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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store featuring special items. Fans will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the institution's theme. For collectors, though, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. The store will operate from on-site at the museum and its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited volume filled with beautiful artwork that show creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially is what a Pokémon Professor might publish after trainers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal could have sketched if the famous islands were populated by flying-types instead of finches. A key appeal lies in the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company to release cards celebrating big events and brand collaborations. Many of these collector items often feature the famous mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. What distinguishes this new museum card is its distinctly bigger dimensions. Although precise specs have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, with fans limited to just one card per purchase.

Curbing Speculator Activity

Per a company statement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold beyond the museum walls. However, broader availability is slated for select retailers within the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors will not be able to acquire the card through the online Pokémon Center. While reseller interest is a given, it appears they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're unable to attend, there is an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to the Windy City later this year.

"Every penny of sales from the Museum shop and its online store, which covers these items, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of 400 scientists who are conducting studies to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," it notes.