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Marking the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators and London's Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the museum's theme. For collectors, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop will operate both the physical location to online from January 26 to April 19.

The Book Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited tome packed with beautiful illustrations depicting creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially is what an in-world scientist might publish after adventurers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin could have sketched if the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys rather than birds. Part of the charm lies in the book's scholarly treatment, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Special Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release promos for major tournaments and brand collaborations. A lot such promotional cards typically highlight the iconic electric rodent who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger size. While exact measurements were not immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, with fans able to get only a single card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Activity

According to an official announcement, some of the pop-up items may also be available outside the museum walls. But, broader availability will only be specific stores in the United Kingdom. Critically, collectors cannot purchase this promo through the official web shop. While reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. For those feeling left out, consider the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny of sales made in the Museum shop and from its web shop, which covers these items, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the efforts of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement notes.