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Marking the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring special items. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are drawing from the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus for the pop-up. The store is scheduled both on-site at the museum and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited tome packed with stunning illustrations depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. The concept is what an in-world scientist could produce once trainers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys rather than birds. A key appeal lies in the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Promo Card Stand Out

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company to release promos celebrating major tournaments and brand collaborations. A lot of these promotional cards often feature the iconic electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new promotion apart is its distinctly bigger size. While exact measurements were not immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with fans able to get just one card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Activity

According to a company announcement, a portion of the pop-up items may also be available outside the museum walls. However, broader availability will only be specific stores within the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors cannot purchase the card via the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those feeling left out, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"All profits of sales made in the Museum shop and from its web shop, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the efforts of 400 scientists who are conducting studies to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," it says.