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Marking the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership has been formed. Pokémon's creators alongside London's Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store stocked with exclusive items. Fans will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, though, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. This shop will operate from on-site at the museum to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited tome packed with beautiful illustrations that show creatures in their natural habitats. The concept like what an in-world scientist might publish after adventurers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal might have created if the Galapagos teemed with flying-types rather than birds. A key appeal stems from the book's serious approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Promo Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue to release promos for major tournaments and brand collaborations. Many of these collector items typically highlight the iconic electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card is its unusually large size. Although exact measurements have not been immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, with customers able to get only a single card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Interest

According to an official statement, a portion of the merchandise may also be available beyond the institution itself. However, broader availability will only be select retailers within the UK. Importantly, collectors will not be able to purchase the card via the official web shop. Although speculator demand is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're feeling left out, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits of sales from the museum store and from its online store, including Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," it says.