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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration has been formed. Pokémon's creators alongside London's Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store stocked with exclusive merchandise. Fans can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the institution's aesthetic. The big draw, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop will operate from the physical location to online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited volume packed with stunning artwork that show creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce after trainers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched if the famous islands were populated by flying-types instead of finches. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Promo Card Different

The company regularly to issue special edition promos for big events and crossover partnerships. A lot such promotional cards typically highlight the iconic electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. Although precise specs were not publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with fans able to get just one card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Interest

Per a company announcement, some of the merchandise may also be available outside the museum walls. However, broader availability is slated for specific stores in the UK. Importantly, fans will not be able to acquire the card via the official web shop. Although reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, consider an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales made in the museum store and from its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the planetary emergency," the statement notes.