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Marking the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop stocked with special merchandise. Fans will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the institution's aesthetic. The big draw, however, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store will operate both the physical location to online between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome packed with stunning illustrations depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. The concept is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish once trainers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal might have created if the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys rather than birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Promo Card Different

It is common to issue to release promos celebrating big events or crossover partnerships. A lot of these promotional cards often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this latest promotion apart is its unusually large dimensions. Although exact measurements were not immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, and fans limited to only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Reseller Activity

According to a company announcement, some of the pop-up items may also be available beyond the museum walls. However, broader availability is slated for select retailers in the United Kingdom. Critically, fans will not be able to purchase this promo via the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is a given, it appears they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're feeling left out, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny from purchases made in the museum store and from its web shop, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry and finding answers to the planetary emergency," it notes.