I am not an historian, but I think Captain Marvel was always meant to be a second grade/backround character.
Basically on the same level with Ka-zar or Guardians of the Galaxy, they all had their solo debut on the same 
series.
That said as a kid I loved Captain Marvel from the first costume to the next and the Starlin period, unfortunately
after Starlin left the book took a dive and Captain Marvel best of the best was his own "Death of" Graphic Novel.

Anyway this book is well worth your $$$ I hope you guys enjoy it.