Science fiction Western

A science fiction Western is a subgenre of science fiction, using a Western-inspired setting.

Since the characteristic elements of science fiction can occur in any setting, science fiction lends itself to combination with other genres.[1] In 1953, J. B. Priestley described the "Western" as one of the three types of science fiction.[2] The film serial The Phantom Empire has been cited as possibly the earliest science fiction Western primarily because it takes place on a dude ranch (with many of the props associated with conventional 19th century westerns) while showcasing technology not in existence during that period.[3] Since then, science fiction Westerns have appeared in film, television, novels, comic books, and other media.[3] The 2002 television series Firefly was described as a science fiction Western, since it combined the visual elements associated with Westerns (revolvers, horses, etc.) with those associated with science fiction; however, creator Joss Whedon said that the term made people "cringe".[4][5] Deep Range by Arthur C. Clarke is considered another example.[6]

Although sometimes used interchangeably with the term Space Western, film critic Lee Broughton notes the use of "traditional Western plots and settings" as the defining difference for the science-fiction Western proper.[7]