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Graphic Novel Wins Major Literary Prize
13 May
Summary
- Graphic novel 'Cannon' wins $60,000 Stella Prize.
- Lai is the first non-binary winner and first graphic novelist.
- The award celebrates women and non-binary writers.
Lee Lai has achieved a historic first by winning the $60,000 Stella Prize for their graphic novel "Cannon." This marks the first time a graphic novel has claimed the Australian literary award, and Lai is also the inaugural non-binary recipient.
The Stella Prize, established for women and non-binary writers, recognized "Cannon" for its powerful depiction of a young queer Chinese woman in Montreal. The protagonist, Lucy, navigates responsibilities including caring for her grandfather and working in a restaurant, while her best friend exploits her life for writing material.
Lai, who was born in Melbourne and is based in Montreal, expressed excitement about the win, hoping it elevates the comics community. The substantial prize money will provide Lai with invaluable time for future creative endeavors, addressing the often underfunded nature of graphic novel creation.
The judges lauded "Cannon" as a profound examination of the burdens often carried by women and responsible individuals, highlighting Lai's masterful artistry that blends horror, poignancy, and humor. The novel's unique visual storytelling, employing monochrome palettes with striking color accents and a restrictive four-panel grid, allows Lai to expertly control reader pacing and emotional engagement.
Influenced by graphic novelists like Marjane Satrapi and Daniel Clowes, Lai aims to validate graphic novels as a legitimate literary form, pushing back against the perceived 'snootiness' of the term 'graphic novel' in favor of celebrating comics' broader heritage.
