Stories, poems and art reprinted from the classic Planet Magazine back issues (1994–2004).
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). "There’s an incoming transmission on channel 1138, Captain!" I announced. "Put it on the main screen," the Captain replied. We were on the bridge of the starship Kedgeree, our mission to search out interesting life-forms, take pictures, bring them back home, and laugh at how silly … Continue reading Ducks, Herrings, and Paper Hats, by Spencer Bagley
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago They were holy, kindpraying with our innocentsfor galactic peace We let them all intransported by their storiesone by one they struck false their cloak of trustdread hunters from the abyssdark walks among us Poem © 2002 by Romeo Esparrago & Andrew G. … Continue reading Devour, by Romeo Esparrago and Andrew G. McCann
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration: “Denver2002” by Robert Sorensen It was from fire that our dreams were born. On nights such as this one, when my burdened heart is chilled by the winds of a distant storm, I remember the fire. It was the dancing flame of sin that gave … Continue reading Flames of Felidon, by Richard Larson
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration: “Globe Station KK” by Ehrad Lieutenant Cooper has the deck,he don’t take no lip.No stalk-eyed son of Rigel dreckwill make it through the Slip. They say there’s talk of peace back home,of giving up the Moons.In the oxy-breather domesthey call that Looney-Tunes. This ship patrols … Continue reading Interstellar War, by Nancy Wilcox
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration: “Pathway” by Senthil GK "Not too bad out today," Randy told Tommy. "Cloudy, but it looks OK." Randy looked up at the dark clouds that seemed to be rolling in unusually fast. Being a pilot, Randy religiously watched the Weather Channel and read the forecast … Continue reading Flyers, by Nick Trejo
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration by Andrew G. McCann The Planet Magazine Interview This Month:Interview With a Psychic VampireConducted by Andrew G. McCann Planet Magazine: We are here today interviewing the famed horror writer and psychic vampire Letat Cest Moi, who frankly has been reluctant to be interviewed, which we … Continue reading Interview with a Psychic Vampire, by Andrew G. McCann
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration: “Trainman” by Patrick Stacy The light from the street lamps was half dimmed by fog, the noise from the train station half hushed, on a Sunday evening as I stepped from the curbside carriage and paid the driver, and then strode through the great oaken … Continue reading Forever and Ever…, by Christopher Clagg
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration: “Night Hunting” by Georgi Ostashov Today I turned 93. Choice adjectives I've overheard describing me in flippant remarks made by my grandnieces include "spry," "nimble," and my least favorite, "alert". All told, I don't have much to grouse about -- the usual aches and maladies. … Continue reading Houdini’s Locksmith, by Edward C. Lynskey
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration: “Star Seed” by Ehrad There was major shuffling in the Luna City Confederation conference room as the examiners assembled and sat down to query their witness. That man let out a sigh, sitting nervously before them, his fingers drumming the chair rhythmically as he failed … Continue reading The Needs of the Many, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 34 (June 2002). Illustration by Jon Eke "All clear under here," Charlie's mom said as she got up from the floor. No monsters under the bed." "And the closet is clear, too," Charlie's dad said. "You won't need to worry about any beasties tonight." "Did you look outside the … Continue reading Nighttime Terrors, by Justin R. Lawfer
