The inspiration behind this comic strip was the realization that one of the most reviled figures in human history (Adolph Hitler) and one of the most beloved (Jesus Christ) have each had their names invoked in order to disparage or to validate vegetarianism. The absurdity of the particular situation struck us as pretty hilarious as we imagined this ghastly and this saintly figure in common scenarios that vegetarians face, trying to predict how they might respond. (Interestingly, Hitler and Jesus easily represent the two ends on the spectrum of which vegans are often accused of being: saint-like and otherworldly or mean- spirited and intolerant.)

I think it's important that we make clear here that we don't particularly care if these famous and infamous people in our comic strip were actually vegetarians; there is plenty to dispute Hitler's allegedly vegetarian status, as there is questioning the common assertion that Jesus was a vegetarian. The list goes on and on: Einstein, Schweitzer and (uggh!) Madonna have variously been claimed as vegetarians, and then had their status questioned.

The point to us is that it doesn't matter whether the brilliant, the virtuous, the demonic or the fabulously wealthy were or were not vegetarians: the decision not to eat meat is a fantastic one regardless, and one that shouldn't be influenced by whether a beloved historic figure or a trendy pop icon is claimed to be one.

So if you want to be offended, that's your prerogative, but remember that vegans are allowed to have fun sometimes, too.