Before Plan 9: Plans 1-8 from Outer Space [Paperback]

Tony Schaab (Author), Patrick D'Orazio (Author), DA Chaney (Author), Greg Carter (Author), Tonia Brown (Author), David Dunwoody (Author), Rob Silvera (Author), Jonathan Maberry (Author), Craig DiLouie (Author), Joe McKinney (Author), Michael McCarty (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 2012

Greetings, my friend – the Amazing Criswell here. Anyone who is familiar with Ed Wood’s "classic" film Plan 9 from Outer Space knows that the sometimes-nefarious aliens and their ninth attempt to interact with humanity didn’t quite work out. What we don’t know is this: what were the first eight Plans? When did they happen? What did they entail? How and why did they fail? This book, my friend, will answer those questions.

With serious and humorous stories spanning many time periods and genres, including science fiction, horror, noir, steampunk, and speculative fiction, "Before Plan 9" boasts an impressive array of writing talent, including national and New York Times best-sellers and multiple literary award winners. This collection is narrated by yours truly, the Amazing Criswell, as I offer you my sage words of wisdom and my unique presentation before each spectacular tale.

Use this tome, my friend, to learn when throughout history the aliens have had their influence, and perhaps it will help to prepare us for their next Plan. If you don’t heed my warning and choose not to read this book, then God help you… in the future!

BONUS CONTENT: as a special preview, also included in this book is the first chapter of the upcoming novelization of "Plan 9 from Outer Space," by Edward D. Wood, Jr. and Tony Schaab.

Product Details

• Paperback: 354 pages
• Publisher: TwinStar Media (March 15, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615616232
• ISBN-13: 978-0615616230
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,218,945 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of fun! May 23, 2012

By kora87

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is a collection of short stories that comprises the plans before Plan 9 from outer space. Don`t let the title fool you. It is actually 11 short stores in this book, plus a preview of the first chapter of the novelization of Plan 9 from Outer Space. There is a plan zero and there are two parts two plan 8. You do get alot of stories here. If you are an fan of Ed Wood (which I am), you will enjoy a few references to his work in some of the stories, but it`s not overkill.

Some of the stories are better than others. My personal favorites are plan zero. It involes the dinosaurs. Plan 5 takes place during the depression and involves people in the dust bowl. Plan 6 involves Nazi doctors. All the stories were very distinct, but still flowed together really well. It made for a very fun read.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars some good, some fair July 18, 2012

By James W Sweet

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

You have to be in the right frame of mind to read this book. I believe that very few people would even try, finding the stories to be somewhat juvenile. Otherwise, you may find it is a waste of time.
The preview from AMAZON.COM includes the stories from both the Mesozoic Era and a portion of the Odyssey. The Odyssey selection will give you an idea of how "twisted" the story can become.
There are some problems with the language being used. Apparently, there were no proof-readers for this book. Because there are many errors.
But if you can get past this, you may enjoy the book. Most of it may actually be written with "tongue in cheek".

*** There are some minor spoilers in my review. I have tried to keep them to a minimum. ***

The connecting thread of all these stories are beings from outer space trying to control humans ... and the complete failure of each different "plan", leading up to the titled PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE, based on the infamous B-movie.

PLAN 0 - Mesozoic Era
This was the most imaginative section involving intelligent dinosaurs and the "real" reason for their disappearance.

PLAN 1 - The Odyssey
The author did his own interesting version on Homer's Odyssey, showing the aliens working "behind the scenes".

PLAN 2 - Ancient Egypt
This story was unique, but somewhat violent and bloody. While the aliens were more benign, it still ended in disaster.

PLAN 3 - Middle Ages
This stupid story was a mess. It read like it was written by a child! Perhaps that was intent, since it was based on the "Pied Piper of Hamelin". But the original fairy tale was better than this one.

PLAN 4 - "Clockwork Country"
This was a funny story involving the unusual kidnaping of local women.... Although it takes place near the turn of the 19th century, it shows how mens' attitudes toward women have changed very little.

PLAN 5 - Depression
This was the spookiest story, taking place during the Great Depression. It involves kids, a circus, mutant plants and a mad alien scientist.

PLAN 6 - Nazis
This is a sequel of the B-movie "Bride of the Monster" (with Bela Lugosi as a mad scientist) ... and it shows! It involves most of the characters from that movie, and adds some die-hard Nazis. Using new science to create a horrific army of monsters, the left-over Nazis plan to conquer the world and bring back the Third Reich.

PLAN 7 - Sin City
This detective story was written in the hard-bitten style of a 50's private eye. The case involves a scientist who may be unfaithful to his wife. But the truth turns out to be something even more fantastic.

PLAN 8 - The Fifties, Phase 1
Think of all the 50's movies with giant monster insects and you get the idea for this story.

PLAN 8 - The Fifties, Phase 2
If at first you don't succeed, try try again! The aliens use only the most terrifying giant insect for their plans. There is also a hint near the end of this story about Plan 9. The style of writing for this story seemed more like the 60's... with more emphasis on sex and teenagers.

PLAN 9 - Preview - This contains a more detailed description of the opening scenes of the movie "Plan 9 From Outer Space". But it ends quickly with hints to buy the next book. Read more ›