Stories, poems and art reprinted from the classic Planet Magazine back issues (1994–2004).
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 42 (August 2004). Illustration: “Slimey” by Andrew G. McCann "No, Hart!" he shouted. "If you're going to shoot yourself in the head, do it right!" Before I could utter a word of protest, Hallan snatched the 9mm pistol out of my hands, pointed it at his grinning blue alien … Continue reading Route Driver, by Nathan J. Kailhofer
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 42 (August 2004). Illustration: “Red Mountain” by Robert Sorensen I dropped lasagna on my sockWho knows what this could spellConsequences flip by--circles of Hell andmelted ice cream trucks--like the numbers on a deprecated clock The jolly tinny jingle fades into a distant crashFrom a human energy unit brokendown to … Continue reading Cosmic Lasagna, by Sam Kenyon
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “Glossolalia” by Senthil GK John Macmillan was waiting for me when I arrived at the Prince of Wales, a pint of Orkney Dark Island before him already half-finished. I waved at him that I was going to the bar, and he pointed at his glass … Continue reading Glossolalia, by Matthew Aitkenhead
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “The Signal” by Ehrad Radiant planetswhere natives uses black firefor coolish darkness Are you asking mewhere I hide my tentacles?she whispered, smiling. Alien childrenplaying with human bodiesuntil the bell calls. Footprints in concretefrom nowhere to anywherethree toes with sharp claws. Poem © 2004 by Cassie … Continue reading Four SciFaiku, by Cassie
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “Soldier” by Patrick Stacy Stendhal Macross hadn't worked in months. The monotony was driving nails into his skull. Not to mention, his money was dwindling. Not that Stendhal didn't have plenty of money to live on for several more months, but everything runs out eventually. … Continue reading Good Job, by Christian R. Bonawandt
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “Face” by Leo Lin Alone I drifthearing hissingred lights flickerin a constellationI never wanted to see becoming uniform, coldmy steel collar gathering frostno longer a strugglefor rarefied controlmoon passing my windowin a long clumsy arc repeat the checklistfor the last timethoughts fadingto the Florida sun … Continue reading Steel Can, by D. Nordling
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). "Now, let me get this straight, the guy froze to death in his apartment in July?" Vince Minelli asked as they exited the elevator on the fourth floor, his brown eyes wide in amazement. The scar that ran diagonally down his right cheek danced back and … Continue reading The Iceman, by Brian C. Petroziello
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration by Leo/GaiaGear "Collin 3, this is Control. Come to a heading of 113 Mark 217 and prepare for Engagement." "Roger," I reply, executing the turn. "Now on-course. How many bogies, Control?" "Scope reads 27, Collin 3." The thought boggles my mind. "Uh, Control, that's a … Continue reading Karen’s Last Game, by Nathan J. Kailhofer
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). (Note: "The Larva at the End of a Barstool" is part of a larger story being written by R.A. St. Afarian called "The New Americana". A political and cultural satire that takes place in the near future, its aim is to approach issues of social debate … Continue reading The Larva at the End of a Barstool, by R.A. St. Afarian
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “Braehman” by Ehrad She was an elderly lady sitting behind the wheel of a parked car, by herself. Alone, as they always were. When she saw me approach, she drew back a little. Her eyes were apprehensive, but without much fear. And, I thought, a … Continue reading Last Hope, by Bob Wallace
