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Marking the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration has been formed. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with exclusive merchandise. Fans will find products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the institution's theme. The big draw, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled both on-site at the museum to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited tome filled with stunning artwork that show Pokémon in their natural habitats. It's essentially like what a Pokémon Professor could produce after adventurers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal might have created had the famous islands teemed with Pidgeys rather than finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Different

The company regularly to issue special edition cards for big events or brand collaborations. A lot of these promotional cards typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. The factor setting this new promotion apart is its distinctly bigger size. While exact measurements have not been immediately shared, availability will certainly be highly restricted, and customers able to get only a single card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Activity

Per an official announcement, some of the merchandise may also be available outside the museum walls. However, a wider release is slated for select retailers within the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors will not be able to purchase the card via the official web shop. Although reseller interest is a given, it appears they're going to have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. For those unable to attend, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits of sales from the museum store and from its web shop, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the planetary emergency," it says.