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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators and the Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop stocked with special items. Fans can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, however, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop will operate from on-site at the museum and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome packed with stunning artwork that show Pokémon in their natural habitats. It's essentially like the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce once adventurers provide field notes, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created had the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys instead of finches. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly treatment, treating Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release cards for big events and brand collaborations. Many of these promotional cards typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this latest museum card however, is the unusually large dimensions. While precise specs were not publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, and customers able to get only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Reseller Interest

According to a company statement, a portion of the merchandise may also be available beyond the institution itself. But, broader availability will only be select retailers within the UK. Critically, collectors cannot purchase this promo via the official web shop. Although reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. For those unable to attend, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and its online store, including Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," the statement notes.