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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating 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 featuring exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, however, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store will operate from the physical location and online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume packed with stunning artwork that show Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially like the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce after trainers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin could have sketched had the famous islands were populated by flying-types rather than finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's scholarly approach, treating Pokémon as a legitimate subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue special edition cards celebrating major tournaments or brand collaborations. Many such promotional cards often feature the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. The factor setting this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. While precise specs have not been immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, and fans able to get only a single card per purchase.

Limiting Speculator Activity

According to a company statement, some of the merchandise may also be available beyond the museum walls. However, broader availability will only be specific stores in the UK. Critically, fans cannot purchase the card via the official web shop. Although reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. For those unable to attend, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to Chicago later this year.

"All profits of sales from the museum store and its web shop, which covers these items, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the research of 400 scientists who are conducting studies to discover answers to the planetary emergency," it notes.