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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration has been formed. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring special items. Fans will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the museum's theme. For collectors, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus for the pop-up. This shop will operate both on-site at the museum and online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful artwork depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. The concept like what a Pokémon Professor might publish once adventurers provide field notes, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created if the Galapagos teemed with flying-types rather than birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly treatment, treating Pokémon as a legitimate scientific inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition cards celebrating major tournaments and crossover partnerships. A lot such collector items typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. The factor setting this latest promotion apart is its unusually large size. While precise specs have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, with customers able to get only a single card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Activity

According to a company announcement, a portion of the merchandise may also be available outside the museum walls. However, broader availability is slated for select retailers within the UK. Critically, fans will not be able to acquire the card via the official web shop. While reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, consider an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny from purchases made in the museum store and from its web shop, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the efforts of hundreds of researchers dedicated to scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the planetary emergency," the statement says.