Stories, poems and art reprinted from the classic Planet Magazine back issues (1994–2004).
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 26 (June 2000). Illustration: “Termin Al” by Andrew G. McCann Jackson Keyes wiped the sweat from his face, once again cursing the heat of the southern California desert. He hummed one note, trying to concentrate on the road instead of the pain in his head. The car began to … Continue reading Terminal Illness, by D.F. Huettner
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 26 (June 2000). Illustration: “Planet-Egg” by Zozzy Vomit, that tasted of hot saline and stomach acid, found itself stuck in his throat. A few quick uchs-uchs and the liquid expelled itself into the air. He watched, fascinated, as the globules distended first this way and then that, seeking equilibrium … Continue reading Xantar, by Sean Melican
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 26 (June 2000). Illustration: “Frumlive” by Eric Seaholm The wind was whipping around the seventy-fifth floor of the Philby Building, howling fiercely and battering the windows like an invisible monster. Three young men were looking out the window at a sea of skyscrapers encased in a gray fog. "You'll … Continue reading The Death Club, by Neil Smith
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 26 (June 2000). Papier-mâché sculpture by Gene Fenton Looking at my handSeeing twisted alien clawMay have raped and pillagedWithout regard for law Our bodies not brand-newJust painted recycled partsRipped from galactic junkyardOf broken-down planets and stars Absolute recyclingA dream for earthbound greensAll could learn a lessonFrom the galactic scene … Continue reading Recycled Blood-Sucking Aliens, by Hathno Paige
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 26 (June 2000). Illustration: “I Dream” by Patrick Stacy I DREAMED I dreamedThat my brainHad been replacedBy a cavity of waterIn which a goldfishSwam about. I haven't felt quite rightSince that dream. I HAIKU This cold summer night:Horses exhale mist, and snort,Like wingless dragons. Poetry copyright © 2000 by … Continue reading Two Poems, by Dan Lukiv
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 26 (June 2000). a bead of light sent through a labyrinth of goldunveils a little bit of information. it is thereor it is not, established through technology. and so a message is composed, and the photonis made use of, in minute poetry. energy fieldsmay take the place of gold, … Continue reading Labyrinth of Gold, by Andy Miller
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 26 (June 2000). Illustration: “Planet-Intellect” by Zozzy "·and the shadow of Quadosh came to Arhat as he sat beside the river tree. And Arhat said, Who are you? What is your name? And Quadosh said, I am the Writer of the Word within you·I have come from the other … Continue reading The Golden Globe, by Richard Behrens
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 26 (June 2000). Illustration: “Eron” by Patrick Stacy Incoming balon rockets screamed across the night sky, the light from their massive discharges reflecting in web-like patterns off low-hanging clouds. At the edge of the jungle, giant magnetron generators held the Confederation's command center disrupter-fields in place. From the orange … Continue reading The Orange Hills of Eron, by Frank W. Clark
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 24 (December 1999). Illustration: “Buzzin’ the Cap!” by Romeo Esparrago A Reconstruction of My DepositionTo a Bunch of Government CopsAnd Others Who Didn't Identify Themselves by Bruce McEachin[Conceived by Frederick Rustam] On the Bus I'd always thought that aliens from outer space were either figments of some people's overheated … Continue reading WokeEye Tours Washington, by Frederick Rustam
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 24 (December 1999). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago travelers on this roadignore the signsthey can't read Englishdon't know what a verb is they take wrong turnsend up in barnyardsfeeding chickensand shovelingthe cows i was lucky enoughto study with the Masteri carry his thesaurusand spell check computer there is no word … Continue reading Kiss the Darkness, by Richard Behrens
