New Releases by David Finch

In a world that equates productivity with worth, where the clock becomes a tyrant and the calendar a prison, the call to rest sounds almost heretical. Yet, in the quiet of a Sunday morning, when the air is still and the world has paused, something stirs in the soul—a longing for something more than busyness. This is the heartbeat of *Sabbath Is Not Optional: Rest as a Christian Discipline*. The book begins not with a theological argument or a historical survey, but with a story. That of Miriam, a nurse working 60-hour weeks, who found herself exhausted not by the labor itself, but by the absence of rest. She discovered that her spiritual life was fraying at the edges, and it wasn’t until she began to reclaim one day a week for God, family, and reflection that she began to heal. Her story is a microcosm of a larger truth: in a culture that glorifies constant motion, rest is not a luxury—it is a necessity. The biblical foundation of Sabbath is often misunderstood, reduced to a rule of law or an obligation of faith. But a deeper look reveals that it is an act of worship, a divine invitation to align with the rhythm of creation. In the Genesis account, God sets the pattern: six days of work, one day of rest. But this is not merely a schedule—it is a revelation. The Sabbath is God’s gift to humanity, a day to step away from the machinery of life and reorient toward the sacred. It is not about idleness, but about intentionality, about creating space for God to speak. This is why the Israelites were commanded to observe the Sabbath not just for personal renewal, but for the integrity of their community. A people without rest becomes a people without vision, without discernment, without the capacity to love. The ancient rabbis understood this. In the Talmud, they wrote that the Sabbath is the first gift God gave to Israel, a sign of their covenant. But beyond the Jewish tradition, the concept of Sabbath shaped Christian practice from the earliest centuries. The early Church, while not always in conflict with the Roman calendar, found in the weekly cycle a way to model Christ’s rest after His work. The apostle Paul, though a man on the move, understood the necessity of retreat. In 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, he refers to a collection taken on the first day of the week, but this was not a day of work—it was a day of communal worship and shared rest. The idea of the Lord's Day as a day of remembrance and renewal was not an afterthought but a foundational practice. Yet, in modern times, this rhythm has eroded. The rise of industrialization, the acceleration of technology, and the commodification of time have all conspired to make rest seem indulgent. We live in an age where even our leisure is scheduled, consumed, and sold back to us. The result is a spiritual exhaustion that goes beyond fatigue—it is a disconnection from the very God we claim to follow. The book does not shy away from this reality. Instead, it confronts it with a question: What if the busyness we embrace is not a sign of faith but a symptom of spiritual confusion? This book is not a call to laziness or idleness. It is a call to radical faithfulness. Through the stories of everyday Christians, the historical lens of sacred rest, and the scriptural foundation of the Sabbath, readers will see that rest is not the opposite of work—it is its complement. The book explores how the early Church navigated the tension between work and rest, how monastic traditions preserved the discipline of Sabbath, and how modern Christians might reclaim it in a world that resists it. Each chapter unfolds with a personal narrative, a historical reflection, and a practical insight, drawing the reader into a deeper understanding of what it means to rest in God. Take the story of Elijah, for example. After a fierce confrontation with the prophets of Baal, he flees into the wilderness, weary and discouraged. On Mount Horeb, he hears a still, small voice—not in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in the silence. This moment is not just a divine encounter—it is an invitation to rest. Elijah had been in relentless motion, fighting battles, confronting false prophets, and leading a people in crisis. Yet only in the stillness did he find clarity. This is a pattern that echoes through Scripture: God often meets us not in the storm, but in the stillness. The Sabbath is the space where that stillness can be cultivated. But the Sabbath is not only a personal discipline—it is a social one. In the Old Testament, the Sabbath was not just for individuals but for the community. Slaves, animals, and even the land were to rest. This was a radical idea in the ancient world, where labor was often exploited and the poor were left without respite. The Sabbath challenged the systems of oppression and called for a society where all could breathe, reflect, and be renewed. This is a powerful message for today, where inequality and overwork are rampant. The book argues that our obsession with productivity not only harms us individually but also widens the chasm between the privileged and the marginalized. To reclaim the Sabbath is to begin to heal not only ourselves but the world around us. As the book develops, it draws on the wisdom of theologians and mystics, from Augustine to John Calvin, who saw rest as a form of spiritual discipline. Augustine, in his *Confessions*, speaks of the soul’s need to find its rest in God. Calvin, in his *Institutes of the Christian Religion*, emphasized the Sabbath as a means of keeping the church focused on spiritual priorities rather than worldly distractions. These voices, though centuries apart, echo the same truth: without rest, we cannot truly engage with the divine. The book also delves into the practical challenges of implementing a Sabbath in modern life. It acknowledges that for many, the idea of a full day of rest seems unattainable. But it is not about perfection; it is about intention. The authors offer strategies for creating a rhythm of rest that fits individual circumstances—whether through a single day of disconnection, an hour of prayer, or a mindful pause in the midst of chaos. It is not a call to remove oneself from the world, but to find a way to engage it more fully, with a rested spirit and a clear mind. One such case is that of Marcus, a software developer who, after years of burnout, chose to observe a Sabbath by turning off all work-related devices and dedicating one day to his family, gardening, and reading. Initially, it felt like a loss, but over time, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. His creativity returned, his relationships deepened, and his work became more meaningful. His story is not unique; it is a testament to the transformative power of rest. The book also explores the cultural implications of Sabbath. In a society that rewards busyness, how can we begin to shift the narrative? By modeling a different way of living—where rest is valued, where time is held loosely, and where the divine presence is sought not in the rush of tasks but in the stillness of a day set apart. It is a radical act, one that challenges the very structures of our culture. As the final chapters unfold, the reader is invited to see the Sabbath not as an old tradition but as a living discipline, one that is not only relevant but essential. It is a way of being in the world that honors the rhythms of creation, the wisdom of the past, and the needs of the present. It is a way to reclaim our time, our energy, and our relationship with God. In the end, *Sabbath Is Not Optional* is not just a book about rest. It is a call to live with intention, to honor the sacred in the everyday, and to find in the act of resting a deep communion with the divine. It is a reminder that we are not defined by our productivity, but by our relationship with the One who created us. And in that relationship, rest is not a luxury—it is the very foundation of a life well-lived.

BATMAN-ACTION DER SUPERLATIVE David Finch ist einer der größten Superhelden-Comic-Zeichner seiner Generation. 2011 startete DC Comics eigens für den modernen Meister die Serie Batman: The Dark Knight, deren Inkarnationen er nicht nur als Zeichner, sondern auch als Autor betreute. In den düsteren, actiongeladenen Geschichten, muss Batman gegen gefährliche Schurken wie Bane, Scarecrow, den Pinguin und Killer Croc antreten. Außerdem will der Dunkle Ritter das Verschwinden seiner Jugendfreundin Dawn Golden aufklären, was ihn nicht nur mit dem Dämon Etrigan, sondern auch mit allerlei Horror konfrontiert. Die spektakulären Batman-Comics des preisgekrönten Zeichner-Superstars David Finch aus der New 52-Ära gesammelt in einer hochwertigen Deluxe-Ausgabe, geschrieben von den Bestseller-Autoren Paul Jenkins (Wolverine: Origin), Greg Hurwitz (Moon Knight) und anderen. ENTHÄLT: BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT (2010) 1-5, BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT (2011) 1- 15 & 0

Die ersten Hefte der großartigen neuen BATMAN-Serie Batman, der Dunkle Ritter, kämpft in diesem sensationellen Serien-Neustart gegen eine Reihe seiner ärgsten Feinde: den Knochenbrecher Bane, Two-Face, Scarecrow, Clayface – und sogar gegen Superman. Die ersten neun US-Hefte in einem fetten Action-Band!

Un viaggio allucinante nel misterioso passato di Moon Knight! Quali segreti si celano dietro le sue spaventose origini? Konshu, il dio egizio della Luna, l’ha riportato in vita perché combatta la malvagità nel mondo nei panni del Cavaliere Lunare della Vendetta! Ma questo è solo un lato della complicata vita di Marc Spector: avventuriero, tassista, imprenditore, mercenario, agente della CIA, ex pugile, marine, super eroe conosciuto come Moon Knight, ora costretto su una sedia a rotelle! Uno psicodramma a tinte nerissime ideato dal romanziere Charlie Huston e dal maestro dell'oscurità, David Finch! [CONTIENE MOON KNIGHT (2006) 1-13]

This first collection of the bestselling series created by MARC SILVESTRI, DAVID WOHL, BRIAN HABERLIN, and MICHAEL TURNER equips streetwise cop Sara Pezzini with the mysterious Witchblade, a weapon of prehistoric origin and untold power. As the artifact's bearer, Sara goes toe to toe with a Machiavellian industrialist, supernatural serial killers, and far worse, as the supernatural underworld of New York alters the course of her destiny forever. Gorgeously rendered and painstakingly assembled as the first in a series of absolute collected editions. When all eight volumes are collected, a special piece of cross-volume connecting spine art by STJEPAN SEJIC will be revealed. Collects WITCHBLADE #1-19, THE DARKNESS #9 and 10, TALES OF THE WITCHBLADE #1/2 and 3

Lorsque le premier amour de Bruce Wayne est kidnappé par le mortel tandem du Pingouin et de Killer Croc, Batman se lance à sa recherche, prêt à tout pour les arrêter ! Mais, tapies dans l'ombre, des forces surnaturelles attendent également de jeter leur dévolu sur la jeune femme, plaçant Batman cornes-à-cornes avec le démon Etrigan, dans une lutte qui dépasse bien vite ses simples talents de détective. (Contient Batman The Dark Knight: Golden Dawn #1-5)

Tutto inizia con il ritorno di un Avenger che i compagni credevano morto… e finirà con una valanga di sconvolgimenti per gli Eroi più potenti della Terra! Questo è Avengers Divisi, la saga che ha proiettato Capitan America, Iron Man, Thor e gli altri paladini dell’Universo Marvel verso gli anni 2000. Una grande tragedia segnerà la squadra per mano di un nemico inatteso… servirà l’intervento di tutti gli eroi che hanno fatto parte degli Avengers! La fine di un’epopea storica e l’inizio di una nuova era, grazie a Brian M. Bendis, David Finch, e una marea di ospiti speciali alle matite! [Contiene: Avengers (1963) #500-503, Avengers Finale]

A DARK KNIGHT IN GOTHAM CITY A kidnapped socialite, a jilted Penguin, the inscrutable Court of Owls and an army of Arkham’s most notorious inmates—all drawn in comics master David Finch’s singular style. In his celebrated run as artist and author of BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT, Finch added his own take on the caped crusader and his classic villains, bringing them to new life with his incredible artwork. Collected here in Finch’s original pencils, BATMAN THE DARK KNIGHT UNWRAPPED showcases Finch’s work on the series as never before.

A sketch edition of some of comics superstar David Finch's greatest Batman stories from Batman: The Dark Knight, DC Comics: The New 52 and more! This fantastic unwrapped collection features tales of the Dark Knight written and pencilled by David Finch. Encompassing David's work from Batman: The Dark Knight to the re-launch in the New 52, this volume features the stunning artwork and compelling stories about the supernatural and the esoteric areas of Gotham City. Collects Batman: The Dark Knight #1-3, Batman: The Return #1 and Batman: The Dark Knight (Vol 2) #1-7 and 9 in black and white format.

"Following the events of Throne of Atlantis, it is deemed necessary to create a new Justice League. This new superhero team is under the command of Col. Steve Travor, of the United States Military's A.R.G.U.S. division (Advanced Research Group Uniting Superhumans). Signing up for duty with this new incarnation of the JLA are Catwoman, Katana, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Martian Manhunter, Steve Trevor, Hawkman, Star Girl and the long-awaited return of 80s superhero, Vibe"--Amazon.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK At the beginning of this dreamlike graphic novel, a young woman's sleep is disturbed by a mysterious voice calling in the night. She follows the sound into a forest grove where she is inspired to weave a dress of leaves. As she adorns her garment with one last leaf, it breaks and falls away, ruining her creation. She collapses in frustration only to awaken as some other tiny self on the surface of that torn leaf. She begins to explore her microscopic new world under the moonlight, unaware that a frightened, hungry creature, Samael, is growing on the darkened underside of this leaf world. Scott David Finch's "A Little World Made Cunningly" is a story about creativity built on the ancient template of the Creation Story. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Drawing upon images from esoteric Christianity, the syntax of postmodernism, and Saturday morning cartoons, Finch's work demonstrates an interest in the arcane strata below and beyond ordinary waking consciousness. He often employs several parallel lines of metaphor at once in a dense, layered visual language. After more than twenty years of making large brightly colored paintings derived from photographic imagery, during a creative block 2010, images of a woman weaving leaves into a dress around her own body began to unfold in his mind's eye. This narrative impelled him to devote the next year to writing and drawing "A Little World Made Cunningly."

Traces the author's battle with Asperger Syndrome, describing his adult diagnosis and the painstaking and often whimsical exercises he uses to preserve his family and build social skills.

Collects Ultimate X-Men #26-33. Magneto, the X-Men's deadliest villain, returns. They've faced the Weapon X program, Proteus and even the superhuman strikeforce known as The Ultimates. Now, still licking their wounds from their prior battles, can Xavier's mutant team possibly survive the return of their most powerful foe?

A wave of fear washes across Gotham City as a mysterious toxin radically alters the bodies of its criminals, sending crazed villains into the streets and stretching the resources of the police department. Can Batman and his vigilante partners follow the clues and uncover the perpetrator's real identity?

Bigger, meaner and more powerful than ever before, the inmates of Arkham Asylum run rampant as the entire Bat Family struggles to keep the walls from falling down, unleashing Gotham City's worst criminals on the unsuspecting population!

Golden Dawn' part 1! When one of Batman's childhood friends goes missing, the Dark Knight searches for clues—a path that leads him down the darkest alleys of Gotham City and into the hands of some of its most dangerous villains!

Contains the history of the TransAlta Corporation and the development of power in Alberta, including the story of the company's people.

Golden Dawn' part 5, the final chapter in the Dark Knight's supernatural tale by superstar David Finch! With Dawn by his side, Batman must face down the rising horde of demons preparing to strike Gotham City. But can the Caped Crusader stand against the might of Blaze and Etrigan?

Trapped deep beneath Gotham City, Batman's chances of escape come second to him finding Dawn. But first he needs to worry about the bomb strapped to his chest! Meanwhile, Etrigan the Demon turns against his masters and confronts a twisted, evil incarnation of Ragman! 'Golden Dawn' part 3.

David Finch’s highly regarded biography of R.M. Patterson is now available in paperback. The escapades of this great Canadian are brought to life in a story that combines the lure of gold, the thrill of wilderness exploration and comic tales about life on a southern Alberta ranch. With access to Patterson’s diaries, letters and photographs, as well as numerous interviews with Patterson and members of his family, Finch recounts the adventurous life of this well-loved outdoorsman, writer and rancher and sheds light on some of what Patterson left unsaid.

Marvel Deluxe est une collection de prestige qui se propose de rééditer pour la première fois dans l'ordre chronologique et en format géant les meilleurs épisodes de séries récentes réalisées par les plus grands artistes Marvel. Chaque album rassemble la production d'une année, agrémentée de bonus divers et variés : couvertures alternatives, croquis inédits, scénarios originaux annotés par les responsables éditoriaux. Bref, Marvel Deluxe vous fait découvrir tous les secrets et la magie de vos séries favorites ! Charles Xavier rêve de réunir mutants et humains. Il crée les X-Men. un groupe de jeunes mutants qui affrontent les terroristes comme Magnéto pour qui la guerre est la seule réponse au conflit opposant mutants et humains. Les X-Men, pour la plupart des adolescents dotés de super-pouvoirs encore mal maîtrisés, mènent donc deux combats : face à leurs ennemis mais aussi face à l'humanité qui a peur d'eux. Qui Veut Tuer Wolverine ? Wolverine revient à New York après avoir quitté un temps les X-Men. Cependant, une mystérieuse troupe d'assaut équipée d'armes high-tech le traque sans relâche pour l'éliminer ! Logan réussit néanmoins à lui échapper grâce à l'intervention de Spider-Man et Daredevil. Mais le gouvernement des Etats-Unis décrète que les X-Men sont dangereux et qu'il faut les contrôler. On réunit alors un groupe de mutants inédit, les Nouveaux Mutants, dirigé par Emma Frost. Nous avons rassemblé dans cet album tous les épisodes d'Ultimate X-Men signés Brian M. Bendis et David Finch, soit les numéros 34 à 45. relatant deux récits inoubliables. Blockbuster et les Nouveaux Mutants. Le tout est agrémenté des couvertures originales.

""With a well-paced, easy-to-read style," Pumped" is a much-needed primer to the Byzantine world of Canada's oil patch. From the fascinating history and politics (seven national energy programs, yikes!) to the booms and busts, mistakes and lessons, it's all here."" -- Alister Thomas, managing editor of "The Roughneck, Energy Processing Canada" and "Propane Canada" magazines Seasoned petroleum historian David Finch engages and entertains as he acquaints us with the basic vocabulary and mechanics of Canada_s oil industry right through its most complex issues. "Perhaps you know the answers to some of the basics: " What is a barrel of oil? Where does it come from? How does it get into the gas tank? Why is oil so political? "Do you recall the details of some of the programs?" What was the National Energy Program, The National Oil Program, The Western Accord, and why did they matter? " Are you well-versed enough in the politics to know the answers to these questions?" Are we really running out of oil? What is the current state of the tar sands? What do "upstream," "midstream," and "downstream" mean? Who controls oil and gas in Canada and why does it cost so much if it belongs to us, the people of Canada? "And finally," Why does this industry dominate the world's economic and political arenas. With short chapters, illustrations, maps, photographs, and a user friendly index-glossary, "Pumped" makes the complicated, jargon rich, high-stakes world of petroleum exploration, excavation, and consumption easy to understand. Finch provides a balanced, knowledgeable, and often humorous primer on the mechanics, history, and politics of Canada's oil industry.