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Marking the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership is underway. The Pokémon Company alongside London's Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop featuring special merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus for the pop-up. This shop is scheduled from the physical location to online from January 26 to April 19.

The Book That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited tome packed with stunning artwork depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish after trainers provide field notes, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched if the Galapagos teemed with flying-types rather than birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate subject for study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Promo Card Different

It is common to issue to release promos celebrating big events or crossover partnerships. A lot such collector items typically highlight the iconic electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new promotion apart however, is the unusually large size. While exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and fans limited to only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Reseller Activity

Per a company announcement, a portion of the pop-up items may also be available beyond the institution itself. However, a wider release will only be specific stores within the United Kingdom. Critically, fans will not be able to purchase the card via the online Pokémon Center. While speculator demand is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble stockpiling large numbers this time around. For those unable to attend, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and its online store, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists who are conducting studies and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," it notes.