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Marking the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring exclusive items. Fans can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the museum's aesthetic. The big draw, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store is scheduled from the physical location to online between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited tome packed with beautiful artwork that show Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially like what an in-world scientist could produce once adventurers provide field notes, alternatively what Charles Darwin could have sketched if the Galapagos teemed with Pidgeys rather than finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release promos celebrating major tournaments and crossover partnerships. Many of these promotional cards typically highlight the iconic electric rodent who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this latest museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. Although exact measurements were not publicly disclosed, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with fans limited to only a single card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Interest

According to an official statement, a portion of the pop-up items may also be available outside the museum walls. But, broader availability is slated for select retailers within the UK. Critically, fans will not be able to purchase this promo through the online Pokémon Center. Although speculator demand is a given, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those feeling left out, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display coming to Chicago later this year.

"All profits of sales from the museum store and its web shop, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the efforts of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," it says.