Iman Vellani is stepping deeper into the comic book world — this time as a creator behind the page instead of just on the screen.
The Ms. Marvel breakout star is officially making her solo writing debut with Chachu, a brand-new five-issue Image Comics miniseries launching this August. Inspired by Vellani’s own coming-of-age experiences within the entertainment industry, the neo-noir-inspired series pairs her with acclaimed artist Marianna Ignazzi (Exquisite Corpses, Self Help) and superstar colorist Jordie Bellaire (Absolute Wonder Woman, Redlands).
Set in 1979, Chachu follows 19-year-old Pakistani-Canadian Leila, an aspiring film lover obsessed with pulp detective novels, who travels to California hoping to reconnect with her estranged uncle — her “Chachu” — a once-famous private investigator known for marrying the actress he was originally hired to find.
But when his wife mysteriously disappears yet again, the two are pulled into an unexpected road-trip investigation that forces both characters to confront unresolved grief, family secrets, identity, and the fantasies they’ve built around themselves.
The project immediately stands out from traditional celebrity comic projects because of how personal and introspective the concept appears to be. Rather than leaning into superhero spectacle, Chachu embraces a grounded emotional tone layered inside a classic noir framework.
“I’ve always been deeply curious about comics as an art form because of their capacity to hold contradiction — arguably better than any other medium,” Vellani said in the official announcement. “That became especially meaningful to me while writing Chachu, which grew out of this tension between mourning my youth while I still have it, and an incessant urge to come-of-age already.”
That emotional contradiction feels central to the series itself.
While the premise carries the framework of a detective mystery, the heart of Chachu appears rooted in identity, adulthood, cultural expectations, and the complicated emotional space between fantasy and reality. It’s a fascinating direction for Vellani creatively, especially given how strongly her work as Kamala Khan connected with younger audiences navigating similar themes of self-discovery and personal identity.
Artist Marianna Ignazzi also emphasized the cinematic inspiration behind the series’ visual direction.
“From the very first reading of Iman’s script, I could already picture this ’70s world revealing itself through reflections in sunglasses and rearview mirrors, slowly emerging through cigarette smoke and neon lights,” Ignazzi explained. “I tried to capture Leila and Chachu’s journey through strong blacks and a graphic style that could still feel emotional and deeply narrative.”
That retro visual approach combined with Jordie Bellaire’s atmospheric coloring could make Chachu one of the more visually distinctive creator-owned launches of the summer.
Vellani’s involvement with comics has already extended beyond acting over the past several years. Beyond portraying Kamala Khan in Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel series and The Marvels, Vellani has become increasingly active inside comic fandom spaces, openly discussing her love for the medium and her passion for comic storytelling itself.
That authenticity matters.
Too often celebrity comic projects can feel disconnected from the medium, but Chachu already feels like a project coming from someone who genuinely understands comic storytelling structurally and emotionally.
“It’s been an immense privilege to build my first original series alongside such an accomplished roster of collaborators,” Vellani added, “all of whom challenged and supported me in ways that made this book far better than anything I could’ve imagined on my own or in therapy.”
Image Comics continues expanding its creator-owned lineup with increasingly diverse voices and genres, and Chachu fits directly into that evolving identity. Rather than chasing blockbuster spectacle, the publisher has consistently leaned into personal storytelling, experimental narratives, and genre-blending projects that push creators beyond conventional superhero expectations.
And honestly, Chachu already feels like one of the more intriguing original launches coming later this year.
Chachu #1 arrives in comic book shops on Wednesday, August 5, with multiple variant covers available, including artwork by Matías Bergara, Jacob Phillips, Christian Ward, and a special stealth variant edition.
- Cover A by Ignazzi
- Cover B 1:10 copy incentive by Matías Bergara
- Cover C 1:25 copy incentive by Jacob Phillips
- Cover D 1:50 copy incentive by Christian Ward
- Cover E Stealth Variant
Chachu #1 will also be available across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.
Editor-in-Chief | Owner
I’m a dedicated aficionado of all things movies, pop culture, and entertainment. With a passion for storytelling and a love for the silver screen, I’m constantly immersed in the world of cinema, exploring new releases, classics, and hidden gems alike. As a fervent advocate for the power of film to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought, I enjoy sharing my insights, reviews, and recommendations with fellow enthusiasts.
