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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership has been formed. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store featuring special merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are inspired by the institution's theme. For collectors, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus for the pop-up. The store is scheduled from on-site at the museum and online between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome filled with stunning illustrations depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially is what a Pokémon Professor could produce once trainers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the Galapagos teemed with flying-types instead of finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate scientific inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Promo Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release promos for big events and brand collaborations. A lot such promotional cards typically highlight the famous electric rodent that acts as the series face. The factor setting this latest promotion apart is its unusually large dimensions. While exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be strictly limited, and fans able to get only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Speculator Interest

Per a company statement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the institution itself. However, broader availability will only be select retailers in the UK. Importantly, collectors will not be able to purchase this promo via the official web shop. Although reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. For those unable to attend, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and its online store, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the research of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement notes.