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Marking the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership has been formed. Pokémon's creators alongside London's Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop featuring exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the museum's aesthetic. The big draw, though, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop will operate from the physical location and online between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome packed with stunning artwork depicting creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially like what an in-world scientist might publish once trainers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal might have created had the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys instead of birds. A key appeal stems from the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Special Card Different

The company regularly to issue special edition promos for big events and crossover partnerships. Many of these collector items typically highlight the famous electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this latest promotion apart however, is the unusually large size. While exact measurements have not been immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, with customers able to get only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Interest

According to a company statement, some of the pop-up items may also be available beyond the museum walls. But, a wider release will only be select retailers in the UK. Importantly, fans will not be able to acquire the card through the online Pokémon Center. While speculator demand is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales made in the Museum shop and from its online store, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," it notes.