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To celebrate the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators and the Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop stocked with exclusive merchandise. Fans can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the institution's theme. For collectors, though, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled both the physical location and online between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume packed with stunning artwork that show Pokémon in their natural habitats. The concept like the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish once adventurers provide field notes, or what Charles Darwin might have created if the Galapagos were populated by flying-types instead of finches. A key appeal lies in the book's serious approach, treating Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue to release cards for major tournaments and brand collaborations. Many such promotional cards typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this latest museum card is its distinctly bigger dimensions. Although precise specs have not been publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be highly restricted, with fans limited to just one card per purchase.

Curbing Speculator Interest

Per a company announcement, some of the merchandise may also be available outside the institution itself. But, a wider release is slated for specific stores in the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors will not be able to purchase the card via the official web shop. Although reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. If you're unable to attend, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"All profits from purchases made in the Museum shop and from its web shop, including these items, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover answers to the planetary emergency," the statement says.