The Nature of the Correspondence, by A.Y. Tanaka

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 17 (March 1998). Specimen K.3/8: Nothing pauses but [-- Unclear; scholars on probation had spilled coffee mixed with opaque creaming and sweetening agents all over this page of the typescript]. Conferring with travelers and thinkers, I am awed by my ignorance yet not dismayed. [. . .] Moons dance … Continue reading The Nature of the Correspondence, by A.Y. Tanaka →

Roach No More, by Irette Patterson

Drawing of a startled woman with red hair as a huge black cockroach crawls across the front of her

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 17 (March 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago Marilyn surveyed the conference room, searching for trouble; she found it in the first row. There, in front of the screen, John and Pam sat next to each other. John gestured with his hands, occasionally hopping out of his chair, Pam's forehead … Continue reading Roach No More, by Irette Patterson →

Dittohead, by Jonathan Lowe

Simple cartoon of a round, pale blue bald head with a flat-top tuft, beady eyes and a smug little smile

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 17 (March 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago "What'll it be, bud?" the bartender asks me. "How 'bout a Bud ... Light," I say. I pick up the channel changer from the bar and tune the overhead TV from ladies mud wrestling to a local news report. As I do … Continue reading Dittohead, by Jonathan Lowe →

Spacer’s Digest, by Atk. Butterfly

Cartoon of a startled brown man with spiky green hair reading a pink magazine as a ringed planet, a spaceship and a woman pop out of it

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 17 (March 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago I was going through the stack of magazines at the dentist's office. It wasn't exactly what I preferred to be doing. Being at his office, that is. Browsing through magazines is another matter. I do that at the barber shop, too. At … Continue reading Spacer’s Digest, by Atk. Butterfly →

Dewey Meets the Alien, by Sharone Katz

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 17 (March 1998). (an interactive script) Illustration by Andrew G. McCann Dewey Marcus is in his beat-up green Chevy Chevette late one night, whistling Dixie (literally), driving down a dark and lonely road. A light so bright it is practically blinding pierces Dewey's windshield, causing him to swerve all … Continue reading Dewey Meets the Alien, by Sharone Katz →

A Curiosity, by Dennis Fisher

Drawing of a gray creature that is part roach, part elephant, with spindly legs and a trunk, against bursts of pink

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 17 (March 1998). Illustration: “The Roachiphant” by Romeo Esparrago I have in my house the only known exemplar of the roachiphant. Of its origins I can only say that I had it from my father and he from his father. It is mine by virtue of dislike; none of … Continue reading A Curiosity, by Dennis Fisher →

Security in the Hi-Tech Industry, by Andrew G. McCann

Cartoon of two office workers against a yellow background. The man in a tie and glasses says: "I can't tell you, Steve. It's on a Nerd-to-know basis."

Children, by Andrew G. McCann

Dark, grainy night view of a ruined city under a smoky blue-green sky, with faint green glows among the rubble

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 13–16 (October 1997). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago Children of The BombIn June's wintry fist, pick atBroken-toothed cities * Poem copyright ©1997 by Andrew G. McCann Illustration copyright ©1997-98 by Romeo Esparrago Note: For more "SciFaiku" poems (i.e., haiku with science fiction themes) visit "The SciFaiku Manifesto". <http://www.crew.umich.edu/~brinck/poetry/manifesto.html>. ← Back … Continue reading Children, by Andrew G. McCann →

Zap, by Ray Dangel

Sketchy painting of a green alien with antennae hanging from a noose, watched by two rough-looking men in hats

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 13–16 (October 1997). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago If life forms survivevast distances and reach Earthwe'll promptly kill them. * Poem copyright ©1997-98 by Ray Dangel Illustration copyright ©1997-98 by Romeo Esparrago ← Back to Planet Magazine No. 13–16 (contents)

Heads, by Rae J. Angrem

Cartoon of a pink-cheeked woman with curly orange hair, pearls, a green skirt and red high heels hugging a giant smiling orange head with blue eyes

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 13–16 (October 1997). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago From: zandrae_132@arcology11.nebraska.org.usTime: Fri, Oct 22, 2037, 10:38 AM CSTSubject: Hey!To: zindym_216@nebraska.arcology11.org.us Dear Zindy: How are you? Haven't talked to you in a while, since you moved to the 216th Floor. So I thought I'd send you a quick email & catch you … Continue reading Heads, by Rae J. Angrem →