(Relaxnews) - Now a decades-old tradition, Comic-Con San Diego is the world's premiere celebration of geek culture. The event takes place this year from July 24 to 27.

Created in 1970 and originally dedicated to comic books, Comic-Con has expanded its purview to include movies, TV shows, mangas and video games. The event has become extremely popular, attracting over 130,000 visitors per year and featuring an array of guest authors, directors, illustrators and actors. For these artists and other content creators, the event offers a chance to reveal details on upcoming projects through panel discussions, or to promote their latest productions by unveiling exclusive trailers or pilots.

In addition to delighting fans and giving guest artists a prime advertising opportunity, Comic-Con organizes an important competition. Each year since 1974, the Inkpot Awards recognize outstanding contributors to comics, animation and science-fiction.

A big year for DC Comics

Among the anticipated highlights of the 2014 edition, several involve new TV shows on DC Comics characters. Pilots or trailers are slated to be revealed for FOX's Batman prequel "Gotham," NBC's "Constantine" on the demon hunter and magician of the "Hellblazer" comics, and the CW's "Flash." Also showcased will be the CW's "Arrow," which enters its third season this fall.

And of course, DC Comics will claim the spotlight with its celebration of a major Batman anniversary: the Dark Knight turns 75 on July 23.

But DC Comics' arch rival Marvel also has plenty in store this year. The publisher is celebrating the 50th anniversary of "Daredevil," which inspired a new Netflix series slated to premiere in 2015. As usual, fans will flock to Marvel's panels, including sessions on the Avengers with authors Axel Alonso, Rick Remender and Jason Aaron. Marvel is also promising new revelations on one of its most anticipated new ventures, which will involve an alliance between the Avengers and the X-Men.

The most anticipated presentations

The "Game of Thrones" panel, which takes place on Friday, July 25, is bound to be one of the most popular presentations of Comic-Con 2014. Author George R.R. Martin will be present alongside all of the show's main cast members with the exception of Peter Dinklage (Tyrion). There is no expectation of a new trailer for the coming season, however.

Back by popular demand is a panel on "The Big Bang Theory," which has more fans than ever after its seventh season on CBS. The comedy's producers and cast will be on hand to share behind-the-scenes secrets with their numerous fans. A similar panel will be held with the makers of "The Vampire Diaries." After the tragic events of the end of season five, fans are particularly eager to find out what happens next.

Finally, fans will also be able to glean details on the seventh and final season of "Sons of Anarchy" in a panel with the cast and producers.

But the TV world won't steal all of the limelight. Headed for the silver screen in August, the latest live-action adaptation of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" will make its debut in San Diego in an exclusive sneak preview. And the third movie in the phenomenally popular "Hunger Games" franchise, headed to theaters in November, will be represented with the release of the first full-length trailer.

Of course, video games will also be well represented. Electronic Arts is expected to reveal a first look at the single-player mode of "Battlefield: Hardline," which goes on sale October 23, while the Japanese publisher Namco will present "Tekken 7," the latest edition of its famous fighting game.

More surprising, while "Halo 5" is not due out until late 2015, a new miniseries produced by Ridley Scott is expected to explain the ties between the fourth and fifth games in the series. Titled "Halo 5: Guardians," the program is due to premiere in San Diego.

Women in geekdom

Aside from its role as a venue for world premieres and exclusive revelations, Comic-Con also offers a forum for debate. Several panels on the importance of female characters will be held, and several authors and directors will speak to the future of women in comics and their various spin-off productions.

The complete schedule is available at the event's official website.