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To celebrate the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store stocked with special merchandise. Enthusiasts will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, however, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus for the pop-up. The store is scheduled from on-site at the museum and online between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome packed with beautiful artwork depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. The concept is what an in-world scientist could produce after trainers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the famous islands were populated by flying-types rather than finches. A key appeal lies in the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company special edition promos celebrating major tournaments and crossover partnerships. Many such promotional cards often feature the famous mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. What distinguishes this latest promotion apart is its unusually large size. While exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and fans able to get just one card with each transaction.

Limiting Reseller Activity

Per a company announcement, a portion of the pop-up items may also be available beyond the museum walls. However, broader availability will only be specific stores within the UK. Importantly, fans cannot purchase the card via the official web shop. While reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. For those feeling left out, consider an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny of sales made in the Museum shop and its web shop, including Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the research of 400 scientists who are conducting studies to discover solutions to the planetary emergency," the statement notes.