Chachu #1 is written by Iman Vellani and published by Image Comics. Artwork is by Marianna Ignazzi, and colours by Jordie Bellaire. Main cover art is by Marianna Ignazzi.
Chachu #1 is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet or digitally from Amazon Comixology UK.
Synopsis
SERIES PREMIERE 1979. Leila, a 19-year-old Pakistani-Canadian girl, stands on the cusp of adulthood, eager to experience the “real world” for the first time.
With a head full of Hollywood dreams and a penchant for pulp novels, she ventures to California to connect with her estranged uncle her “Chachu” a middle-aged, semi-retired private eye who gained brief fame after marrying the starlet he was initially hired to find. But when Chachu’s wife goes missing once again, the two are forced on an impromptu road trip to track her down with Leila navigating young adulthood and Chachu confronting his own mortality and regrets.
Inspired by her own coming-of-age experiences in the entertainment industry, CHACHU is the solo writing debut of superstar IMAN VELLANI (Ms. Marvel), a reinterpretation of the classic neo-noir private investigator story brilliantly illustrated by MARIANNA IGNAZZI (EXQUISITE CORPSES) and colored by JORDIE BELLAIRE (Absolute Wonder Woman).
Review
Iman Vellani has become quite the voice in the comic space thanks to her epic knowledge of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has earned her quite the dedicated fan base (rightfully so). It’s well documented that she not only highlighted continuity errors while making Ms. Marvel and The Marvels, but she also challenged Kevin Feige, the Marvel man himself, on what universe the MCU is actually set in. All this to say, she’s clearly well-versed in the comic book space, so to see her step into this world and create her own story is incredibly exciting. Best of all, she gets to do it with Image Comics.
It’s a five-issue series described as equal parts coming-of-age story and detective story, which is right up my alley. Set in Los Angeles, California, in 1979, the issue kicks off, and from the first panel I am immediately blown away by the beauty. The art style is stunning, nostalgic and stylish in equal measure. We meet the stylish Leila, driving around LA, monologuing as she makes her way to find her estranged uncle, her Chachu. He’s been absent from her life for a long time and has become quite the mystery, an enigma, so she’s somewhat intrigued by the idea of him.
There’s some interesting cultural and family dynamics at play here that lend themselves well to a juicy story. What makes it all the more compelling is the characters and their personal journeys. It’s clear Leila has some emotional baggage to unpack, and this reunion with Chachu is clearly crossing some lines, be it personal, family or beyond. Everything feels chill, all family drama vibes, until you get halfway into the issue. Then three simple frames pivot and the tone changes completely, for the better. Turns out meeting her uncle seemed innocent enough in theory, but it all comes crumbling down.
There’s a panel towards the end of the issue that absolutely floored me. I won’t spoil it, but it involves a car, and you’ll know it the second you see it. “I would actually frame it” beautiful.
If you’ve read one of my reviews before, you’ll know I’m big on how a comic ends. The final frames are what you walk away with, what you remember, what drags you back for the next issue. So I’m thrilled to report this one ends on a proper gut-punch of a cliffhanger, the kind that has me hyped beyond belief. I was curious whether it would actually land, and it does, dishing out just enough mystery and intrigue to keep its hooks in you. This series is destined to be something special.
Verdict
Overall, to say issue #1 of Chachu is brilliant would be selling it short. Iman Vellani has crafted something genuinely beautiful, bold and gutsy here. It’s the kind of debut that isn’t to be missed. It’s not just a showcase for her sharp mind for this style of art and storytelling. Still, every single frame is brought to life so gorgeously by Marianna Ignazzi that it’s hard to look away, and the story setup, characters and plot points being woven together are as good as first issues get. For the art of the craft, you need to do yourself a favour and pick up a copy of this comic; it demands your attention.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate advertising program also provides a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. We are also members of the Forbidden Planet Affiliate Program.
