MMM Astronaut Lt. Bruce Sanders

The Astronaut Lt. Bruce Sanders - Who is he?

Lt. Bruce Sanders is a character in the Whitman Publishing arm of Western Publishing (now defunct as of 2001) #2022 Big Little Book (BLB): "Major MATT MASON - MOON MISSION", published in 1968. The BLB was written by George S. Elrick with beautiful color illustrations by comic book artist Dan Spiegle. I think of the four characters introduced in the BLB as NPC (Non-Player Characters - it's a gaming term), but I think there's enough information here to introduce them into the world of Major MATT MASON. Based on what was produced and the copyrights presented, I'm sure that Mattel licensed Major MATT MASON to Whitman as a means of spreading the brand into print - Mattel later also did this with Hot Wheels in a similar fashion.

Lt Saunders is the first character introduced in the BLB, basically a Base-flunky as far as the story goes - he's never shown suited-up and mostly complains about the bad food - sort of a typical G.I. He's most useful as a means of communicating messages between the other astronaut characters - for some reason they can't communicate between themselves and instead need to relay what's happening with Bruce back at the base.

Bruce over the Holographic Transmitters

Most of the images of Lt Sanders show him in a base coverall with his name and some sort of integrated boots.

Packaging by Catalog Year:

Western Publishing probably offered this Big Little Book for at least two years and probably had it available until the initial print run became too small to solicit.

• 1968 Whitman #2022 Major MATT MASON "Moon Mission"
• Quantity Minimums are unknown at this time
  

John's Notes:

I guess every story needs a supporting character and Bruce seems to meet that requirement. There are other astronauts mentioned (not by name) and a few running around in some of the art plates. I think it's funny that Sgt. Storm is mentioned with a plate showing an Astro Trac (chasing a giant rabbit of all things), but no close up images of his suit or face.

I tried to be as thorough as possible with this information but as always, if you see something that's inaccurate, want to have the information updated for some reason or want to contribute, contact John Eaton.

All Mattel images and captions are copyright Mattel and used without permission. All other content, including images and editorial, is Copyright © 1997-2024 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.