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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 stocked with special items. Fans will find products like stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the museum's theme. The big draw, though, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus for the pop-up. This shop will operate from the physical location and its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated volume packed with beautiful illustrations depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially like the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce after trainers submit their data, alternatively a naturalist's journal might have created had the famous islands teemed with flying-types instead of finches. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition promos celebrating big events or brand collaborations. Many such promotional cards typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. The factor setting this new museum card however, is the unusually large size. While exact measurements were not publicly disclosed, availability will certainly be strictly limited, with customers limited to just one card per purchase.

Limiting Speculator Activity

According to a company statement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold outside the institution itself. However, broader availability is slated for specific stores in the UK. Importantly, collectors cannot acquire the card through the official web shop. While speculator demand is a given, it appears they will have trouble stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're unable to attend, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to the Windy City later this year.

"Every penny of sales from the Museum shop and from its online store, including Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of 400 scientists who are conducting studies and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement notes.