Dark They Were, and Golden-Eyed

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"Dark They Were, and Golden-Eyed" is a science fiction short story by Ray Bradbury. It was originally published in the magazine Thrilling Wonder Stories in August, 1949. It was also included in the short-story collection S is for Space.

[edit] Plot summary

The story takes place in the near-future on Mars, like many of Bradbury's stories. An atomic war on Earth has caused the Bittering family - Harry, Cora, and their children Dan, Laura, and David - to flee via a rocket ship, joining the small population of Earthmen who have colonized Mars. Shortly after arriving, a nuclear strike hits New York City; the Bitterings are now stranded on Mars.

Uneasily settling into their new environment, Harry begins to notice subtle changes which take place, first to the plants and animals, then to himself and his family. The family cow grows a third horn, the plants change color, and Harry and his family become dark-complected, tall, thin, and their eyes changing color to gold. Harry resists this, desperately trying to build a rocket back to Earth, but eventually he gives in and along with the other colonists, leaves the city for the Martian hills. After awhile in the villa, he and everyone else forgot they used to be humans, and they transform completely into Martians.

At the end of the story a group of American astronauts arrive to tell the colonists that the war on Earth is over, but there are no humans left. Instead, they find dark martians with golden eyes.

Dark They Were & Golden Eyed was also the name given to a popular Sci-fi & Comic store in London's West End during the mid to late 1970's. Deriving its name in recognition & honour of the Ray Bradbury stories it specialised in vintage comics & books, which encompassed the genres of Sci-fi, Horror & Fantasy. Located in St. Anne's Court, between Wardour Street & Dean Street, the site is now (sadly) a Vodka bar. However the demise of DTWAGE gave rise to the original Forbidden Planet outlet, first sited in Denmark Street & now a successful global concern, albeit lacking the spirit of it's pioneering predecessor.