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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration has been formed. The Pokémon Company alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring exclusive merchandise. Fans can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the institution's aesthetic. The big draw, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store will operate from on-site at the museum to online from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful artwork depicting creatures in their natural habitats. The concept is the kind of research an in-world scientist might publish after adventurers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal might have created had the famous islands were populated by flying-types instead of finches. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Different

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company special edition promos celebrating major tournaments and brand collaborations. A lot such collector items often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. What distinguishes this latest museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. Although precise specs have not been immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, and customers limited to only a single card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Interest

Per an official announcement, a portion of the pop-up items may also be available beyond the institution itself. However, a wider release is slated for select retailers within the UK. Importantly, collectors will not be able to acquire this promo through the official web shop. Although speculator demand is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. For those unable to attend, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City later this year.

"All profits from purchases made in the Museum shop and its web shop, including these items, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the research of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement notes.