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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company and London's Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop featuring exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all drawing from the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, though, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled from on-site at the museum to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited tome filled with stunning artwork that show creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially like what a Pokémon Professor could produce once adventurers provide field notes, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched if the Galapagos teemed with flying-types instead of birds. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Promo Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release promos celebrating big events or brand collaborations. A lot of these collector items typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new promotion apart however, is the distinctly bigger size. Although exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with fans limited to just one card per purchase.

Curbing Reseller Activity

Per an official statement, some of the merchandise may also be available outside the institution itself. However, broader availability is slated for specific stores within the UK. Importantly, collectors cannot acquire the card through the online Pokémon Center. While reseller interest is a given, it appears they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. For those unable to attend, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the research of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.