Collector’s World opens in a bigger space

Collector’s World reopened Jan. 15 in its new, larger space a few feet from its old spot at the Annandale Shopping Center.

The shop specializes in vintage and new comic books and sports memorabilia.

“The new space offers more of a selection. It’s better organized, and it’s bigger and better in everything,” says co-owner Steve Weber.

There’s a large room in the back for games, trivia contests, and kids’ birthday parties.

The left side of the shop is devoted to sports, with collectible cards, framed pictures, and autographed footballs, baseballs, and bats. The store can put together a collection of items (an autographed jersey and sports cards, for example) in a custom frame.

The right side is all comic books, Pokémon cards, posters, and vintage toys featuring Star Wars, Transformers, and other characters. Vintage comics are $5 for two.

The most popular comics feature the first appearance of a character or are related to a popular movie, such as Spiderman, says co-owner Damon Hudson.

There’s also a section with vintage postcards, including some from the 1930s and 1940s, organized by topic and place.

Serious collectors willing to spend big bucks on a special sports card are likely to be drawn to the cases in the middle of the store full of rare items.

Collector’s World has a baseball card from 1887 for $800 and a 1911 card autographed by Clark Griffith, the namesake of Griffith Stadium, for $1,600. There are autographed cards of Jackie Robinson ($3,000), Muhammad Ali ($1,000), and Satchel Paige ($1,500).

Looking for a newer rarity? An unopened pack of Pokémon cards with the Charizard character goes for $1,000.