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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop featuring special merchandise. Fans can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, however, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled from on-site at the museum and online from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful illustrations that show creatures in their natural habitats. The concept is the kind of research an in-world scientist might publish once trainers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created if the Galapagos teemed with flying-types rather than birds. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Special Card Different

It is common to issue special edition cards for major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot such promotional cards often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. The factor setting this latest promotion apart is its unusually large dimensions. Although precise specs have not been immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with customers limited to just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Reseller Interest

Per an official statement, some of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the institution itself. However, a wider release is slated for specific stores in the UK. Importantly, collectors will not be able to purchase the card via the online Pokémon Center. While speculator demand is a given, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. For those feeling left out, there is an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to the Windy City later this year.

"Every penny of sales made in the museum store and its online store, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," it notes.