Stories, poems and art reprinted from the classic Planet Magazine back issues (1994–2004).
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). Illustration: “Humiliation and Pride” by Romeo Esparrago "It is written: 'We, Humans, are made in the image of God.'" Enon's body tensed as he finished speaking. The Qarzaak's horny mandibles began to open and close. Dancing reflections from the artificial lights of the cavern ceiling played … Continue reading Qarzaak, by Tony Chandler
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). Illustration: “The Tug of War” by Romeo Esparrago "It is well that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of it." -- Robert E. Lee Introduction: A Quick and Painless History Lesson Anyone who tells you that "the only constant in the Universe … Continue reading Soldiers of Misfortune, by Tim Dykema
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
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). Illustration by Jon Eke The first thing to break the surface is a crocodile snout, grinning and toothy. It is upright, jaws slightly apart as if to swallow the midnight moon, and there is a mildly malevolent sense of humor about it. It is old, old, … Continue reading Uncharted Waters, by Julian Maven
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). Illustration by Rononymous This job sucks! Sure I've always known that but, sometimes, I think I'll quit. But, I never do. The truth is there's nothing else I can do, so here I stay, late at night, busting my ass in a decrepit old bar, with … Continue reading Weird World: Bats of a Fur, by Marcelo Hipolito & Marcelo Machado
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). EXCLUSIVE RESORT SciFaiku Artwork by Romeo Esparrago PHILANTHROPYDonations to poorhe used to do that for funnow he gives to space MIDDLE CLASSMoney makes missionis that all it takes to fly?gotta buy Lotto! POVERTYI can only dreamfor now I scrounge, beg, or robEarthbound forever Haiku & artwork … Continue reading International Space Station, by Romeo Esparrago
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). (for Hugo Gernsback) Illustration by Matt Morrow monocled eyeball staringat radio waves crossingthe manhattan skylinedreamed a treasure troveof gadgets and inventionswith goodly trowel in handtrailing wires across new yorknightline, television imagesechoing in the aether;gathered into his foldthe lost children of literaturethe Scientifiction crewwith their youthful experienceand … Continue reading No One’s Future, by Richard Behrens
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). Illustration: “duality 01” by John Vega Detective Superintendent Charles Davies watched the solar clipper round Saturn and reel in its cosmic sails as it approached. It was not the fastest means of space travel but it was the most reliable, the cheapest and, thought Charles, the … Continue reading Carnaby Street Station, by David Gill
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). Illustration by Patrick Stacy you have to wonder about the glitchthat sent 20 tons of plywoodon a flatbed truckto a pointin the Nevada desertwhere there are no peoplewithin 100 milesno development contractsno plans to build anythingjust a humorous glitchan anecdote in the long historyof computer screwupsor … Continue reading Shipment to Nowhere, by s.c. virtes
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). Or, How I Invented BPC79 and Lost My Hand in the Process Illustration by Matt Morrow "Grandpa, tell me again what happened to your hand." My grandson Timmy poked at the place where my fake appendage connects to the stub of real forearm below my elbow. … Continue reading Evil Djinn from the Thirteenth-Dimension, by Hathno Paige
