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To celebrate the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring special merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the institution's theme. For collectors, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store will operate both on-site at the museum and online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume packed with stunning artwork depicting creatures in their wild environments. The concept like the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce once trainers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created had the Galapagos were populated by flying-types rather than birds. A key appeal stems from the book's serious approach, treating Pokémon as a legitimate subject for study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

It is common to issue special edition cards for major tournaments or brand collaborations. A lot such collector items often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card is its unusually large size. Although exact measurements have not been immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, and fans able to get just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Reseller Interest

According to a company statement, some of the merchandise will also be sold outside the institution itself. But, broader availability will only be select retailers within the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans will not be able to acquire the card through the official web shop. Although reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and its online store, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the efforts of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," it says.