Graphic Novels, everything you need to know

Couldn't sleep last night, so I thought I'd just take a peek at this book a Will Forester gave me--a surprise Christmas present in April! Well....lets just say I was finally able to tear myself away and get to bed around 3 a.m. Wow!

Gravett's book features pages by graphic artist/authors whose work has really influenced the medium, with notes that point out things I would have missed. Then he follows up with examples of work by people influenced by that particular artist/author. I have ignored Graphic Novels for most of my life. I thought it was all vapid superheroes, silly comics, or dark fantasy with the possible exception of TinTin and Little Nemo. I thought Elfquest and Girl Genius were anomolies.
Thank you Gravett!