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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. Pokémon's creators and London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with special merchandise. Enthusiasts will find offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all drawing from the institution's theme. The big draw, though, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus for the pop-up. This shop is scheduled from the physical location and its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

The Book That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume packed with stunning illustrations depicting creatures in their wild environments. The concept is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish after adventurers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the Galapagos were populated by flying-types rather than birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Promo Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue special edition promos celebrating big events and crossover partnerships. A lot of these promotional cards often feature the famous electric rodent who serves as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger size. Although precise specs have not been publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and customers limited to just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Reseller Activity

Per an official announcement, some of the merchandise will also be sold beyond the museum walls. However, a wider release is slated for select retailers in the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans will not be able to acquire this promo via the official web shop. While reseller interest is inevitable, it appears they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're unable to attend, consider an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City in the coming months.

"All profits from purchases from the Museum shop and from its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the efforts of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement notes.