Graphic novelist Alison Bechdel – author of Dykes To Watch Out For and Fun Home – has won a MacArthur Genius Grant.

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation award – commonly referred to as the ‘MacArthur Genius Grant’ – is awarded to individuals in the arts, humanities, science and public issues. The MacArthur Foundation views the fellowship not as a reward for past accomplishments, but rather “an investment in a person’s originality, insight and potential” reports Comic Book Resources.

“It will give me a lot of security that I don’t have. Pay off some debts, save for retirement — really boring stuff,” said 54-year-old Bechdel. “I’ve been a cartoonist all my life!”

Bechdel, acclaimed graphic memoirist and creator of the feminist-friendly film test which bears her name, is only the second cartoonist to ever receive the Grant – which confers a $625,000 cash prize over the five years – over the course of its 33 year history.