Ian Juarez EDINBURG – The Gutter Syndicate at UTRGV is a graphic novels club based on the Edinburg campus in room ELABS 1.125 at the Creative Writing Department.
Although the club was formed in the late 2025 fall semester, it currently holds 19 members including Chloe Vela, The Gutter Syndicate’s president.
Vela said the organization is actively encouraging students to join as the club takes off during the spring semester.
“We have a lot of projects we want to get going off the ground. So, if anyone is interested, in any of those projects or talking about comics and just hanging out and sketching, please join up.” Vela said.
Vela added that the club has been a great place to meet those interested in graphic literature while being open to fans and artists of all levels.
“Usually we just sketch, talk about comics, hang out, listen to music while we’re sketching. But some of the members have been wanting to do presentations on their favorite comics and stuff, and they’ve been doing that, and it’s been really interesting.”
As a graduate student, Vela said she has a lot of experience and knowledge of graphic literature, but being a part of the organization has broadened her horizon to other forms of graphic novels such as Webtoons and Manhwa (Korean comics).
Ava Zamora Wiley, The Gutter Syndicate vice president, said the club’s presence in UTRGV is important because it can open doors for students to study graphic novel literature and bring appreciation to the art.
“I’ve always loved and appreciated the art of comics. So, I think trying to recognize it, within our educational institutions as, like, worthwhile for study and not just like a casual thing. There there’s so much to unpack.” Wiley said.
Mia Rodriguez, general studies sophomore, attended her first meeting with the club on Wednesday, February 12th and said she was excited to see what the club will offer in the future.
“It’s a really nice community, and people really love to draw and read comics or whatever. It’s like a free, open arms that you could come in,” Rodriguez said. “I hope it will bring me enough improvement of my art. So I think in this club, it could bring more variety of the people who are inspired to it.”
Vela said she hopes the organization can start a publication with its club members and local Valley artists in the near future. To join The Gutter Syndicate visit VLINK and Instagram for more information.
