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Marking 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 will launch a pop-up shop stocked with special merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the museum's theme. The big draw, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store is scheduled from on-site at the museum to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome packed with stunning illustrations that show creatures in their wild environments. The concept is the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce after adventurers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal might have created if the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys instead of finches. A key appeal lies in the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Different

The company regularly to issue to release cards celebrating big events and crossover partnerships. Many such promotional cards typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. The factor setting this latest promotion apart however, is the distinctly bigger size. While precise specs were not immediately shared, availability will certainly be highly restricted, and fans limited to only a single card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Activity

Per a company announcement, a portion of the pop-up items may also be available outside the institution itself. However, a wider release will only be specific stores within the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans will not be able to acquire the card via the online Pokémon Center. While speculator demand is a given, it appears they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. If you're unable to attend, consider an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits from purchases made in the museum store and its online store, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the efforts of hundreds of researchers dedicated to scientific inquiry and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," it says.