House of Mystery #266

The cover of this March 1979 DC anthology says it all — a horned demon crouches in a swirl of flame, pressing a glowing mystic sword into the hands of a kneeling young man, while a menacing armored swordsman looms nearby, ready to test the blade's dark promise. Luis Dominguez's cover art delivers that signature House of Mystery chill, teasing the featured tale "Demon Blade!" with just enough dread to make you wonder whether the sword is truly a gift or a curse. At 40 cents, this issue is a fine snapshot of DC's late-'70s horror anthology at its atmospheric best.