Space Western

Space Western is a subgenre of science fiction that uses the themes and tropes of Westerns within science-fiction stories in an outer space setting.^[1] Subtle influences may include exploration of new, lawless frontiers, while more overt influences may feature actual cowboys in outer space who use rayguns and ride robotic horses. Although initially popular, a strong backlash against perceived hack writing caused the genre to become a subtler influence until the 1980s, when it regained popularity. A further critical reappraisal occurred during the 2000s due to critical acclaim for Firefly.

^ Broughton, Lee (September 19, 2016). Critical Perspectives on the Western: From A Fistful of Dollars to Django Unchained. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 29. ISBN 978-1-4422-7243-9.

[:0-1] Broughton, Lee (September 19, 2016). Critical Perspectives on the Western: From A Fistful of Dollars to Django Unchained. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 29. ISBN 978-1-4422-7243-9.

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