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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 and London's Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop stocked with special merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, though, is a specially made 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 Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume filled with beautiful illustrations depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. The concept like what a Pokémon Professor could produce once adventurers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created had the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys instead of birds. A key appeal lies in the book's scholarly approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Special Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release promos celebrating big events and brand collaborations. A lot of these promotional cards often feature the iconic electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this latest museum card however, is the distinctly bigger size. Although precise specs were not immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, and customers able to get just one card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Activity

Per a company statement, a portion of the merchandise may also be available beyond the museum walls. However, broader availability will only be select retailers within the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans cannot acquire the card via the official web shop. While speculator demand is inevitable, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're unable to attend, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City 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 non-profit work. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists dedicated to conducting studies to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.