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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration has been formed. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop featuring special merchandise. Fans can look forward to products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are drawing from the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. The store is scheduled from on-site at the museum to online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume packed with beautiful artwork that show creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially like the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce after trainers provide field notes, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created had the Galapagos teemed with Pidgeys instead of finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company to release cards for major tournaments and brand collaborations. Many of these collector items typically highlight the famous electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the unusually large size. While precise specs have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, and fans limited to only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Reseller Activity

According to an official announcement, some of the merchandise may also be available outside the museum walls. But, a wider release is slated for select retailers within the UK. Importantly, collectors will not be able to purchase this promo through the official web shop. While speculator demand is a given, it appears they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. For those feeling left out, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits of sales made in the Museum shop and its online store, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.