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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership has been formed. Pokémon's creators and the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring special merchandise. Fans will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the museum's theme. For collectors, though, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. This shop will operate both on-site at the museum and online between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited volume filled with beautiful illustrations depicting creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially like what an in-world scientist could produce after adventurers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal might have created had the famous islands teemed with Pidgeys instead of birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue to release cards for major tournaments or brand collaborations. A lot of these promotional cards typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new promotion apart however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. While precise specs were not immediately shared, availability will certainly be highly restricted, and fans limited to only a single card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Activity

According to an official statement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold outside the institution itself. But, a wider release will only be specific stores within the United Kingdom. Critically, collectors cannot acquire the card via the official web shop. Although speculator demand is a given, it appears they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. For those unable to attend, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"All profits from purchases from the Museum shop and from its online store, which covers Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover solutions to the planetary emergency," the statement says.