Local cartoonist 'Schmapples' will be honored

September 7, 2007

BY NYSSA GESCH Pioneer Press

Article Last Updated: 09/06/2007 10:59:57 PM CDT

The Vegan Ninja has left his tracks. Local cartoonist Eric Lappegard, known as "The One and Only Vegan Ninja," died July 23 of complications from a car accident, but his friends felt he touched so many lives that a tribute was in order. Lappegard, 29, was one of the founding members of the Minneapolis Bicycle Federation and involved with the International Cartoonist Conspiracy, an association of local cartoonists. "He was just a really likable, sweet guy who had a lot of talent and a lot of interests," says Steven Stwalley, International Cartoonist Conspiracy's Web master. "And was an immensely talented cartoonist." Lappegard maintained an online site, creating his own daily comic strip called "Schmapples"- another nickname he went by. His friends, local businesses and arts organizations, have planned a variety of activities Saturday, in northeast Minneapolis. The tribute kicks off at 2 p.m. with a messenger-style alley cat bike race beginning at Behind Bars Bicycle Shop. For those who prefer two feet to two wheels, there is a comic art show and silent auction at nearby Altered Esthetics. The Roe Family Singers will provide live music. Memorials online said Lappegard made positive impressions on others, whether serving coffee or embracing causes important to him. "Anyone who met him was almost immediately his friend," Stwalley said. "He was that kind of guy." More than 50 cartoonists have contributed to an anthology for Saturday's tribute.

"Alley Cat: Cats on Bikes with Ninjas: A Tribute to Eric Lappegard" will be for sale along with"Schmapples: The Collected Online Comic." Proceeds from a raffle and a vegan bake sale will be donated to the Lappegard family. Lappegard died while on a trip to Washington State. More information about the event can be found at www.myspace.com/ ericlappegardtribute. Nyssa Gesch can be reached at 651-228-5458 or ngesch.

Peter H

For ideas on reducing your carbon footprint visit For Good this month.