Chachu #1

CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top

• 10

  Get Your Comic On - Michael Brennan

  Aug 05, 2026

  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. Read Full Review

• 9.6

  You Don't Read Comics - Russ Bickerstaff

  Aug 06, 2026

  Vellani firmly asserts an intriguing and stylish story in the first issue of the new series. Leila seems like an appealing enough character to carry an ongoing series if Vellani can maintain the same striking charm that she’d managed in her protagonist for the first issue of the series. Though it is a very earthbound drama that wouldn’t necessarily need to be on the comic book page, there’s a strong enough visual element to the story to make it feel right at home between a couple of covers on the new issues rack. It’s a welcome addition. Read Full Review

• 9.5

  Fanlight Zone - Juan Cordero

  Aug 05, 2026

  Right when i was done reading this book, I'm like “I want more!” I want the second issue right now! If you're not picking up Chachu #1, you need to change that! Get into your car, go Read Full Review

• 9.5

  Nerd Initiative - ShawnFoles

  Aug 05, 2026

  Eda: 9/10. Iman Vellani’s “Chachu #1” serves as a promising start to what’s set to be a hopefully great series. From a relatable main character to the most intriguing art I’ve seen this summer, this is a series I very much look forward to reading. Read Full Review

• 9.5

  Comic Book Clique - Frank Jarome

  Aug 06, 2026

  Chachu #1 is a dense comic book. It's a sun-soaked neo-noir just dripping with style. It's not a short read. It's chock full of text, from dialogue to classic noir-style narration. But if you put in the work, you'll find an impressive read with compelling characters and an intriguing mystery. Read Full Review

• 9.5

  Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Lainez

  Aug 08, 2026

  The art style by Ignazzi immediately stands out balances out capturing the feeling of a period piece with a lot cool designs for the characters and the car the lead drives. The artwork helps to amplify the great character writing by Vellani to fully develop the world we are presented with in Chachu. This all makes Chachu #1 a grand slam of a debut issue. Read Full Review

• 9.0

  AIPT - Collier Jennings

  Aug 04, 2026

  Chachu #1 is a neo-noir that blends family drama, crime trappings, and a dash of humor into a truly unique read. Read Full Review

• 9.0

  ComicBook.com - David Harth

  Aug 05, 2026

  I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up this book, so it was such a pleasant surprise to get a comic this good. Vellani is still a rookie when it comes to writing to comics, but you see that she understands the craft right from the start of the issue. I seriously love Leila as a character; Vellani is able to capture both her resolve and her fear of meeting her uncle and goes on from there as the young Pakistani is dropped into a situation that she never expected when she decided to find her uncle. Ignazi and Belleaire bring their A-game to this book, setting the scene and giving readers some gorgeous visuals. This is everything that a first issue should be, hooking readers with a captivating story full of characters that you want to spend more time with. Read Full Review

• 9.0

  Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles

  Aug 05, 2026

  Chachu is a very engaging read right from the start. This five-issue mini-series is well-paced with likable characters and a strong mystery. This should make for a fun series to follow to finish out 2026. Read Full Review

• 8.3

  Comic Watch - Marcell Hines

  Aug 07, 2026

  Chachu #1 is a very fun independent debut that promises to be an entertaining tale of mystery and family. Read Full Review

• 8.2

  Graphic Policy - Logan Dalton

  Aug 09, 2026

  This is a comic that will fit nicely on the shelf with such Image noirs as The Good Asian and the Brubaker/Phillips collaborations. Read Full Review

• 8.0

  Pages and Panels - Tyreke Rambert

  Aug 08, 2026

  The story does get off to a slower start, but it lays a solid foundation for what's to come. By the final pages, Chachu shows plenty of promise and leaves readers with enough intrigue to want to see where the journey goes next. Iman Vellani's Chachu is a road trip worth taking. Read Full Review

• 7.7

  Comic Watch - Theron Couch

  Aug 06, 2026

  Chachu #1 is a compelling riff on the neo-noir style. The lack of cynicism works in the issue’s favor by making Leila easy to connect with while also adding a minimal light hearted flare. The art is engaging right from the start. Chachu #1 is a great take on detective stories. Read Full Review