Stories, poems and art reprinted from the classic Planet Magazine back issues (1994–2004).
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 32 (December 2001). Illustration: “Soft Sunset” by Ellie Hradsky "Engines are charged and functional," Commander Sloan said. "Check is completed, Commander. Slip-stream is go, fire at your mark, and resume contact from Mars orbit," Ground Control responded. Sloan pulled out a picture of his wife and son. Smiling, he … Continue reading Slip-stream, by Glenn H. Morris
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 32 (December 2001). Illustration by Matt Morrow The silence felt deafening. The peoples of Earth were accustomed to the earsplitting detonations of Humanity’s space vehicles, whether Mars-bound colony vessels or simple, orbital drones. But the silver orb before them descended silently, as though it were attached to a magician's … Continue reading Alien Utopia, by Pat Hartsfield
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 32 (December 2001). Illustration: “Jesus” by Robert Sorensen Miss Grinderswitch, principal at the Montross Reformatory School for Boys, had insisted that tattoos were a filthy abomination fit only for sailors, pugilists, and bartenders. No self-respecting gentleman, what all the boys aspired to become someday, would sport a lurid mermaid … Continue reading The Taboos of Tattoos, by Ed Lynskey
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 32 (December 2001). Illustration: “Panthress” by Romeo Esparrago William Thir wrote in his journal, late at night, while the glow of the computer screen -- the only light in the room -- made his pale face seem translucent and sickly. He wrote, for the first time in more than … Continue reading A Panther Inside, by Mike Velichansky
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 32 (December 2001). Illustration by Matt Morrow The entity was nothing at all like himself. It made the sire a trifle anxious and impulsive. The creature's imminence reminded him of an old lightshift, when a northern incursion of errant, mutant strays threatened his most creative spawn at that time. … Continue reading Trevor’s Junkyard, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 32 (December 2001). Illustration: “Dungeon Dweller” by Jon Eke A spot of light appeared on the scruffy rug, which covered the bare rock of the cave floor. Jacsson swivelled the torch around the chamber: There was no one there, but he’d found what he was after. He spoke quietly … Continue reading Duel With A Devil, by Sean K. Twyford
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 32 (December 2001). Illustration by Matt Morrow Walter called me at 3:30 in the afternoon. I work nights, so I was pretty groggy when I finally answered. I know he spoke for a while, but all I remember is that he wanted me to come over to his house. … Continue reading The Weapon, by Michael Elmore
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 32 (December 2001). Illustration: “Circle Flame” by Carl Goodman The strongest source of cosmic x-ray and gamma radiation from the center of the Milky Way Galaxy is the environs of the constellation Sagittarius. Observations suggest that the galactic nucleus contains collapsed neutron stars, hydrogen gas and dark matter in … Continue reading Family Ties, by E.S. Strout
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 32 (December 2001). Illustration: “Poem War” by Patrick Stacy With axe and sword I slashed my way,For crowns and kingdoms lost,Through the darkest days, the gloom-filled nights,White winters with shimmering frost.I’ve slain foul beasts that hungered for blood,I’ve achieved my murderous goals,But ever the evil returns again,No rest for … Continue reading The Barbarian’s Tale, by Lee Daniel Guest
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). (from ":MegaFusion: LifeFiction:") Illustration: “:Megafusion: LifeFiction:” by Sven Kloepping Imagine a city with 2,000-yard-high skyscrapers that stretches its arms over the largest oceans and the highest mountains on Earth. A place where "Cyborg Killers" or "Licensing Agents" fight for their daily survival in a brutal, life-absorbing … Continue reading Speedway to Hell, by Sven Kloepping
