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Marking the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership is underway. The Pokémon Company alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring special items. Enthusiasts will find products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the institution's theme. For collectors, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered 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.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful illustrations that show creatures in their wild environments. The concept is what a Pokémon Professor could produce after adventurers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin could have sketched had the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys instead of finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company to release promos celebrating big events or brand collaborations. A lot of these collector items typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. The factor setting this new promotion apart is its distinctly bigger dimensions. While precise specs have not been immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and customers limited to just one card per purchase.

Curbing Reseller Activity

According to an official statement, a portion of the pop-up items may also be available outside the museum walls. But, a wider release will only be select retailers in the UK. Critically, collectors cannot acquire this promo via the official web shop. Although speculator demand is a given, it appears they're going to have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. For those unable to attend, consider an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to Chicago later this year.

"All profits from purchases from the Museum shop and its online store, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists who are conducting studies to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," it notes.