I follow writers/artists rather than characters nowadays. If nothing else because following all the multiverse type of stuff makes my head hurt. For writers i really enjoy Garth Ennis, Warren Ellis,Brian Azzarello(sp?) and Mark Millar. Walking Dead is a great one as is The Boys for ongoing stuff.
My absolute favorites are Ennis' Punisher MAX run, Preacher, Fables, Transmetropolitan and 100 Bullets.