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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership has been formed. Pokémon's creators alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with exclusive merchandise. Fans can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the institution's theme. For collectors, though, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop will operate from the physical location to its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited tome filled with beautiful artwork depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. It's essentially like what an in-world scientist could produce after trainers provide field notes, alternatively what Charles Darwin could have sketched if the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys instead of finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's scholarly approach, treating Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Special Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition promos celebrating big events and brand collaborations. Many of these promotional cards typically highlight the famous electric rodent who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this new promotion apart however, is the unusually large dimensions. While exact measurements have not been immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and fans limited to just one card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Activity

According to an official statement, a portion of the merchandise may also be available outside the institution itself. But, a wider release will only be specific stores in the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans cannot purchase the card via the official web shop. While 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, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny from purchases from the museum store and from its web shop, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the research of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies to discover answers to the planetary emergency," the statement says.