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Marking the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership is underway. The Pokémon Company alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring special merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the museum's theme. The big draw, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. The store is scheduled both the physical location to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book 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 after trainers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the famous islands were populated by flying-types rather than finches. A key appeal stems from the book's serious treatment, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue special edition cards celebrating major tournaments or brand collaborations. Many of these collector items typically highlight the iconic electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this latest museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. Although exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, and fans able to get just one card per purchase.

Curbing Speculator Interest

According to an official announcement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold outside the museum walls. However, a wider release is slated for select retailers within the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans will not be able to purchase the card via the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're unable to attend, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales made in the Museum shop and from its web shop, including Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to conducting studies to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," it notes.