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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration has been formed. The Pokémon Company alongside London's Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store featuring special items. Enthusiasts will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are inspired by the museum's theme. For collectors, though, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. The store is scheduled both the physical location to online from January 26 to April 19.

The Book Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume filled with stunning artwork depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially like the kind of research an in-world scientist might publish after adventurers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created if the Galapagos teemed with Pidgeys rather than finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Promo Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release cards celebrating big events and crossover partnerships. A lot such promotional cards typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this latest promotion apart however, is the distinctly bigger size. While precise specs have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, and customers limited to only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Reseller Activity

According to a company announcement, a portion of the pop-up items may also be available outside the institution itself. But, broader availability will only be specific stores within the UK. Critically, fans will not be able to acquire this promo through the official web shop. While speculator demand is inevitable, it appears they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. For those feeling left out, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City later this year.

"All profits of sales made in the Museum shop and its web shop, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the efforts of hundreds of researchers dedicated to conducting studies to discover answers to the planetary emergency," it notes.