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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership is underway. The Pokémon Company alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring special merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the museum's theme. For collectors, though, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. The store will operate from the physical location to online between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome packed with beautiful artwork that show creatures in their natural habitats. The concept is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish after trainers submit their data, alternatively a naturalist's journal might have created if the famous islands teemed with Pidgeys rather than birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

It is common to issue to release promos celebrating big events and crossover partnerships. Many of these promotional cards often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this new museum card is its distinctly bigger dimensions. Although exact measurements were not publicly disclosed, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, with fans able to get only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Reseller Activity

Per a company announcement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold beyond the institution itself. However, broader availability will only be select retailers within the United Kingdom. Critically, collectors will not be able to acquire the card through the official web shop. Although reseller interest is inevitable, it appears they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. 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 shop and its online store, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of 400 scientists dedicated to conducting studies and finding answers to the planetary emergency," it notes.