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Marking the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company and London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with exclusive items. Enthusiasts will find products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all inspired by the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop will operate both on-site at the museum and online from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited tome filled with stunning artwork depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially like what an in-world scientist might publish once adventurers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the famous islands were populated by flying-types instead of finches. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Promo Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue special edition promos celebrating big events and crossover partnerships. A lot such promotional cards typically highlight the iconic electric rodent who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this latest museum card however, is the unusually large dimensions. Although exact measurements have not been immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and fans able to get only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Speculator Interest

According to an official statement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold outside the institution itself. But, a wider release will only be select retailers in the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors will not be able to purchase this promo via the online Pokémon Center. Although speculator demand is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're feeling left out, consider the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits of sales from the Museum shop and its web shop, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the efforts of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," it notes.