Comic-Con news round-up

Good Monday morning to ya! Here’s a look at all of the latest big news to come out of Comic-Con San Diego, that mecca of all things geek and fandom, which takes place this year July 23-27th. (And of course PopCultureGeek will be there, with daily coverage.)

• TVWeek reports that Fox is upping its ante for Comic-Con, sending nine TV shows to the even this year. In addition to expected titles like Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse, U.S. remake Life on Mars (based on the U.K. hit), Fox juggernauts 24 and The Simpsons, and other animated fare like Futurama, Family Guy, and American Dad, you’ll also find panels for less obvious choices like Prison Break and Bones. (Oddly, J.J. Abrams’ Fringe goes unmentioned, yet we already know a panel is planned.) Fox is also increasing its presence on the show floor. Fox Atomic’s usual booth has been handed over to Fox’s television department, so expect a major overhaul there, with lots of talent signings and giveaways.
• For those still hoping to buy tickets and attend all four days of the con with those sold-out four-day passes, eBay has become a scalping treasure trove. Yet Comic-Con warns, buyer beware: passes resold to third parties likely will not be honored. When checking in at the San Diego Convention Center, the name on your ID must match the name on your pass, or you don’t get in.
• On a related note, the NC Times just posted an article on the difficulties of finding a hotel room in San Diego County during Comic-Con. Apparently, it’s the most difficult time of the year to get a room throughout the entire county and beyond. The article is appropriately titled, “During Comic-Con, No Room at the Inn.”
• And finally, to cheer you up after all the gloom and doom about housing and ticketing, io9 offers their picks for 8 Toys You Can’t Leave Comic-Con Without.