Is Fred Basset now being drawn by someone resident in the U.S.A.? I know that the original cartoonist, Alex Graham, is dead, but for some reason there seems to be a conspiracy to hide the identity and whereabouts of whoever is now doing the strip.

I didn't know the answer to this question, and after a period of investigation, I had to admit defeat. But the correspondent who originall asked the question got back to me with an update. After writing a number of letters to Tribune Media Services (and gathering some rather rude responses), he finally struck pay dirt:

Your messages about Fred Basset were forwarded to me by TMS Customer Service. You have reached the right place.
The production and distribution of Fred Basset is a complicated affair. The current artist, Michael Murphy, is English. He first sends the strips to Solo Syndication in London for distribution to British newspapers. After they run in Britain, Solo mails them to TMS for wider syndication.
Most TMS Basset clients are U.S. newspapers. For many years, TMS has edited the strips primarily for this audience. I can see how this could be disconcerting at times for Australian readers. We appreciate your concern and will look into the problem. Perhaps your paper could get the strips directly from Solo. WHICH NEWSPAPER do you read? I could contact a salesperson for your region.
Sincerely,
Stacy J. Deibler
Tribune Media Services

I responded:

Thanks for the update! Just to let you know, I haven't forgotten. About two months ago, I discovered an address for "Alex Graham Ltd." on a Scottish real estate zoning board's website. I sent them a letter (including an International Reply Coupon) in early June, and am still hoping for a reply.
I'm not familar with any cartoonist named Michael Murphy, but I'll investigate further.

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© 2003 Robert A. Buethe