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Marking the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company and London's Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store stocked with special merchandise. Fans can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the museum's theme. For collectors, however, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. The store will operate from on-site at the museum to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated volume filled with beautiful artwork that show Pokémon in their wild environments. The concept is what an in-world scientist could produce once trainers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin could have sketched if the famous islands teemed with flying-types rather than finches. A key appeal lies in the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release cards for major tournaments and crossover partnerships. Many such collector items typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this new museum card is its distinctly bigger dimensions. Although exact measurements were not immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with fans able to get only a single card per purchase.

Limiting Speculator Interest

Per a company statement, some of the pop-up items may also be available beyond the institution itself. But, broader availability will only be select retailers in the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors cannot acquire the card through the official web shop. Although speculator demand is a given, it appears they're going to have trouble stockpiling large numbers this time around. For those feeling left out, consider the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to the Windy City later this year.

"All profits from purchases from the museum store and from its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies and finding answers to the planetary emergency," it notes.