Zappo
Explorer
A summoner is a perfectly viable choice. I think that a sorcerer would be the best choice. The high CHA is a big bonus when using Planar Binding, and you won't need a great selection of spells anyway. The standard Summon Monster lists, short as they are, allow for an impressive variety of spell-like abilities through the creatures they call. It would be even better if you could get your DM to extend the lists some more. Don't hope of being able to deal damage as well as a standard artillery caster, but you will more thank make up for that in versatility.
Get several Summon Monster spells, Planar Bindings, a few Magic Circles and Dimensional Anchor (for use with Planar Binding), and you have all the good arcane summoning in the game. Summoned creatures are generally poor in combat with foes of your CR, so get Magic Missile and Fireball. Then Invisibility, Dimension Door, and you should still have a few spells left for utility tasks.
Augment summoning and Extend summoning as feats, as well as Extend spell (metamagic, double duration) and Prolong spell (metamagic, duration -> 24h) when you are getting higher in level.
Get several Summon Monster spells, Planar Bindings, a few Magic Circles and Dimensional Anchor (for use with Planar Binding), and you have all the good arcane summoning in the game. Summoned creatures are generally poor in combat with foes of your CR, so get Magic Missile and Fireball. Then Invisibility, Dimension Door, and you should still have a few spells left for utility tasks.
Augment summoning and Extend summoning as feats, as well as Extend spell (metamagic, double duration) and Prolong spell (metamagic, duration -> 24h) when you are getting higher in level.
