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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership is underway. The Pokémon Company and London's Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop featuring special items. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the museum's theme. For collectors, though, is 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 online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome packed with stunning artwork that show creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially like what a Pokémon Professor could produce after trainers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created had the Galapagos teemed with flying-types instead of birds. A key appeal lies in the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Promo Card Different

It is common to issue to release cards celebrating major tournaments and crossover partnerships. A lot such promotional cards often feature the iconic electric rodent who serves as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this latest promotion apart is its unusually large size. Although precise specs have not been immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, with fans limited to just one card with each transaction.

Limiting Reseller Interest

Per a company announcement, some of the pop-up items will also be sold outside the institution itself. However, a wider release is slated for select retailers within the UK. Critically, collectors will not be able to acquire the card through the official web shop. Although reseller interest is a given, it appears they will have trouble stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. For those unable to attend, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and from its web shop, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the efforts of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover answers to the planetary emergency," the statement notes.