There are some very good strips today but what is needed are strips that are consistently funny. C&H was funny and insightful at the same time, as was Bloom County. I'll cut the new guys some slack though. With a daily deadline to meet you will have a few off days.
some of my favorites.
Non Seqitur: Leans left but usually funny and fairly well drawn with interesting characters
Bob The Squirrel
I just found this strip recently and I think it's quite good. Lots of potential and some really funny individual strips. I think it will develop into a great one.
Pearls Before Swine:
Pastis is one twisted guy but I identify with Rat's cynicism and I work with a bunch of people who are as clueless as Pig is.
And he's not afraid of taking a shot at other comics.
And, of course, Monty. How can you not like a strip with an alien spy who is on earth to mine dairy products, a talking chimp, and a beer swilling neighbor with a talking bird?