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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration has been formed. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring exclusive items. Fans can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are inspired by the institution's theme. For collectors, though, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. The store is scheduled both on-site at the museum to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited volume filled with beautiful illustrations that show creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially like what a Pokémon Professor could produce once trainers provide field notes, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched if the famous islands teemed with Pidgeys instead of finches. A key appeal lies in the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Promo Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release cards celebrating big events or brand collaborations. Many of these promotional cards typically highlight the famous electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this latest promotion apart is its unusually large dimensions. While exact measurements were not publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, and customers able to get only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Speculator Activity

Per a company statement, a portion of the pop-up items may also be available outside the museum walls. However, a wider release will only be select retailers in the UK. Importantly, fans will not be able to purchase this promo through the official web shop. Although reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're feeling left out, there is an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to the Windy City later this year.

"Every penny from purchases from the museum store and its online store, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry to discover answers to the planetary emergency," it says.