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Marking the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration has been formed. Pokémon's creators alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with exclusive items. Fans can look forward to products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all drawing from the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store is scheduled from the physical location and its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome filled with stunning artwork depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. The concept is what an in-world scientist could produce once trainers submit their data, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched if the famous islands were populated by flying-types rather than birds. A key appeal stems from the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Promo Card Different

It is common to issue special edition promos celebrating major tournaments or crossover partnerships. Many such collector items often feature the famous mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. The factor setting this latest museum card however, is the unusually large size. While precise specs were not immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, and fans able to get just one card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Interest

Per a company statement, some of the merchandise may also be available outside the museum walls. But, a wider release is slated for select retailers in the UK. Importantly, fans will not be able to purchase the card through the official web shop. While reseller interest is a given, it appears they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those feeling left out, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City later this year.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and from its online store, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover solutions to the planetary emergency," it says.