Personally I'd go with a rogue.

On a barb or fighter you're really expected to be able to tank. As a rogue, you can sit in the middle or back and just focus on getting you average damage as high as possible. You will also be able to use staffs, which are by far the cheapest type of weapon to get ee on.

vouch you should make a rogue

By saying this you are assuming there will always be a catacomb group available and willing to play with a newcomer.

It's very very difficult even with the best gear to solo with a rogue, that's why I suggest a barbarian or fight.er

It's very very difficult to solo a fighter or barb, too.

most likely the only way he'll be leveling, especially the later levels, is catacombs.