Stories, poems and art reprinted from the classic Planet Magazine back issues (1994–2004).
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 18 (June 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago Delia climbed on board the armored bus, easily skirting the metal doors as they slammed shut behind her. Programmed to pause for only thirty seconds, the bus was already picking up speed as she crossed the threshold. Ignoring the whistles, obscenities and … Continue reading Wasted Minds, by Barbara Hancock
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 18 (June 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago I eased the throttle back slowly and the glider came to a smooth halt in front of Myron's Pet Shop. I jumped out, still proud of the way I looked in my tight-fitting uniform. When I removed my helmet and shook out … Continue reading One of the Family, by Kate Thornton
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 18 (June 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago The whirring of the gun could be heard throughout the flagship Hunter as they locked onto the other ship, the Firebird. There was a pounding sound as the guns dislodged electric death across the empty void. The magnetic field generated by the … Continue reading Squivel’s Mirth, by Joseph M. Weinberg
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 18 (June 1998). Wendell Kendall was always a loner. Even as a toddler he happily played by himself for hours, arranging and rearranging his blocks and other toys. When eventually he was bundled off to school, it shocked him to be forced to sit in a room with other … Continue reading Shift, by Ray Dangel
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
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 18 (June 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago The mountains are different on Olo'hyo,As different from Earth's as rain to snow.A fortress wall of peaks forty miles tall,Even from orbit you must gaze in awe. Upon their mighty shoulders gaze untrodden peaks,Feel the magic majesty, know that which you seek.Listen … Continue reading Mountains of Olo’hyo, by Tony Chandler
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 18 (June 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago It was the greatest contribution known by the human race, the supreme epitome of human technology. The monument's fame had spread until it had even been added to that most prestigious of honors, ranked as one of the 'Wonders of the Known … Continue reading Ramaas, Planet of Adventure, by Tony Chandler
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 18 (June 1998). Background art by Romeo Esparrago [Archive note: on the original page, this drawing was the faint background behind the haiku.] Snout brushes the cloudsJets offer bullet garlandsGodzilla's foot falls Up there! Gamera:Giant, jet-propelled turtle.Quick! My camera... Hot embers swirlWide leather wings a-flutterRodan, King of Winds Mothra … Continue reading MonsterKu, by Andrew McCann and Romeo Esparrago
