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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 alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop stocked with special items. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the museum's theme. The big draw, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled from the physical location and online from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume filled with stunning artwork depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. It's essentially is the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce once adventurers submit their data, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched had the Galapagos teemed with flying-types instead of birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Different

The company regularly to issue special edition cards for major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot of these promotional cards often feature the famous electric rodent that acts as the series face. The factor setting this latest museum card however, is the unusually large dimensions. Although exact measurements were not publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, with fans limited to only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Speculator Activity

According to an official statement, some of the pop-up items may also be available outside the institution itself. However, a wider release will only be select retailers in the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors will not be able to purchase the card through the official web shop. Although speculator demand is inevitable, it appears they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those unable to attend, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny from purchases from the Museum shop and its web shop, including these items, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the efforts of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry to discover answers to the planetary emergency," it says.