Stories, poems and art reprinted from the classic Planet Magazine back issues (1994–2004).
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (September/December 2000). Illustration by Patrick Stacy Jasyn Rile smiled as the land cruiser crept to a stop above the transfer station in Chicago. It was his first trip to the Windy City and his expectations grew higher and higher with each passing kilometer. The trip from San Francisco … Continue reading A Shift of Power, by S.E. Eggleston
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (September/December 2000). Illustration by Sam Crowe Make my left thigh bone a flute--punch holes for fingers and lips.Make my skull a drum--beat on the bone with sticks.Of my jointed fingerbonesstring windchimesso breezes may click themoutside your bedroom window.To humor the wave length unwinding me,make the sound no bell … Continue reading Bonesounds, by Barbara Spring
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (September/December 2000). is the value of science fictionor the vortex of discarded theorychurning in the great porcelainbowl of things measured, practicalexperience. perhaps. the dangerof this illusion of enlightenmentis endured, like sword swallowing.is the value an escape to reason,formed in the hollow of the worldfor the purpose of questioningthe … Continue reading Is the Value of Science Fiction, by Andy Miller
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (September/December 2000). Illustration by Sam Crowe Through his windscreen, a billboard the size of an upended landscape -- and on it a vast, plush mouth, a woman's, in close-up. Surgical steel hooks glinting in the lip corners; milady's implants urging her lips grinward: an advertisement for the Prosthetic … Continue reading Ad Nauseam, by Adam Browne
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (September/December 2000). Illustration by Andrew G. McCann Our moon of green cheeselooked tasty to alienswho gobbled it up Poem copyright ©2000 by Ray Dangel Illustration copyright ©2000 by Andrew G. McCann ← Back to Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (contents)
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (September/December 2000). Illustrations by g.k. Senthil Kumar Restis Morgan settled his ship into the spaceport with long-practiced care. Once secure in his private berth, he leaned back into the cushioned pilot's seat and sighed -- Terrasan 6 was a tiresome world, the least favorite stop on his yearly … Continue reading The Bargain, by Gregory G. Barton
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (September/December 2000). (or, loosely translated, "Laugh Light") Illustration by Sam Crowe Form Gaseous,Flows through beingAwe caughtIn woven spell eyes.Heart-soul beats,Rhythms Staccato.Blood-boil Burns,From kisses whispered.Stopping this time,Moments paused.I be we, as one.Circles completed,We laugh light.-- OrneoThe above is a translation by Bruce Threatt of the famed Venusian poet Orneos' … Continue reading Ode to a Venusian Lover, by Bruce Threatt
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (September/December 2000). Illustration by Steve Cook "I want Mommy," Shale whined for the tenth time since they left the orbiting Satellite Colony Beta, aboard the overbooked Trans World Airlines Shuttle. "Yes, Shale, we know," Sill sighed, patting her three-year-old sister on the head. Harry put down the business … Continue reading Business with Pappy Joe, by Warren Cook
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (September/December 2000). Illustration by Patrick Stacy Charlie felt the weight of the past work week ease from tense muscles in his back and neck. He pulled onto the access ramp to the interstate and headed west toward the Rocky Mountains in the distance. The weekend was waiting for … Continue reading The Catch, by Chris Wills
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 27–28 (September/December 2000). Illustration by Patrick Stacy Live, from your neighborhood: "For chrissakes, get that bicycle out of the way," called Ben Guzzle from the foyer, his voice muffled by the new 27-inch TV he carried. His three children scurried from the den, pelting Ben with questions. "Move, I … Continue reading Hellooo Ms. Anderson-Lee, by Anthony R. Elmore
