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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring special merchandise. Fans can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, though, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop will operate from on-site at the museum and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful illustrations that show creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish once adventurers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the Galapagos were populated by flying-types instead of birds. A key appeal stems from the book's serious approach, treating Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

It is common to issue to release promos celebrating major tournaments or brand collaborations. Many such collector items typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this latest promotion apart is its distinctly bigger size. While precise specs have not been immediately shared, availability will certainly be strictly limited, and fans able to get just one card per purchase.

Curbing Reseller Interest

According to an official announcement, some of the pop-up items may also be available outside the museum walls. But, broader availability will only be specific stores in the UK. Importantly, fans will not be able to purchase the card through the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is a given, it appears they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny of sales from the Museum shop and its web shop, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to scientific inquiry and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," the statement notes.