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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 and the Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store stocked with special items. Fans will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, though, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus for the pop-up. The store is scheduled both on-site at the museum to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume packed with beautiful illustrations that show creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially like what an in-world scientist could produce after adventurers provide field notes, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created had the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys rather than finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Different

It is common to issue to release promos celebrating major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot such promotional cards often feature the iconic electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this latest promotion apart however, is the unusually large size. While precise specs have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, and customers able to get only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Reseller Activity

According to an official announcement, some of the pop-up items may also be available outside the museum walls. However, broader availability will only be select retailers within the UK. Critically, fans cannot purchase the card via the official web shop. Although reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're feeling left out, consider the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny of sales from the Museum shop and from its web shop, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists who are conducting studies and finding answers to the planetary emergency," it notes.