I'm heavily into backgrounds as well. A good background keeps you engaged with the world, helps you visualize the whole scene, and can tell as much of the story as dialogue, if done well.
I know manga often skimp on backgrounds, but usually not the good ones. Whenever a comic lacks a background for too long, it gives me a floaty, dreamy feeling that can break immersion easily. I think there should be a background at least once per page, or at least a prop that suggests a background.
And it should be drawn in the same medium and style as the characters as a rule, not direct photomanips or CG renders! And if you use a photo for reference, try to get a unique one or take your own if you can.
I know most comics people get into it because we like to draw cool characters, emotional moments, and awesome action shots. It can feel like comics require drawing a lot of bricks, dumpsters, and gabled roofs - and they do. It helps to try and think about how the background can help tell the story, trying to make it a character of its own.
I know I have a long way to go to achieve that, though.
