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Marking the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company and London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring special merchandise. Fans will find products like stationery, plushes, and artwork that are inspired by the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, though, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop will operate both the physical location and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited tome packed with beautiful artwork that show creatures in their wild environments. The concept is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish after adventurers provide field notes, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created had the famous islands were populated by flying-types instead of birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release cards for big events and brand collaborations. Many such collector items typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. The factor setting this new museum card however, is the unusually large dimensions. Although exact measurements were not immediately shared, availability will certainly be strictly limited, and fans limited to just one card per purchase.

Curbing Reseller Activity

Per a company 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. Critically, collectors will not be able to purchase this promo via the official web shop. Although speculator demand is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those feeling left out, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to the Windy City later this year.

"All profits from purchases made in the Museum shop and from its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the research of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry to discover answers to the planetary emergency," the statement says.