Planet Stories

Planet Stories: A Pulp Science Fiction Gem

Imagine a world where the stars were not just distant points of light but gateways to adventure and wonder. That’s what Planet Stories offered its readers in the mid-20th century.

The Birth of an Era

Fiction House, a publisher known for its imaginative comics, launched Planet Stories in 1939 as part of their expanding universe. The magazine was born out of the success of Jungle Comics and Planet Comics, which likely provided the financial backing needed to get it off the ground.

The Editor’s Vision

Malcolm Reiss, the editor-in-chief for all 71 issues, shaped Planet Stories into a beacon of interplanetary adventure. He brought in notable contributors like Isaac Asimov and Clifford D. Simak, ensuring that each issue was packed with thrilling tales.

The Artwork: A Visual Feast

The magazine’s artwork was as captivating as its stories. Planet Stories featured melodramatic covers with beautiful women and threatening aliens, setting the stage for readers to imagine themselves on distant planets. The interior illustrations by artists like Frank Paul and Hannes Bok added depth and detail to these imaginative worlds.

A Young Readership’s Paradise

Planet Stories was designed for a young audience, offering interplanetary adventures that were both thrilling and educational. However, it also attracted experienced readers who cherished the early days of science fiction.

The Editorial Succession

The editorial team at Planet Stories saw several changes over its 16-year run. Malcolm Reiss was succeeded by Wilbur Peacock, Chester Whitehorn, Paul Payne, Jerome Bixby, and finally Jack O’Sullivan. Each editor brought their unique vision to the magazine, contributing to its rich history.

The Publication Schedule

Planet Stories started as a quarterly publication in 1939 but switched to bimonthly issues from 1950 to 1954. It then returned to a quarterly schedule until the magazine’s final issue in 1955, with the winter issue of that year being dated Winter 1954/55.

Notable Contributions

Authors like Leigh Brackett and Ray Bradbury became regular contributors, their stories enriching the magazine. Brackett’s romanticized Mars tales influenced other writers, while Bradbury’s contributions helped elevate Planet Stories to a higher level of sophistication.

The Cover Art: A Visual Symphony

The cover art of Planet Stories was a visual symphony. Frank Paul’s distinctive style was prevalent, and artists like Allen Anderson and Kelly Freas contributed frequent covers. Alexander Leydenfrost’s black-and-white illustrations were highly regarded, adding to the magazine’s appeal.

A Companion Magazine and Beyond

Fiction House launched companion magazines Two Complete Science-Adventure Books and Tops in Science Fiction. Additionally, Ballantine Books released a collection of best stories from Planet Stories, further cementing its place in the science fiction canon.

The Legacy of Planet Stories

Planet Stories played an important role in launching the careers of notable writers and continued to contribute to the development of the science fiction genre. Its legacy lives on through the stories it published and the authors it nurtured.

As we look back on the pages of Planet Stories, it’s clear that this magazine was more than just a collection of stories—it was a portal to a world where imagination knew no bounds. The legacy of Planet Stories continues to inspire new generations of science fiction enthusiasts, reminding us that the stars are always within reach.