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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring special items. Enthusiasts will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, though, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled from the physical location to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome packed with beautiful illustrations depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. The concept is what an in-world scientist could produce after adventurers submit their data, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched if the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys instead of birds. A key appeal lies in the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Promo Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue to release promos celebrating big events or crossover partnerships. A lot of these collector items typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. The factor setting this latest promotion apart however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. Although precise specs were not publicly disclosed, availability will certainly be highly restricted, and customers limited to only a single card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Activity

According to an official statement, a portion of the pop-up items may also be available beyond the institution itself. However, broader availability is slated for specific stores in the UK. Critically, fans will not be able to acquire this promo via the online Pokémon Center. Although speculator demand is a given, it appears they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those feeling left out, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and its web shop, including Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the research of hundreds of researchers who are scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.