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.

Antes, Marc Spector hablaba con Khonshu, el dios que le dio la gloria e hizo de él un héroe: el Caballero Luna. Pero lo que Khonshu da, Khonshu lo quita. Spector lo aprendió por las malas, en una espiral de locura y depresión. Pero también recuerda. Recuerda cómo se siente al saltar de un bloque de seis pisos, con su capa ondeando al viento. Recuerda la sensación de huesos y cartílagos rompiéndose bajo sus puños. Recuerda la diversión. Ahora Spector quiere volver al juego. ¿Escuchará Khonshu su plegaria? El Caballero Luna entra en el siglo XXI con esta prodigiosa reinvención.

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. Collects WITCHBLADE #1-19, THE DARKNESS #9 & 10, TALES OF THE WITCHBLADE #1/2 & 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]

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Image Comics and the 20th anniversary of THE DARKNESS, this special volume collects THE DARKNESS ORIGINS (Issues one through six and Preview), THE DARKNESS/BATMAN, and THE DARKNESS/SUPERMAN! This is a one-time printing in honor of the anniversaries, so donêt miss out!

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 beautiful female assassin''s memory is purged after every hit to protect her and her masters. As she becomes self-aware, Aphrodite begins to surpass her programming to rebel against those who use her. Re-imagining and re-collecting the complete, original Aphrodite IX series drawn by superstar artist David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight), this collection has been completely rescripted, rebooted, and updated in celebration of the Aphrodite IX ongoing series. Only 500 copies of this glorious, oversized hardcover will be produced!

The Scarecrow has returned to Gotham City, but he''s no longer the meek punching bag Batman is used to. The villainous genius has always preyed on the worst fears of his victims, but now he has refined his legendary fear toxin to even greater effectiveness and deadlier consequences. As the Scarecrow''s origin is unfurled, Batman must find out not only how to conquer this dangerous psychopath, but how to beat his own worst fear. Written by New York Times best-selling crime thrillernovelist Gregg Hurwitz and art from comics superstar David Finch, BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT VOLUME 2: CYCLE OF VIOLENCE is a terrifying look into the dark psyche of one of Gotham''s most twisted villains. Collects from BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #10-15 and #0.

"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."

The Dark Knight confronts the mastermind behind the toxin being injected into Gotham City''s criminals. But the conspiracy behind the toxin runs deeper than he could possibly have imagined. Time is running out—and the entire structure of Gotham City''s society is at risk!

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.

Harry Morgan, specialist in Spiritual warfare, is sent to Lone Tree City to deal with a haunted house. He is soon embroiled in the mysteries surrouding the city fightiing for his very life and lives of Douglas Grieve and his family. A struggle that touches on his past, as they fight Schreavan House and race against time to beat a threatening Volcanic eruption.

Tegneserie. As a mysterious figure slinks through the halls of Arkham Asylum, Batman must fight his way through a gauntlet of psychos, and Bruce Wayne faces the unexpected legal ramifications of Batman Incorporated!

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!

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.

"Mafia hitman Jackie Estacado was both blessed and cursed on his 21st birthday when he bacame the bearer of The Darkness, an elemental force that allows those who wield it access to an otherworldly dimension and control over the demons who dwell there. Forces for good in the world rise up to face Jackie and the evil his gift represents. There is one small problem, in this story... they are the bad guys." -- P. [4] of cover.

The greatest heroes from two publishers--DC Comics and Top Cow--meet for the first time and face off against each other and their greatest villains in this staggering collection. This volume features the bestselling crossovers starring such iconic characters as The Darkness, Batman, Superman, the Justice League of America, Cyberforce, and Witchblade. This title is copublished with Top Cow Comics. Older teens.

Contains material originally published in magazine form.

Big dreams, dashed hopes and romance are at the heart of this biography of Norma and George Pocaterra. The story begins in 1903 when George Pocaterra left Italy and came to the Canadian Rockies with hopes of striking it rich. George is best known for establishing the Buffalo Head Ranch in the foothills of Alberta. He developed a close friendship with members of the Stoney Indians, and was one of the first non-Natives to explore much of what is now called Kananaskis Country. In 1933, he returned to Italy, where he met and fell in love with Norma Piper, a young Calgary singer who had moved to Italy to study opera. They eventually married, and George took over the management of Norma''s rising operatic career. World War II forced a return to Canada in 1939. In Calgary, Norma became part of the local music scene, giving concerts and teaching singing at Mount Royal College. In 1955, she started her own studio and over the next 25 years became one of Calgary''s most loved music teachers. George, meanwhile, continued with his coal-mining ventures, although he suffered bitter disappointments. Drawing on personal diaries and correspondence, the authors have created an intimate portrait of these remarkable Albertans who became, each in their own way, legends in their lifetimes.

Hell''s Half Acre is the story of the people who lived and worked in Turner Valley, western Canada''s first commercial oilfield, located southwest of Calgary. Beginning in 1914, the oil fields attracted thousands of workers from across North America to the drilling rigs, processing plants, and the pipeline crews that dug the first trenches. In addition to the beginnings of an oil industry, Turner Valley provided Alberta with a rich historical legacy of epic proportions, along with a cast of very colourful characters. Drawing on contemporary accounts and dozens of interviews with Turner Valley pioneers, as well as probing the vast visual history of archival photographs, David Finch captures the life and times of an exciting era in Alberta history. Imagine natural gas flares so plentiful and powerful that night turned into day and the glowing sky could be seen from Calgary. The smell of sour gas and its deadly effects were a constant danger, as were the primitive work conditions associated with the early years of oil exploration. But on the workers toiled, constructing massive drilling rigs out of huge timbers, working day and night in a relentless search for black gold. The Second World War brought an unprecedented level of urgency and tension to Turner Valley when the national treasure became a military target. These were fascinating times, and in Hell''s Half Acre the people, the companies, the booms and the busts are all revealed in entertaining detail.

Presents "Ultimate X-Men" issues 34 and 35, in which Wolverine is forced to call upon Spider-Man and Daredevil for protection; and the president decides to assemble a new team of mutants to serve his political ends, recruiting Emma Frost, who holds a mysterious connection to Xavier, to help with the task.

After a short time away from the X-Men, Wolverine returns to New York with a strange strike force armed with sophisticated military technology on his tail. To survive, he is forced to rely on Spider-Man, Daredevil, and the X-Men.