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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership is underway. Pokémon's creators and the Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store stocked with exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are inspired by the museum's theme. The big draw, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled both the physical location to its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

The Book That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated volume filled with stunning illustrations depicting creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially like what a Pokémon Professor could produce once trainers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal might have created had the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys rather than finches. A key appeal lies in the book's serious treatment, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Special Card Different

It is common to issue to release promos for big events and crossover partnerships. A lot such promotional cards typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. The factor setting this latest promotion apart however, is the unusually large dimensions. Although precise specs were not publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, and customers able to get only a single card per purchase.

Limiting Speculator Interest

According to a company statement, a portion of the pop-up items may also be available outside the institution itself. However, broader availability will only be select retailers in the UK. Critically, collectors cannot acquire this promo via the official web shop. Although speculator demand is inevitable, it appears they're going to have trouble stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're feeling left out, consider the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago later this year.

"All profits of sales from the Museum shop and from its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry and finding answers to the planetary emergency," the statement notes.