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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside London's Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop stocked with exclusive merchandise. Fans can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are inspired by the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, though, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled from the physical location and online from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome packed with stunning illustrations that show creatures in their wild environments. The concept like the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish once adventurers submit their data, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched if the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys instead of birds. Part of the charm lies in the book's scholarly approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Different

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company to release cards celebrating big events and brand collaborations. Many of these collector items typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new promotion apart is its unusually large size. While precise specs were not publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, and fans limited to just one card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Activity

According to an official statement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the institution itself. But, broader availability will only be specific stores within the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans will not be able to purchase the card via the official web shop. While speculator demand is a given, it appears they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those feeling left out, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales from the Museum shop and from its online store, which covers Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to conducting studies and finding solutions to the planetary emergency," it says.