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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store featuring exclusive items. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all inspired by the museum's theme. The big draw, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop will operate from the physical location and online between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume filled with beautiful illustrations that show Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially like the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce after trainers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin could have sketched had the famous islands were populated by flying-types rather than finches. A key appeal lies in the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Different

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company special edition promos celebrating big events or brand collaborations. Many of these promotional cards often feature the famous electric rodent who serves as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new museum card however, is the unusually large dimensions. While exact measurements were not immediately shared, availability is guaranteed to be strictly limited, and customers limited to just one card with each transaction.

Limiting Reseller Interest

According to a company announcement, some of the pop-up items will also be sold outside the institution itself. However, a wider release will only be select retailers within the UK. Critically, collectors will not be able to purchase this promo via the official web shop. While speculator demand is a given, it appears they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. For those feeling left out, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display coming to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny of sales from the Museum shop and from its online store, which covers these items, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the research of hundreds of researchers who are scientific inquiry to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," it says.