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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside London's Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop featuring exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts will find products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the institution's theme. For collectors, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. This shop will operate both the physical location and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume filled with beautiful artwork depicting creatures in their natural habitats. The concept is what a Pokémon Professor could produce after trainers provide field notes, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created if the famous islands teemed with Pidgeys rather than birds. A key appeal lies in the book's scholarly treatment, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company to release promos celebrating major tournaments or brand collaborations. Many of these promotional cards typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. The factor setting this new promotion apart is its unusually large size. Although precise specs were not publicly disclosed, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, with fans able to get just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Activity

Per an official statement, some of the merchandise will also be sold beyond the museum walls. But, broader availability will only be specific stores within the UK. Importantly, collectors will not be able to acquire the card via the official web shop. While reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're unable to attend, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales made in the museum store and from its web shop, which covers these items, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover answers to the planetary emergency," the statement notes.