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Marking 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 will launch a pop-up shop stocked with special merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are inspired by the institution's theme. For collectors, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. The store will operate from on-site at the museum to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume filled with beautiful illustrations depicting creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially like the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce once trainers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the famous islands were populated by flying-types instead of finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious approach, treating Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Promo Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition promos celebrating big events and crossover partnerships. Many of these collector items typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. The factor setting this new promotion apart is its distinctly bigger dimensions. Although precise specs have not been immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, and fans limited to just one card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Activity

According to a company announcement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold outside the institution itself. However, a wider release will only be select retailers within the UK. Critically, collectors will not be able to acquire the card through the official web shop. Although reseller interest is a given, it appears they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those unable to attend, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to the Windy City later this year.

"All profits from purchases from the museum store and its online store, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to conducting studies and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," it notes.