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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration has been formed. Pokémon's creators alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with special merchandise. Fans will find products like stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the museum's aesthetic. The big draw, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled 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 much-awaited tome packed with beautiful artwork that show creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially like the kind of research an in-world scientist might publish once adventurers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal might have created if the Galapagos were populated by flying-types instead of finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's scholarly approach, treating Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue special edition cards celebrating big events and crossover partnerships. Many such collector items typically highlight the iconic electric rodent who serves as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this latest promotion apart however, is the unusually large size. Although exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, and customers able to get just one card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Interest

Per an official announcement, a portion of the pop-up items may also be available beyond the museum walls. But, a wider release is slated for select retailers in the UK. Importantly, collectors cannot acquire this promo via the official web shop. While reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. For those unable to attend, consider an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to the Windy City later this year.

"Every penny of sales made in the Museum shop and its online store, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to conducting studies and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.