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Marking the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop stocked with special items. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are drawing from the institution's theme. The big draw, though, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus for the pop-up. This shop will operate from on-site at the museum to its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited tome filled with stunning illustrations that show Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially is the kind of research an in-world scientist might publish after trainers provide field notes, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched had the famous islands teemed with flying-types rather than finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Different

It is common to issue special edition cards celebrating major tournaments and brand collaborations. Many such collector items typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card is its distinctly bigger size. While precise specs have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, with fans limited to only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Reseller Activity

According to an official announcement, a portion of the merchandise may also be available beyond the museum walls. But, broader availability will only be specific stores within the UK. Importantly, collectors will not be able to purchase this promo through the official web shop. While speculator demand is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. For those feeling left out, there is an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits of sales from the Museum shop and from its online store, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers who are scientific inquiry to discover answers to the planetary emergency," it notes.