Stories, poems and art reprinted from the classic Planet Magazine back issues (1994–2004).
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 19 (September 1998). Illustration: “Ahhh, Esho Funi” by Eric Seaholm The fog pulled in and Barry escaped. Out of his bathroom window he miraculously squeezed his 200-pound frame and dropped to the grass below his apartment. Only a two-story fall, Barry had made the jump without breaking any bones … Continue reading Soul Tattooed, by Noel Ace
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 19 (September 1998). Background art by Romeo Esparrago [Archive note: on the original page, this drawing was the faint background behind the three haiku.] petroglyphs were picturesof really skinny aliensweren't they? terraforming is funclouds are coolbut do we really need people? wish'd we met earliersigh'd the time-traveling loversso they … Continue reading Three SciFaiku, by Romeo Esparrago
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 19 (September 1998). Illustration: “The Judge” by GAK i the master sits, reads the signs New York City, 1985. The Secret Chief's real name was Henry Barton and his identity in the mundane world was one of obscure wealth and power. This was not untypical of the great chiefs … Continue reading Fields of Broken Glass, by Richard Behrens
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 19 (September 1998). Illustration: “Red Giant” by Kelly McLarnon ..... Ah the rarity of the airleft him quite afraidthat he'd find no shadeto protect from the glare There were no tall plantsnot even a row of maize.Under the continuous blazehe quickly shed his pants (His legs already golden brown.)At … Continue reading Excerpt from the Geological Diaries, circa 2021, by R. Garfield
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 19 (September 1998). Illustration by Ray Dangel The room slowly came into focus as the anesthetic released its grip. Jeremy recognized the big round ceiling light, then the sprinkler head a few feet away. His cardiologist's face slid into view and spoke. "How are you feeling, Jeremy?" "Urrghh," Jeremy … Continue reading Cabbage, by Ray Dangel
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 19 (September 1998). Illustration by Duncan Long I built me a juggernaut, one meter high,from toys in my box and dreams in my head,to battle the bully who teases and hurts.Who laughs when he sees it, creaking and crawling,then kicks in its belly. Crunch, crunch.But his boots are engulfed … Continue reading Juggernaut, by John Gerner
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 19 (September 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago It was the pigeons that awakened me. There was a flock of them just outside the basement window that I had crawled in through the night before. They scattered with a thundering of wings as the C.O.P.S. started their first sweep. I … Continue reading Queen Mab Courtesy, by Bruce C. Davis
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 18 (June 1998). Illustration by Ray Dangel A baffled cat skulked across the street, wondering where the hell everybody was. First time in years the summer streets had been deserted. Up at Evans' Old Time Ice Cream Emporium Kerry Ann Hooper, the last Cooperstownian working, scraped the bottom of … Continue reading Made in the U.S.A., by H. Turnip Smith
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 18 (June 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago Bennie Mox was sprawled in a corner staring at the setting sun. His eyes were listless and his lumpy shoulders were rigid. Bennie's rather large mouth was open in the shape of an O, revealing his perfectly capped teeth. A trace of … Continue reading How Time Flies, by Eric O. Tennyson
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 18 (June 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago He first saw the slick water glistening off the beige sidewalk. It was early, still dark outside, but light pollution flickered on the saturated ground and he could see clearly. He looked down, searching for his hands or feet, but couldn't find … Continue reading Obscurity, by Allen Woods
