Stories, poems and art reprinted from the classic Planet Magazine back issues (1994–2004).
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 24 (December 1999). Illustration: “Hairlong” by Romeo Esparrago Sci-Faiku Chicks used to dig my lookswhen I had long hairand braided antennae Tanka Can't resist your charm,languid long legs, wicked waist,nimble nanoprobes,resistance is so futileVoyager's Seven of Nine! Poetry & artwork "Hairlong" copyright © 1999/2000 by Romeo Esparrago Voyager and … Continue reading Long-Haired Alien & 7, by Romeo Esparrago
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 24 (December 1999). Illustration: “We Sha’Kar” by Sam Crowe We are Sha'karWe are the hand of the Gods of the Sky and CircuitWe are the Wrath Most HolyWe feel no pityWe feel no remorseWe know no fearWe know no painWe are resolute --Warrior Oath of the Sha'kar 1 To … Continue reading Legacy, by Will Harrison
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 24 (December 1999). Illustration: “Mars” by Dave (Zozzy) Thwaites I was on Mars the day the Earth explodeda new star giving the news above the horizonand I stared in shock and then waitedfor news that the war was won One of those aliens smiled in its alien wayand said … Continue reading Mars, by Gryffyd Eamonn Dempsey
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 24 (December 1999). Illustration: “Inspirat” by Romeo Esparrago Luna Colony: Nature never intended for a child to be born and raised up there on the moon, in an artificial dome with artificial gravity and artificial light and artificial air. What you do want a human child for up there, … Continue reading The Man in the Moon, by McCamy Taylor
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 24 (December 1999). Illustration: “Avrilita Blastitus” by Romeo Esparrago Nothing lasts forever... Turn your back and walk away;never to return.Deep inside your pounding hearta fire begins to burn. Orange sky, pastel moons and planets,above her where she stands.Only as a sweet, fleeting memory,will be her lost homeland. The path … Continue reading Nothing Lasts Forever, by Tony Chandler
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 24 (December 1999). The young reporter was being put to sleep by the event he was covering. He was kept awake only by a soda from a handy vending machine. When the reporter first started working for the city's largest newspaper, the Herald, he had imagined himself writing stories … Continue reading Poof!, by Mark Griswold
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 23 (September 1999). Illustration: “Color Me, Too” by Kalazar When I walk to my job early in the morning, there it is again. No use taking another street to avoid it: the photos are all over the city, for everyone to see. A naked white child, maybe six or … Continue reading Color Me Black, by Fabio Fernandes
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 23 (September 1999). Illustration: “De La Luna” by Andrew G. McCann Gaping eyes consider dreaming.Blatant moon requires seeing. Picture of the shadow, a blind man's holiday.Soft light over dreamscape, silent, the pixies play. Oh, shower of glittery dust, doubt is left as to what eyes trust. Things that meld into the night, blur themselves from one's sight. … Continue reading De La Lune, by Diggs Sexton
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 23 (September 1999). Inspired by the artwork “Dino Farm” by Thomas Miller Ned Fenton paused outside the back entrance of Sarah's Diner, glanced left and right to see if anyone was watching, then stepped inside. He stood in the dark storeroom a few moments to splash on fresh after-shave … Continue reading Dino Farm, by Ray Dangel
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 23 (September 1999). Illustration: “Silicon Warrior” by Duncan Long Silicon WarriorDecked out in chromeGlints in the sunlightBefore charging the throne New model you wereCrafted with pridePharaoh's engineersSmiles beaming wide Designed for a purposePacify rogue slavesCrush them mercilesslyDig them out of their caves Rockets often firedGuns constantly blazedHumans laid out … Continue reading Silicon Warrior, by Hathno Paige
