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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration has been formed. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop stocked with special items. Enthusiasts will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the museum's theme. The big draw, though, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store will operate from on-site at the museum and its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

The Book That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited tome filled with stunning illustrations that show creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce once adventurers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin could have sketched had the Galapagos were populated by flying-types rather than finches. A key appeal stems from the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition cards for big events or brand collaborations. Many such collector items typically highlight the iconic electric rodent that acts as the series face. What distinguishes this new museum card is its unusually large size. Although precise specs were not publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be highly restricted, with customers limited to only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Reseller Activity

According to an official announcement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold outside the museum walls. However, broader availability is slated for specific stores within the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors cannot acquire the card via the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble stockpiling large numbers this time around. For those feeling left out, there is an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales made in the Museum shop and from its online store, including Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists dedicated to conducting studies to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," it notes.