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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators and London's Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop featuring special items. Fans can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, however, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus for the pop-up. The store is scheduled both the physical location and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome filled with stunning illustrations depicting creatures in their wild environments. The concept like what a Pokémon Professor might publish once trainers provide field notes, or what Charles Darwin might have created if the famous islands teemed with flying-types rather than birds. A key appeal lies in the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition promos for major tournaments or brand collaborations. A lot of these promotional cards typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this new promotion apart is its distinctly bigger size. Although exact measurements were not publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, and fans limited to just one card per purchase.

Curbing Reseller Activity

According to a company statement, some of the pop-up items may also be available outside the institution itself. But, broader availability is slated for select retailers within the UK. Importantly, collectors cannot purchase this promo via the official web shop. While reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. If you're unable to attend, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and its online store, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.