Cartoonist Lee Lai has recorded two firsts – they’re the first non-binary person to win the prestigious Stella Literary Prize, and also their book Cannon is the first graphic novel to win.
The Stella Prize was established to promote works by Australian female and non-binary writers, who a few years ago were struggling to get a look in at some of the major writing awards.
The Miles Franklin Award is Australia’s leading literary prize and takes its name from the acclaimed author best known for My Brilliant Career. This women and non-binary award also derives its name from Franklin, but it’s her actual first name rather than her penname, she was after all Stella Maria Sarah Miles Franklin.
Lee Lai is an Australia author based in Canada. Cannon is their second novel. Her first novel Stone Fruit was shortlisted for the prize in 2022.
Fiona Sweet, the CEO and Creative Director of the Stella Prize, said she was delighted that the judges had selected Lee’s book.
“I am thrilled that Lee Lai’s sophomore novel Cannon has won the 2026 Stella Prize. For the first time in the Stella Prize’s 14-year history, the title has been awarded to a graphic novel.
“Cannon is a triumph of the form, a precise and eloquently written narrative that uses visuality to its benefit. Lee Lai crafts panels to move readers through melancholic atmospheres to crowded, tense palpable scenes that explode from the page. The book is a cinematic experience, with filmic compositions and references that showcase the power of graphic storytelling.” Sweet said.
“Just as strong as the visuals is the characters and the world at the core of this beautiful book. Cannon is a story about the complexities of relationships, and ones not often at the forefront of women’s stories: about women’s friendships, and the movement of friendships through life and conflict. Lucy ‘Cannon’ and best friend Trish navigate the complexities of familial relationships in the context of cultural, identity, and generational differences, in a beautifully intimate story of forgiveness, gentleness, queerness, and care.
“This book is an incredibly rewarding read, and I encourage everyone – from seasoned readers familiar with the form, to first time readers of a graphic novel – to read. This win will expose Cannon, a truly exceptional feat of the graphic novel form, to new readers nationwide.” Sweet said.
Sophie Gee, the Chair of this year’s group of judges said the book is one that would appeal to both younger and older readers.
“This is a novel of immense skill and power that uses words and the visual language of comics to construct a complex and pleasingly unresolved story that readers can’t put down. Cannon will appeal to young adults and old adults and everyone in between. It’s relatable, funny, wise, and very weird in all the best ways,”
