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. In 1953, J. B. Priestley described the "Western" as one of the three types of science fiction. 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. Since then, science fiction Westerns have appeared in film, television, novels, comic books, and other media. 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". Deep Range by Arthur C. Clarke is considered another example. Novels and stories Six-Gun Planet by John Jakes (1970) The Dark Tower series by Stephen King (1982-2004) Doctor Who:Peacemaker by James Swallow (2007) "Frontier Earth" by Bruce Boxleitner (1999) "Searcher" by Bruce Boxleitner (2001) The Ghosts of Watt O'Hugh by Steven S. Drachman (2011), which was named as one of the Best of 2011 by Kirkus Reviews The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson Skirmish on a Summer Morning by Bob Shaw (1976 novelette) The Buntline Special by Mike Resnick (2010) Ninety Thousand Horses by Sean McMullen (2012 novelette) The Never-Ending Western Movie by Robert Sheckley (originally published Science Fiction Discoveries, 1976; included in the collection "The Robot Who Looked Like Me") Comics Trigun by Yasuhiro Nightow Daisy Kutter by Kazu Kibuishi Lone by Stuart Moore and Jerome Opena Iron West by Doug Tennapel Cowboys & Aliens by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg High Moon by David Gallaher and Steve Ellis East of West by Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta Films The Beast of Hollow Mountain (1956) Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter (1966) The Valley of Gwangi (1969): Early 20th century cowboys catching T-rex. Westworld (1973) Timerider: The Adventure of Lyle Swann (1982) Back to the Future Part III (1990) The Postman (1997) Wild Wild West (1999) Tremors 4: The Legend Begins (2004): A frontier town discovers monsters. Serenity (2005): Follow-up film to the television series Firefly. Priest (2011) Cowboys & Aliens (2011) Television The Wild Wild West