Stories, poems and art reprinted from the classic Planet Magazine back issues (1994–2004).
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 22 (June 1999). Illustration: “Cutthroat” by Nicola Stratford Babysnatchers flee through black holes,Cutthroats withdraw through worm holes,I seize a new body and stay. Poem copyright © 1999 by Andrew G. McCann Artwork "Cutthroat" © 1999 by Nicola Stratford ← Back to Planet Magazine No. 22 (contents)
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 22 (June 1999). Illustration: “Read Up!” by Lee Ward "Is he insane?" LaFort emerged from his thoughts and looked up at the holographic image of the assistant district attorney floating towards him from across the courtroom. "Doctor, is he insane?" the image asked him again, this time more curtly. … Continue reading Reading Upstream, by Aidan O’Keefe
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 22 (June 1999). Artwork by Nicola Stratford [Archive note: in the original issue this poem was presented only as the image above; its text is transcribed below.] Tombaugh found an icy fleck,uncatalogued, wanderingpast stars upon the plates.Champagne corks poppedwith his announcement --a ninth planet, Pluto,God of Darknessenthroned in ice. … Continue reading Planet X, by Scott Speck-Lesh
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 22 (June 1999). Illustration: “The Prezdent” by Romeo Esparrago Silence echoed off the vaulted ceiling as Chief Justice Douglas Howard entered the court. In lock step he was followed by the two Associate Justices that along with himself composed the highest court of this new land. Taking his seat … Continue reading Reasonable Man, by J.W. Kurilec
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 22 (June 1999). Illustration: “Monkey Rex” by Billy Tackett From a jungle planetIn a system far away Came a monkey kingto fight for the simian way Riding in a saucerBananas piled high He lands in Bronx Zoo centralTo the surprise of many an eye Back-pack rockets fireAnd he's headed … Continue reading Space Monkey King, by Hathno Paige
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 22 (June 1999). Illustration: “Soldier” by Thomas Miller Ten years passed before I ever missed my arms. The war went on, and my claws and guns served just as well. But in the quiet times, when I lie in the mobile transport crate and wait to be taken to … Continue reading Remembrances, by Christopher Clagg
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 22 (June 1999). Illustration: “Ride the Wild Pony” by Romeo Esparrago Steel Stallions cross the sky,Black Death, fear on high.Locked talons, wings of strength,falling Circle Fury,echo of our screaming cry. Red-lined, and over the edge... Broadsides, guns to bear.Into Death we will stare.Stars will shudder, souls will shake.Flames light … Continue reading Steel Stallions, by Tony Chandler
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 22 (June 1999). Illustration: “Big Ben” by Thomas Miller The doctors call me Big Ben. I am not a large man. But I am larger than most clocks. I know the hour, the minute and the second as well as any other timepiece ever made. And I always will. … Continue reading Big Ben, by Kim Burnham
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 22 (June 1999). Illustration: “Regards, Hanoi Bob” by Nicola Stratford We had just turned to enter a holo shop when the sidewalk went rubbery, my arm stretched, and with a strange snap in my head, I found myself in an unfamiliar room. Stars crept by. Translucent scrawlings hovered in … Continue reading Remote, by James Heflin
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 22 (June 1999). Illustration by Andrew G. McCann They came to Earth from distant stars,Bright angels of the hidden skies,Our brothers, sisters, from afar,Their silken tongues wrapped round their lies. Enchanted was their lilting voice,Perfection surpassed was their form,Seducing all of human choice,Their peace the calm before the storm. … Continue reading Tormented Love, by Ron Carnell
