Well, since there has recently been a ladder reset I thought it would be a good time to get back into the game, what would be the best character for me to start off with after taking a 1+ year break?

Hammerdin, nice and reliable.

I have said this a couple of time. This ladder I thought I'd stray away from Blizz sorc. I then started out with Fire, switched to Lightning, then inevitably I had to go back to Blizz. Its monster freezing is priceless. You technically can start off with Fire or Lightning, but it will be difficult. Or if you already have gear, and not crappy gear either.

yeah thats always was and always will be the best way to go. Blizz sorc with shitty mf gear mephing all the time until u get good drops and move on forth.

blizzard sorceress. they are my favorite character, and by far the strongest for having nothing gear. with good gear they only become more impressive :)

hammerdin all the way, or a ice sorc isn't bad either =)