) wass an American writer of comic books and television shows. He was known for co-creating the Marvel Comics' vigilante the Punisher and scripting the death of the character Gwen Stacy during his long run on The Amazing Spider-Man. At DC Comics, he was known for co-creating the superhero Firestorm and others, and for writing the Justice League of America for eight years. Conway wrote the first major, modern-day intercompany crossover, Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man.
On April 27, 2026, Marvel Comics announced on its website and social media accounts that Conway had died at the age of 73.
News of Conway's death from Wikipedia
On April 27, 2026, Marvel Comics announced on its website and social media accounts that Conway had died at the age of 73.
News of Conway's death from Wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 9, 2026
Great collection of these Silver/Bronze Age DC horror comics. Fun reads. Recommended
September 20, 2025
I enjoy these late 60’s/early 70’s “horror” comics. They’re actually closer to a written version of “The Twilight Zone”—ironic, twist endings. Nothing very scary but very entertaining!
December 24, 2025
This book collects a number of DC's horror anthology titles; namely House of Mystery, House of Secrets, The Witching Hour, and The Unexpected; right at the turn from the Silver Age to the Bronze Age (1969-1970). The adoption of the Comics Code Authority in 1954 basically killed horror comics and led to the "safer" focus on family-friendly superhero comics. By the end of the 60s, artists and readers alike were getting tired of the Code's restrictions, and there was an appetite for a return to the classic horror anthologies of the Golden Age.
These four titles all basically follow the same formula, with 'horror hosts' (Cain for House of Mysteries, his brother Abel in House of Secrets, the three witches in The Witching Hour, and the Mad Mod Witch in Unexpected) introducing short stories and providing some narrative identity to the book through their framing devices. Readers are probably familiar with Cain and Abel from Neil Gaiman's Sandman, and it's cool to see them here developing their mean-spirited chemistry. Despite this nostalgic callback to pre-Code horror titles, however, the presence of the Code still looms over the stories. I wouldn't describe any as particularly scary (most following a formula of ironic comeuppances aping the Twilight Zone), and those that lean more towards horror will often have the horror host pop in at the end to tell the reader that the bad guys got arrested and good triumphed over evil, all in line with Code mandates. (This reminded me of the weird tonal shift at the end of Psycho.)
What's good here is not so much the stories, but the art. This is a real who's who of artists (Alex Toth, Bernie Wrightson, Al Williamson, etc.) who are free in this anthology format to really experiment stylistically. There's some pages here that are absolutely tremendous, popping with psychedelic colors and innovative layout designs. It's just a shame the cheesy stories don't live up to the artwork.
Altogether, this is probably mostly interesting to people interested in comics history, as it is a snapshot of a transition between two "periods" in comics history (not unlike Batman: Red Skies). Again, I wish the DC: Finest collections included some contextualizing essays or introductions, especially for these lesser-known works that have a lot of behind-the-scenes interest.
These four titles all basically follow the same formula, with 'horror hosts' (Cain for House of Mysteries, his brother Abel in House of Secrets, the three witches in The Witching Hour, and the Mad Mod Witch in Unexpected) introducing short stories and providing some narrative identity to the book through their framing devices. Readers are probably familiar with Cain and Abel from Neil Gaiman's Sandman, and it's cool to see them here developing their mean-spirited chemistry. Despite this nostalgic callback to pre-Code horror titles, however, the presence of the Code still looms over the stories. I wouldn't describe any as particularly scary (most following a formula of ironic comeuppances aping the Twilight Zone), and those that lean more towards horror will often have the horror host pop in at the end to tell the reader that the bad guys got arrested and good triumphed over evil, all in line with Code mandates. (This reminded me of the weird tonal shift at the end of Psycho.)
What's good here is not so much the stories, but the art. This is a real who's who of artists (Alex Toth, Bernie Wrightson, Al Williamson, etc.) who are free in this anthology format to really experiment stylistically. There's some pages here that are absolutely tremendous, popping with psychedelic colors and innovative layout designs. It's just a shame the cheesy stories don't live up to the artwork.
Altogether, this is probably mostly interesting to people interested in comics history, as it is a snapshot of a transition between two "periods" in comics history (not unlike Batman: Red Skies). Again, I wish the DC: Finest collections included some contextualizing essays or introductions, especially for these lesser-known works that have a lot of behind-the-scenes interest.
June 27, 2026
DC horror comics from this period (1969 - 1970) weren't exactly scary. The stories that appeared in "House of Mystery," "House of Secrets," "The Unexpected" and "The Witching Hour" didn't have the visceral impact of EC's pre-code horror comics. They didn't have the sex-appeal of Warren's black-and-white horror magazines of the time. As cute as Cynthia of "The Witching Hour" was, she couldn't compete with Vampirella.
But what DC'S horror titles did have was great artwork, in color, by some of the best comic book artists of the time: Neal Adams, Gil Kane, Bernie Wrightson, Alex Toth, Jerry Grandenetti, Al Williamson and others.
They also had delightful horror hosts--who often were involved in their own stories in between the stories they weaved for their readers. Rival brothers Cain and Abel (whose rivalry goes back a long way). The witches Mildred and Mordred--who revel in their witchy ugliness--and their Mod step-sister Cynthia, who totally rocks a black minidress and matching go-go boots. And then there's the Mad Mod Witch who hosts "The Unexpected" and seems to be a hybrid of Mordred and Cynthia.
Most of the stories in this volume wouldn't frighten a five-year old. But that's not to say that the stories aren't entertaining. Among my favorites in this collection are: ". . .And in a Far-Off Land!" (a sword and sorcery adventure), "The Siren of Satan" (Egyptian mummy tale), "Don't Move It!" (the origin of the House of Secrets--a spooky old house that seems to have a mind of its own), "Sole Survivor" (a cruel sea-captain shipwrecked), "The Beautiful Beast" (terror in a swamp) and "Second Choice" (more sword and sorcery).
If you're looking for R-rated horror there are other comic book collections out there that will satisfy that craving. But for horror that's more spooky fun than edge-of-your-seat terror, this is a welcome addition to the DC Finest library.
But what DC'S horror titles did have was great artwork, in color, by some of the best comic book artists of the time: Neal Adams, Gil Kane, Bernie Wrightson, Alex Toth, Jerry Grandenetti, Al Williamson and others.
They also had delightful horror hosts--who often were involved in their own stories in between the stories they weaved for their readers. Rival brothers Cain and Abel (whose rivalry goes back a long way). The witches Mildred and Mordred--who revel in their witchy ugliness--and their Mod step-sister Cynthia, who totally rocks a black minidress and matching go-go boots. And then there's the Mad Mod Witch who hosts "The Unexpected" and seems to be a hybrid of Mordred and Cynthia.
Most of the stories in this volume wouldn't frighten a five-year old. But that's not to say that the stories aren't entertaining. Among my favorites in this collection are: ". . .And in a Far-Off Land!" (a sword and sorcery adventure), "The Siren of Satan" (Egyptian mummy tale), "Don't Move It!" (the origin of the House of Secrets--a spooky old house that seems to have a mind of its own), "Sole Survivor" (a cruel sea-captain shipwrecked), "The Beautiful Beast" (terror in a swamp) and "Second Choice" (more sword and sorcery).
If you're looking for R-rated horror there are other comic book collections out there that will satisfy that craving. But for horror that's more spooky fun than edge-of-your-seat terror, this is a welcome addition to the DC Finest library.
September 16, 2025
A medio camino entre la excelencia de los cómics EC y la franca mediocridad en la que se movían la mayoría de las veces los magazines de la Warren, esta colección de historias destaca por dos cosas: el carisma de los anfitriones y la altísima calidad de muchos de los dibujantes que las ilustran.
En cuanto a la primera de estas cuestiones, resulta todo un acierto el hecho de que Caín, Abel y las brujas no se limiten a presentar los relatos, sino que participen activamente en ellos, ya sea como personajes o como protagonistas de las historias-marco en las que se insertan. Yo, personalmente, siento debilidad por el engañosamente afable y cobardica Abel, pero todos ellos son ciertamente interesantes.
Y los ilustradores... Gil Kane, Neal Adams, Bernie Wrightson, ¡¡Alex Toth!!... y también otros grandes, como Dick Dillin o Pat Boyette, que solo deslucen si los comparamos con los enormes historietistas anteriormente citados. En cuanto a las historias, suelen tener el giro irónico final característico de los cómics EC, lo que es un plus, pero no están a la altura de las gloriosas ilustraciones que las plasman en imágenes. Aun así, la mayoría se dejan leer con agrado.
En definitiva, otro gran título que añadir a esta imprescindible línea de clásicos que es DC Finest. Muy, muy recomendable.
En cuanto a la primera de estas cuestiones, resulta todo un acierto el hecho de que Caín, Abel y las brujas no se limiten a presentar los relatos, sino que participen activamente en ellos, ya sea como personajes o como protagonistas de las historias-marco en las que se insertan. Yo, personalmente, siento debilidad por el engañosamente afable y cobardica Abel, pero todos ellos son ciertamente interesantes.
Y los ilustradores... Gil Kane, Neal Adams, Bernie Wrightson, ¡¡Alex Toth!!... y también otros grandes, como Dick Dillin o Pat Boyette, que solo deslucen si los comparamos con los enormes historietistas anteriormente citados. En cuanto a las historias, suelen tener el giro irónico final característico de los cómics EC, lo que es un plus, pero no están a la altura de las gloriosas ilustraciones que las plasman en imágenes. Aun así, la mayoría se dejan leer con agrado.
En definitiva, otro gran título que añadir a esta imprescindible línea de clásicos que es DC Finest. Muy, muy recomendable.
October 21, 2025
I wouldn't say this collection is that horrifying, most are fairly tame scooby dooish type of spooky short stories spread over different titles from 1969-70, featuring the house of mystery, house of secrets, tales of the unexpected and the witching hour. They are entertaining enough, but not particularly frightful. Writers include a whose who of the comics era of the time. Gerry Conway, Marv Wolfman, Len Wein to name a few.
I think the biggest draw of the collection is the art. Some phenomenal artistry is to be found here by the likes of Alex Toth and Neal Adams, the covers and interiors are so moody, atmospheric, and just so good.
Overall the stories I'd give 3 stars overall on average, they are entertaining engaging, some better than others, (one of my favourites is the moby dick type spin of a story by Robert Kanigher) but not really as spooky as I'd like, (and I don't like em too horrifying, but these are clearly written with kids in mind) and they do get better towards the end.
The art is a easy 5stars, so 4 stars is a fair assessment. Recommended.
I think the biggest draw of the collection is the art. Some phenomenal artistry is to be found here by the likes of Alex Toth and Neal Adams, the covers and interiors are so moody, atmospheric, and just so good.
Overall the stories I'd give 3 stars overall on average, they are entertaining engaging, some better than others, (one of my favourites is the moby dick type spin of a story by Robert Kanigher) but not really as spooky as I'd like, (and I don't like em too horrifying, but these are clearly written with kids in mind) and they do get better towards the end.
The art is a easy 5stars, so 4 stars is a fair assessment. Recommended.
June 23, 2026
Read 23 June 2026
This collected anthology takes full issues of many paranormal DC magazines between 1969 and 1970.
To an adult today, the stories are a bit tame, but you've got to remember the target audience, and an audience of 50 years or so ago.
The stories may be tame, but the ideas and plots are strong. So many stories can easily be adapted to enthrall today's adult audience.
The magazines included in this edition are House of Mystery (obvs!), House of Secrets, The Witching Hour, Unexpected and a sole issue of The Phantom Stranger. 7/10
Scoring: 0 bad; 1-3 poor; 4-6 average; 7-9 good; 10 excellent
This collected anthology takes full issues of many paranormal DC magazines between 1969 and 1970.
To an adult today, the stories are a bit tame, but you've got to remember the target audience, and an audience of 50 years or so ago.
The stories may be tame, but the ideas and plots are strong. So many stories can easily be adapted to enthrall today's adult audience.
The magazines included in this edition are House of Mystery (obvs!), House of Secrets, The Witching Hour, Unexpected and a sole issue of The Phantom Stranger. 7/10
Scoring: 0 bad; 1-3 poor; 4-6 average; 7-9 good; 10 excellent
November 1, 2025
I remeber seeing covers for this comics either on the shelf or in house ads at the time and they definitely looked creepy or scary. I found most of these stories boring. I'm not even sure as a kid I would've found them scary. The covers look great, though.
April 26, 2026
This book has plenty of gorgeous pages from Alex Toth and Neal Adams, but is a bit of a wash in terms of writing. It’s interesting to see Berni Wrightson take his first professional steps. I’m fond of several other artists—Boyette and Grandenetti in particular are offbeat enough to hold my interest. Stories really haven’t aged well.
December 7, 2025
The stories and vignettes sometimes leave something to be desired, but this period of the art in DC's horror comics was truly amazing.
January 12, 2026
The stories felt cheesy due to the restrictions by the Comics Code Authority but the art was a standout and the Twilight Zone vibes were there to make this worth reading. Covers 1969-1970.
April 9, 2026
1.5. Not for me.
April 26, 2026
A solid anthology of classic tales.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews