🔗 Share this article

Marking the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership has been formed. Pokémon's creators and London's Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop featuring exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, though, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus for the pop-up. This shop will operate both 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 volume packed with stunning artwork that show Pokémon in their wild environments. The concept like the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce after trainers submit their data, alternatively a naturalist's journal might have created had the famous islands were populated by flying-types instead of finches. A key appeal stems from the book's serious treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Different

It is common to issue to release promos celebrating major tournaments and brand collaborations. Many such promotional cards typically highlight the iconic electric rodent who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this new promotion apart however, is the unusually large dimensions. Although exact measurements have not been immediately shared, availability will certainly be strictly limited, and fans able to get only a single card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Activity

Per a company announcement, some of the pop-up items will also be sold outside the institution itself. However, a wider release will only be select retailers in the UK. Importantly, fans cannot purchase this promo through the online Pokémon Center. While reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're feeling left out, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny from purchases made in the Museum shop and from its online store, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the efforts of hundreds of researchers who are scientific inquiry to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," it says.