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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with special merchandise. Enthusiasts will find products like stationery, plushes, and artwork that are inspired by the institution's aesthetic. The big draw, however, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store will operate from on-site at the museum to its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

The Book That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated volume packed with stunning artwork depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially like the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce after adventurers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys instead of birds. A key appeal stems from the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Promo Card Stand Out

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company special edition cards for big events and brand collaborations. Many such collector items typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger size. Although precise specs were not immediately shared, availability will certainly be highly restricted, and fans able to get just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Interest

According to a company announcement, some of the merchandise may also be available outside the museum walls. But, a wider release will only be specific stores in the UK. Importantly, fans cannot acquire the card through the official web shop. While reseller interest is inevitable, it appears they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're unable to attend, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and from its web shop, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," it says.