The Lone Ranger is a fictional masked former Texas Ranger who fought outlaws in the Old West with his native American friend, Tonto. The character was originally believed to be inspired by Texas Ranger Captain John R. Hughes, to whom the book "The Lone Star Ranger" by Zane Grey was dedicated in 1915. He first "appeared" in a successful radio series that spawned a series of books, an equally popular television show, comic books, and several movies. The character has been called an enduring icon of American culture.