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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company and London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with exclusive items. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are drawing from the museum's theme. For collectors, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled from the physical location and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume filled with beautiful artwork that show Pokémon in their natural habitats. It's essentially is what a Pokémon Professor might publish after adventurers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys instead of finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Different

The company regularly to issue special edition cards celebrating major tournaments and brand collaborations. A lot such collector items often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this latest museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. Although exact measurements were not publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, and customers limited to just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Interest

Per an official statement, a portion of the merchandise may also be available beyond the museum walls. But, a wider release is slated for specific stores within the United Kingdom. Critically, collectors will not be able to acquire the card through the official web shop. Although reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. For those unable to attend, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"All profits from purchases made in the museum store and from its online store, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers who are scientific inquiry to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," it notes.