Han Solo from 'Star Wars' is a prime example. He's a smuggler and a bit of a rogue, flying around in the Millennium Falcon. He has that cowboy - like charm and independence.
Buck Rogers can also be considered a space cowboy - like character. He was one of the early science fiction heroes who found himself in a far - flung future in space, having to adapt and use his skills to survive and fight against various threats. He was often on his own, exploring new worlds and dealing with strange alien races much like a cowboy in the frontier days.
Zane Grey is a well - known author of cowboy fiction. His works often depict the adventures of cowboys in the American West.
One common theme is freedom. Space cowboys often roam the galaxy freely, unrestricted by traditional Earthly laws. They are like the cowboys of the old West but in space.
Isaac Asimov also made significant contributions. His Foundation series, while not solely focused on space in the most literal sense, incorporated many elements of hard space science fiction, especially in terms of galactic - scale politics and the implications of space - faring civilizations.
Well, there's also Ursula K. Le Guin. While she is known for her broader works in science fiction and fantasy, some of her stories touch on outer space concepts. Her works often explore different cultures and social structures, which can be applied to outer space civilizations. And then there's Alastair Reynolds. His novels are filled with epic space operas, featuring large - scale battles, strange alien races and mind - bending scientific concepts related to outer space.
Owen Wister is quite famous. His work 'The Virginian' set a standard for cowboy fiction. He was able to capture the essence of the cowboy, the code of honor they followed, and the Western setting in a really engaging way.
Zane Grey is quite famous. His books are full of action - packed adventures in the wild west. His descriptions of the landscape and the cowboy lifestyle are very vivid.
Max Brand was also famous in cowboy pulp fiction. He wrote many stories that were full of action and adventure in the Wild West. His characters were often larger - than - life cowboys dealing with all sorts of challenges. He was able to create engaging stories that kept readers hooked, and his works contributed a great deal to the popularity of cowboy pulp fiction.
Zane Grey is a very famous author of cowboy fiction. He wrote many books like 'Riders of the Purple Sage' which are full of adventure in the Wild West. Another well - known one is Owen Wister. His 'The Virginian' is a classic. Larry McMurtry is also a notable author, known for 'Lonesome Dove'.
One of the most well - known is Mystique from the X - Men series. She can change her appearance to mimic anyone, which she uses for various purposes, both good and bad. Another is Odo from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He is a shapeshifter who is constantly trying to understand his own nature and the world around him while dealing with the limitations and advantages of his ability.
There's Nikola Tesla - like characters. In steampunk, you often see inventors inspired by Tesla who create amazing electrical - like (but steam - powered) inventions. Also, characters like the Red Baron, a famous aviator. His flying skills and his iconic red - painted plane fit well into the steampunk world of adventure and technology. And don't forget about Sherlock Holmes. His deductive reasoning and use of various scientific tools (which in steampunk versions are often more elaborate and steam - powered) make him a great steampunk - inspired character.